I really enjoyed reading Ivy in Bloom. I probably wouldn't have requested it on NetGalley because it was listed as being for children (a category I never check) if I didn't need a spring themed book for the Spring Fling read-a-thon. However, it surprised me and it's further proof that I shouldn't judge a book based on its listed age group. Teenagers and adults can most definitely appreciate this sweet little book as well. 

Ivy in Bloom was an adorable illustrated children's poetry book that used excerpts from famous poems to highlight aspects of spring. The drawings were fantastic! The poetry snippets could have been longer in my opinion, but since it's for children, it's perfect because it provides them with a snapshot of some classic poems by authors such as Emily Dickinson and E.E. Cummings. It acts as a good introduction to poetry for children and even older people who haven't explored the genre before.

I think the book is perfect for people of all ages, but especially children 4 years old and up. The blending of images and parts of poems was wonderfully done. It made me smile and want to pick up the full length poems of the authors featured. I highly recommend it! :)

I would definitely recommend this to anyone in search for an introductory children’s picture book on poetry classics.

I thought Ivy in Bloom was very clever and creative! The author combines poems from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Charles Dickens, E.E. Cummings, and a few others. Pieces from their individual poems are layered together to create one comprehensive story.

Even though I know why it didn't flow well (people have different writing styles), the book was smooth in some places and choppy in others. I do think the author put a lot of research and work into this book, and the illustrations are gorgeous. They really brought this story to life and kept me turning the pages. There was also an unexpected reference to God at the end that didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the spring theme, but it didn't actually detract from the overall story.

I enjoyed reading this one, and I like that the author breaks down the individual poems at the end. It shows us where they came from, who wrote them, and how they fit together.

I was kindly sent a digital copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this from the perspective of a 10-year-old, I would definitely give this book 4 stars. I think it is a brilliant way to get children into poetry -classical poetry-, and the drawing are so beautifully done that even if you don't like the poems, you have to appreciate the drawn art.
The poems are nothing out of the extraordinary -they are short and simple, but I think that is what may appeal children. I also think that the fragments of the poems were really carefully chosen and, in the end, made for a beautiful short story about a little girl awaiting spring.

I had some trouble getting this to download on my computer. Then I tried my phone and it worked but it was small.
This is such a cute book!! If I had kids, I would buy it! I might still do it. The art is just amazing and probably my favorite thing about this book. I think kids would really enjoy this book. The one thing that I didn't like as much was that because they were inserting snippets of a several well known authors, the writing was a little inconsistent. I loved the additions at the end of the book though.
Thank you to the publisher, VanitaBooks, LLC for a PDF of this book!

Adorable illustrations. Simple story with classical poetry woven into the plot. A great way to get children interested in poetry and then to be able to expand on these particular poems and poets.

Cute, lighthearted poems. Perfect for younger children in this time of the year.

That's a good book, albeit very short, but I love the concept of creating a new poem by compilation of classical literature poems, it's great for kids and also has very cute illustrations,

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolutely adorable picture book using excerpts from great works of poetry to create a brand new poem about spring. The illustrations were beautiful as well. It would be a great addition to any child's library.

This short picture book is beautifully illustrated. It's lyrical enough that you get swept away in the descriptions but the words are not so complicated that the imagery becomes abstract. The story follows the ennui of a young girl as she struggles with overcoming this boredom (which could possibly be construed as the seasonal affective disorder). She manages to do so with the arrival of spring. This book teaches young children to be grateful for nature in all its splendor and promotes the idea of happy children who are in touch with the natural world. The only issue I have with the book is that there is a sudden pace in the rhyme and meter of the poem lines.

Great little book to introduce kids to poetry. And the connection to nature, along with the art, was beautiful.

Summary: Follows Ivy Van Allsberg as she waits for spring. Through pieces of poetry from different poets we go through her time as she waits.


A great read for kids ages between Pre-k to 3 either for poetry or for weather lessons.



Illustrations are fun and beautiful.

Ivy in Bloom is a wonderful book to introduce children to the world of poetry! The story follows an adorable little girl named Ivy on her search for spring! The use of poetry is cleverly used throughout the book along with the bright and vibrant illustrations! Included after the story is an awesome Bibliography of all of the poets and writers whose works were used to tell the story! A wonderful spring day read that will teach children about the seasons and the beautiful changes that take place when they change!

This was such a lovely children’s book. I found it very enjoyable, and very relatable seeing as how I live in Ontario, Canada, and we often have -50 degree winter days. This was a lovely story of a little girl longing for brighter days and warmer weather. The best part about it was that it was written using selected parts of famous poems. Featured writers include Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, Charles Dickens, and many more. This was an absolutely stunning book filled with beautiful illustrations and I will be requesting that my local library look into purchasing a copy or two.

I love everything about this children's introduction to poetry. I love the illustrations and the concept of the author melding her words with words from famous poets to make a children's book. I love the fact that proceeds go to charity. I love that at the end of the book, credit is given to the poets whose phrases were used in the story, shown in the context of their original poem, and that information about the poet is given should the child want to explore further.

Four stars rather than five only because there were sections that did not flow naturally and seemed to be choppy or randomly inserted only to use a poet's phrase.

But I LOVE the concept of this book, all that it does, and all that it tries to do. Kudos Vanita Oelschlager!!

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are strictly my own.

What a cute poem book, full of beautiful illustrations.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Such a cute book.
I loved the illustration.
It brings a childhood memory, all the fun life and how as a kid there's nothing to be worried about.
You just go play out in the field, enjoying the air, flowers, and all surround you.
Just lovely :)

This book was very immersive with it's beautiful and eye capturing illustrations. The author takes phrases and verses from many different, yet exceptional, poets. This was a very creative way that would get any child to appreciate poetry. It makes a wonderful addition to any household Library. It's certainly a good book to sit down and read with your child as you prepare for Winter or even for the end of it.
Best of all were the references left under each picture. The names of each poet, dates for the poem itself and a few historical words. Which is another great way to teach kids, or anyone, how to really appreciate poetry.
A quick read but definitely a good one!

This book was super cute! The illustrations were perfect and I really enjoyed it! I think I will buy this for my niece as a birthday present when it is released!!!

Thank you for allowing me to take an early peek! I would recommend this book to anyone with kids who like rhyming and fun fast reads!

A poem written from a collection of poems. It is a nice way to introduce children to some famous poets and their poems. The illustrations are an additional, wonderful addition. It is a perfect read while waiting for Spring!