Science Poetry Book

This collection of twenty astronomy poems advances readers through a welcomed trip through outer-space. He celebrates the simple joys of star gazing to the mystical night sky.

Florian intertwines concrete poetry, such as, “A Galaxy” where he shapes his poem in a swirling pattern- to poems that display humor like “Pluto” Pluto was a planet/But now it doesn’t pass/ Pluto was a planet/ They say it is lacking mass/ Pluto was a planet/ Pluto was admired/ Pluto was a planet/ Til one day it got fired/.

This scientifically, rich book pays honor to all the planets and showcases their best know facts and showcases catchy word choice. In Jupiter he shows his appreciation, Jupiter’s jumbo/ Gigantic/ Immense/ So wide/ Side to Side/ But Gaseous, not dense/ with sixteen moons/ It’s plainly prolific-/so super-dupiter/Jupiterrific/.

The author’s organization of the book carefully starts with a simple “skywatch” and zooms in to focus on every planet; he even ventures into the “great beyond”. This helps readers follow the layout of the book, as well, as outer space. He offers a “galactic glossary” that supports the authentic subject material and goes a step further by providing suggestions for further readings to interested readers.

Douglas Florian has beautifully illustrated the pages with vibrant die-cut, collage illustrations that literally jump off the pages. His two-paged spreads pulls readers into a beautiful, celestial atmosphere.

Teachers will love to have this science resource to share with their students

Florian, Douglas. Comets, Stars,the Moon, and Mars. Orlando: Florida, Harcourt Brace. 2007.