Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian

Bibliography:

Florian, Douglas. 2007. Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. 9780152053727

Poetry Book Summary:

Using silly rhyming schemes, Douglas Florian offers his readers a poetic look at the universe, the planets, our sun, constellations, black holes and more. This book of poems pairs perfectly with curriculum relating to planets, stars and the like. Florian's book centers on the subject of cosmic bodies as you have never seen them before.

Critical Analysis:

Florian’s book focuses on the celestial heavens and absolutely begs to be read aloud with its fun and catchy rhyming words such as in 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.” Readers won’t be able to contain their giggles as they read each poem aloud. Of the 20 poems offered, none have forced rhymes and each poem flows with natural a beat. Each poem is short enough to keep children focused and interested - children would be surprised to find out they were not simply reading silly words on a page, but actually learning about planets and stars as well.

This poem picture book, illustrated by Douglas Florian, boasts not only exciting poetry, but beautiful paintings to go along with each poem. Some of the paintings offer stamped letters/words and cut-out images to provide texture and visual stimulation.  Additionally, the author provides “a galactic glossary” at the end of the book which further explains each of the planetary bodies found within the book.

This book is recommended for children ages 7-12.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee (2008-2009)
• Kirkus Reviews – Given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2007) “Glorious.”
• School Library Journal (2010) “This title is sure to get prospective astrophysicists asking questions about our universe and its planetary inhabitants.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
        Countdown to Summer: A Poem for Every Day of the School Year by
        J. Patrick Lewis
        It's Raining Pigs & Noodles by Jack Prelutsky
        A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein 
• Create a word search activity using the 20 poem names from Florian's poems (comet, skywatch, universe and so on).
• Pre-cut several planetary body shapes from Florian's book and allow the child(ren) to write their favorite Florian poem on each cut out or encourage the child(ren) to create their own poems.