Celebrating the Picture Book WOODS & WORDS: THE STORY OF POET MARY OLIVER
Our 2026 Art Wall installation features story and art from WOODS & WORDS: THE STORY OF POET MARY OLIVER, written by Sara Holly Ackerman, iIllustrated by Naoko Stoop, and published by Beach Lane Books.
A Stonewall Children’s Literature Award Honor Book
“[A] rare and graceful profile of the much-loved nature poet.”—Booklist
“A well-crafted, admiring introduction to a deservedly revered American poet.’—Kirkus
This inspiring and enriching picture book biography explores the life and work of beloved poet Mary Oliver in its own uniquely lyrical way, shining a light on Mary’s belief that there are treasures and poems all around us in nature waiting to be discovered.
Boyds Mills: Part of the Backstory
From Summer Camp to Mentorship to Book
For author Sara Holly Ackerman, the journey of WOODS & WORDS is deeply intertwined with Boyds Mills.
After attending our Summer Camp in 2024, Sara worked closely with faculty member Rob Sanders to refine the manuscript. Their mentorship continued beyond campus, embodying the spirit of creative community we strive to build. As Sara noted in the book’s dedication, without the mentorship and support found at Boyds Mills, this book would not be here today.
We are honored to feature artwork from WOODS & WORDS at Boyds Mills in 2026. Like the book’s subject, Mary Oliver, we believe that the woods offer clarity for the creative soul. And the natural beauty of Boyds Mills was also a source of inspiration for Sara. In the dedication she writes: “To the Highlights Foundation, a haven of woods and words.”
Sara Holly Ackerman
Sara Holly Ackerman is a school librarian in Brooklyn, NY and the author of several children’s books, including Woods & Walls: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver, The Gabi That Girma Wore, Not Just the Driver!, and Challah for Shabbat Tonight.
Naoko Stoop
Naoko Stoop’s love of drawing began when she was a young child growing up in Japan. Naoko now lives and paints in Brooklyn, New York. She uses found materials including plywood and brown paper bags as her canvas. She has illustrated a number of picture books, including her own Red Knit Cap Girl series, the first of which was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. Through her artwork, she hopes to inspire the child within everyone.
Some Interior Scenes from the Book:
