Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings

This collection of poetry about astronomy by Douglas Florian is beautiful and creative. The book includes poems about each planet, as well as the moon, the sun, black holes, constellations, and other space topics. I feel that the poems are, for the most part, well-written. This book reminded me a little of Science Verse by Jon Scieszka in that it blends science with somewhat humorous poetry. At times the rhythms in this book seem a bit awkward and contrived. Some of the poems are so cute and creative, though. I especially enjoyed the one about Pluto: "Pluto was a planet. But now it doesn't pass. Pluto was a planet. They say it's lacking mass. Pluto was a planet. Pluto was admired. Pluto was a planet. Till one day it got fired." One thing I enjoyed about this book is that as you read the poems, you are learning about the solar system. There is even a "Galactic Glossary" at the end which gives a little background about each poem topic. The paintings are just beautiful and are so creative, and are done in an interesting collage style. Another fun poetry collection which is similar to this is Bugs - check it out, too!

For those who agree that our childrens exposure to science begins too late in our current educational system,for those just looking to support an interest already emerging, or for those who love the flow of poetry and recognize its ability to teach, this book is Wonderful! I found it on Oprah's recommended reading for children, and it does not dissapoint. My six year old was fascinated by the illustrations and laughed and learned through the lyrics. The literary and scientific education found on each page is presented in such a delightful way it reads like an aria enriching both parent and child alike. I love that Pluto is not forgotten. Well done Douglas Florian, you have ignited literature and expressed the melody of science. Throw in a telescope and a few episodes of Zula Patrol and your children's learning will travel to a galaxy beyond the ordinary.

I love the illustrations in this book! Florian's paintings are beautiful, wacky, and full of details. The poems are awesome, as well. His poems are full of fascinating facts and they are fun to read. Love it!

I think Douglas Florian's new book, 'comets, stars, the moon and mars' is his most expressive yet. Beginning with the poem "skywatch," two children look at the sky. The next poem is "the universe." Die cut "planet" holes move the reader deeper and further through space. From "mercury" to "venus" to "the earth" to "the moon" the poems continue in order according to their distance from the Sun. Comets, black holes and the mystery of what lies beyond are also addressed. Florian's ability to weave facts and fun are on full display here. The bright color palette echoes the amazing views from the Hubble space telescope. This generation of kids has grown up looking at Seymour Simon's books about the solar system and the Universe. They have seen the colors that are out there. Check out the Harcourt page about the book and download Florian's Poetry Kit. The "Practical Poetry Pointers" are some of the most best tips for writing poetry with kids that I have ever seen. You have Gotta-Have-It.