Review: The Day the Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolf and Anna Raff

978-0-7636-8025-1

$17.99

The universe poured into me. 

My brain was overloaded. 
It smoked and glowed red-hot. 
And then 
it actually exploded. 

Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining — and illustrations that are positively out of this world — this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.

While the facts contained are interesting, it would have done better as prose - or, at least, as non-rhyming poetry. Wolf frequently makes use of questionable grammar to make things 'fit' "I'll tell you what the real facts is", and it doesn't really work - the rhythm is 'off' too often to make it a manageable read-aloud ("Mercury" was a notable exception.)

If you can find a way to read them without getting tripped up, though, some like "A Moon Buffet" might be useful for learning the names of other moons, while several poems-in-parts, beginning with "Shooting Stars," could be used as an introduction to reader's theatre or performance poetry.

"Black Hole" gives an example of concrete poetry. Each planet has its own poem, with equal parts facts and personification. These could be used to teach fact vs. opinion, something I noticed my son's third grade class is working on right now.

In short, I see this being quite useful in a classroom setting, although not as a read-aloud, and I am not sure if individual readers would be thrown off by the changes in rhythm. My own kids were a bit noncommittal about it. (Sheridan (9) in particular was intrigued by the multi-part poems, but I saw her skipping through the others.) If you are planning a unit on space, I would pick it up, but I wouldn't call it a must-have otherwise.

Review: Lion of the Sky - Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas and Merce Lopez

978-1-5124-9809-7

$19.99

you gasp as I roar,

my mane exploding, sizzling—

lion of the sky!


Haiku meet riddles in this wonderful collection from Laura Purdie Salas. The poems celebrate the seasons and describe everything from an earthworm to a baseball to an apple to snow angels, alongside full-color illustrations.

When it comes to poetry, my preference leans towards brief - Crane, not Wordsworth. Many children new to the genre feel the same way. Playing with numbers is fun, so haikus are a perfect introduction. Add in some riddles? Lively illustrations? We're good to go!

The riddles aren't difficult, especially paired with the beautiful illustrations, but they aren't meant to be. Use this book to fire your class's imaginations - or your own! A simple, conversational explanation of the form on the last pages is enough to get any reader started.

My favorite:

I'm afraid my photo doesn't do the vibrant colors justice, so be sure to check it out for yourself!

Some Poems for Your Pocket!

Not only is April National Poetry Month, but this Thursday, April 18, is national Poem in Your Pocket Day. Participants of all ages are encouraged to keep a copy of their favorite poem in their pocket, and to take it out and read it to people they encounter throughout the day. Ideas for activities can be found by clicking on the link, but to get you started, allow me to suggest one of my favorite poets:

 

     

978-006-2239501            978-006-223-9518

 

Boh recently re-released by HarperCollinsChildrens, these collections contain much of the best of Jack Prelutsky, silly poet extraordinaire. Even the smallest pocket can fit a chestnut like:

 

Sardines

Their daily lives are bland,

and if they land -

they're canned.

 

Or, if you want something more fun to read aloud, see how the lines of The Underwater Wibbles trip off the tongue. When I trained young students to be English teachers in Ukraine many years ago, I made them memorize and recite Jack Prelutsky poems as part of their midterm exams. They had a choice - go with something safe and easy, and get a passing grade, or go for the extra credit points of the tongue-twister, Don't Ever Seize a Weasel by the Tail (not included in these collections, unfortunately).

 

Besides being wodnerful tools for teaching those tricky English sounds, Prelutsky's poems are great for tucking into lunch boxes, or refocusing students after recess. They are just plain fun and timeless! Pick up a copy of either of these for your elementary school student, and watch it quickly become dog-eared and worn.

 

Thank-you to HarperCollins for the review copies!

For more great nonfiction books, check out today's Nonfiction Monday round-up at NC Teacher Stuff (I want the Animal Geometry book!)



Review: Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Other Poems, by Jack Prelutsky and Carin Berger

 

978-006-201-4641

 

Here is a concept sure to appeal to any imaginative youngster: Jack Prelutsky, "having returned safely from far-flung places", brings us a collection of strange new creatures. We have the Slobsters:

 

SLOBSTERS are slovenly,

SLOBSTERS are crude.

SLOBSTERS love mashing

And smushing their food.

 

Or, the Sobcat:

 

The SOBCAT is sad

As a feline can be

And spends its time crying

Continuously.

 

Those are just excerpts of each descriptive poem, byt he way. You simply have to grab a copy of this to read on your own, and then pore over the details of Berger's illustrations. They are all dioramas, shadow boxes, and cut-paper collages, made up of "catalogues, old books, receipts, letters, and ticket stubs". If Prelutsky's poetry doesn't inspire your child to create a new creature or two in words, Berger's artwork is sure to have them grabbing the glue and scissors.

 

This is another one of those books that (almost) makes me wish I was teaching again. An entire week's worth of lesson plans could spring from this one delightful volume. Science - find the real animals that were changed slightly, and find out what they are really like. Research animals that really are hybrids of two other animals, or look for ways animals have adapted. Reading - oh, the vocabulary! Aqueous! Copious! Lachrymose! Plight! Social studies - why would you want a JOLLYFISH around, but not a TATTLESNAKE? Math - just consider the pleasant little WEDGEHOGS.

 

Yes, this is a book that belongs in every elementary classroom, and while poetry books in general do not circulate well here, I predict this one will be safe from weeding for a long, long time. Thank-you to HarperCollins for the review copy!