Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Florian, Douglas. 2007. COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152053727

PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of outer space verse begins with poems about sky-watching, the universe, and galaxies. Then, Florian’s poems go through the solar system, from the sun, through the asteroid belt, to Pluto, and all the planets in between. The poetry continues with poems about comets, stars, the black hole, and beyond. The end of this collection has “A Galactic Glossary” that gives further information about the key parts of the universe Florian has included in his poetry.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This compilation of poems reflects some of Florian’s best work. Each poem provides basic, sometimes lesser-known facts about its subject as well as offers an element of fun. Readers will enjoy the creative rhymes and be hooked by the interesting information they learn as the poems continue.

Florian’s gouache paintings, collage work, and use of rubber stamps come together to create unique illustrations. The use of bright colors, shapes, and an element of texture on every page add a significant visual effect to each of these poems, reinforcing the text, as well as label various objects for added information.

Fans of Douglas Florian and other readers will be entertained by these poems and their accompanying illustrations, particularly the comedic points and the random planetary information. Teachers will appreciate the educational element found in each poem as well as in the additional facts, resources, and available website addresses found in the back, supplementing Florian’s poems with more interesting information. This is a quality collection of poetry, and would be a great addition to any library.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Texas Bluebonnet Honor Book, 2008
Starred review in HORN BOOK: “an expansive and illuminating view of the subject”
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: “brings warm wit to the outermost reaches of cold, dark space”
Starred KIRKUS REVIEW: “characteristically playful, wrapping itself around astronomical facts with ease”
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “In both language and artwork, Florian strikes the perfect balance between grandeur and whimsy.”

CONNECTIONS
*Read this book along with other collections written by Douglas Florian. Compare and contrast his style of poetry writing, as well as his artwork.
*Use this book as a supplement to a unit on the planets and our solar system. Have students point out the factual information Florian provides as well as the elements meant to entertain.
*Use these poems for a readers’ theater activity.

*Other poetry collections by Douglas Florian include:

Florian, Douglas. 1998. INSECTLOPEDIA. San Diego: Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0152013067

Florian, Douglas. 2004. OMINBEASTS. Orlando: Harcourt. ISBN 0152050388

Florian, Douglas. 2003. BOW WOW MEOW MEOW: IT’S RHYMING CATS AND DOGS. San Diego: Harcourt Brace. ISBN 0152163956

*Other galactic poetry collections include:

Fisher, Eileen Lucia. 2001. SING OF THE EARTH AND SKY : POEMS ABOUT OUR PLANET AND THE WONDERS BEYOND. Ill. by Karmen Thompson. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press. ISBN 1563978024

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 1995. BLAST OFF!: POEMS ABOUT SPACE. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0060242604

Simon, Seymour. STAR WALK. 1995. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688118879