Product Description
Blast off with Douglas Florian's new high-flying compendium, which features twenty whimsical poems about space. From the moon to the stars, from the Earth to Mars, here is an exuberant celebration of our celestial surroundings that's certain to become a universal favorite among aspiring astronomers everywhere. Includes die-cut pages and a glossary of space terms. (07/01/2007)

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 4 reviews)

A beautiful collection of fun space poems by JBebe

4 Stars
March 27, 2009
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!

"Solar"tary Literary Genius by Ana Tevkah (NY USA)

5 Stars
January 07, 2009
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.

Stellar! by Kristy (Texas)

5 Stars
June 25, 2008
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!

A "Universal" treat! by Camille (Katy, TX)

5 Stars
May 04, 2007
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.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms, & Pajamas (Around-the-House History) by Patricia Lauber (Author), John Manders (Illustrator) You make your bed in the morning. At times in the past, people really made their beds -- and at night they stuffed straw into a sack, making a bed to lie on. Nightclothes were first worn in the 1500s. Before that, people slept in their day clothes, their underwear, or nothing at all. In Ancient Rome, bedrooms were small. A servant guarded the doorway by sleeping across it. Learn these facts and more in this true but funny account as Newbery Honor Patricia Lauber and...
	One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice (Author), Andrea U'Ren (Illustrator) Mr. and Mrs. O?Grady are so poor they have just one of everything to share ? one potato a day, one chair, one blanket full of holes, and one gold coin for a rainy day. After digging up the last potato in their patch, Mr. O?Grady comes upon a big black object. It?s a pot ? no ordinary pot, for what they soon discover is that whatever goes into it comes out doubled! Suddenly the O?Gradys aren?t destitute anymore. But what they really long for is one friend apiece. Can the magic pot give them...
	Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully (Author) With her sketchbook labeled My Inventions and her father’s toolbox, Mattie could make almost anything – toys, sleds, and a foot warmer. When she was just twelve years old, Mattie designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off textile looms and injuring workers. As an adult, Mattie invented the machine that makes the square-bottom paper bags we still use today. However, in court, a man claimed the invention was his, stating that she “could not...
	lizards, frogs, and polliwogs by Douglas Florian (Author) From transparent glass frogs and ravenous rattlesnakes to sticky geckos and stressed-out skinks, this slithery spectacle showcases once again Douglas Florian's incomparable skill for making poetry informative, fun--and irresistible!
	The Winner's Walk by Nancy Ruth Patterson (Author), Thomas F. Yezerski (Illustrator) Case Callahan isn’t a star swimmer like his sister, Quinn. He’s not a champion horse trainer like his father, or a popular stage actor like his mother. Still, Case is determined to make his mark. But one effort after another – talent show, science fair, junior horse show – is a terrible failure. It isn’t until Case comes upon a lost dog that he finds his path to success. The dog, whom Case names Noah, is certainly one of a kind – what other golden retriever can answer the telephone...