Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: March 3, 2026
• Reviewed from pdf received from publisher
• ISBN: 9780593692417

Mary Oliver’s poem “Goldfinches” is transformed into a child-friendly picture book that invites readers out into fields filled with thistles and birds. The poem speaks to the beauty of nature from the beauty of the “coin of reddish fire” in the thistles to the way the goldfinches build their “silver baskets” of nests. Through the poem and Sweet’s art, readers will experience the way that thistles and birds work together to form a cycle of life. The art also shows people spending time in nature, quietly making notes and sketches, observing it all. 

Sweet has so beautifully captured Oliver’s poem, bringing into a new format that pays homage to her words while inviting a new generation of readers to discover her. Oliver’s work is stunning with its vivid renderings of nature, speaking to the way nature impacts us if we are just willing to slow down and notice. Sweet’s art is a glorious dance of color palettes, taped small notes, and marvelous sweeps of field and sky. 

The entire book is a gust of fresh air across the mind. Appropriate for ages 4-9.

Tiny Garden by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jax Chow

• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: March 3, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9781419774911

Andrew loved plants, but big gardens and trees were overwhelming. So he planted his own small garden in his front yard. Soon he had a colorful tiny plot. Others didn’t understand what he was doing. But the very small animals in the area soon found the very small garden. First was a tiny moth who rested there, then a tiny earthworm snuggled in. A hummingbird visited for nectar sips. The tiny garden was a tiny gathering place. 

The text of this picture book celebrates Andrew’s connection with plants and nature while also pointing out the patience it takes to plant, water and eventually see the results of your work. From the first glimpse of the tiny garden in illustrations, children will immediately understand that this is an Andrew-sized garden and it’s just the right size. The animals who visit are cleverly depicted and there is a sense of calm joy throughout the book. 

A lovely little look at nature and gardens. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl, illustrated by Billy Renkl

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication Date: February 24, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9780063432819

Venture into this wonderful riotous and weedy garden with a variety of animals who live there. The bumblebees carry pollen from flower to flower. The squirrel searches for a lost nut in the leaves. The monarchs find the butterfly weed for their eggs. The toad waits for bugs to fly close enough to eat. The rabbits snuggle together in their nest. Then there is a child, sitting in clover listening and watching too.

The text of this picture book is designed to be shared aloud. Just a single line of prose under each double-spread of illustrations. For more information on the creatures that live in the garden and planting gardens that welcome wildlife, readers can turn to the back of the book. The illustrations capture the wildness of the garden with all of its native plants and creatures. Done in collage, they are bright colored and captivating. 

A visit to a rich garden with lots of animal residents. Appropriate for ages 3-6.