COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS

Florian, Douglas. COMETS, STARS, THE MOON, AND MARS. New York: Harcourt, 2007. ISBN 0152053727.

Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars written and illustrated by Douglas Florian is a delightful blend of science and poetry taking on a topic kids typically love: space.  This picture book weaves together 20 short and engaging poems about the planets and other space elements such as comets and stars.  These pieces are easily accessible with simple, yet informative pieces throughout the book.  The scientifically sound information on space would serve well in a science classroom to engage the reader and provide a cross curricular opportunity to the reader.  Each of the poems employs an element of humor and rhyme scheme in the piece.  This acts to pull the reader in and help them connect and remember some of the information provided in the book.  To reinforce the scientific side and clarify confusing words and concepts, Florian provides a “Galactic Glossary” at the end of the book to aid the reader.  Each poem is illustrated with a wonderful mixed media creation integrating the art and poem together in a complimentary way. 

Each planet features its very own poem paying homage to the planet’s unique qualities.  The book would work to reinforce scientific details after the teacher completed an introduction to the planets.  Students could even create a diagram of the solar system and add details and coloring as each poem in read by the teacher.  The rhythm and rhyme scheme of each piece will help aide the memory of the students.  The poem, “Mercury” gives a fun twist to the planet’s attributes. 

“Mercury”

Speedy, nimble, quick, and fast,

Round the sun is rushing past.

Always racing, on the run…

You’d run, too, so near the sun.

The book does not limit itself to just the planets; it also highlights other parts of space such as constellations and black holes.  The pieces work to give details to highlight each thing’s special contribution to the solar system.  “The Black Hole” balances the mystery and fun of this space enigma. 

“The Black Hole”

Nothing’s black as

A black hole

(Not black ink or lumps of coal.)

Some are small

And some quite wide.

Gravity pulls

All things inside

Like a giant

Cosmic broom.

(Wish I had one in my room.)

By juxtaposing the potential scariness of the dark black hole with the familiar concept of a dirty room, the author makes a fun and memorable connection for the young audience.  The details are memorable and will stick with the reader. A fun extension activity may be for the students to have pre-cut planets and create their own “planet poetry” as they study each planet and other elements of space. They could highlight different facts than the original piece and employ different forms of poetry to add in a more challenging element for more advanced students.