About this item
Highlights
- Science and poetry combine in an out-of-this-world exploration of the wonders of our solar system.From a ballad of Earth and an ode to the sun to a villanelle for Venus and a sestina for Saturn, here are 14 original poems about planets and other bodies in our solar system.
- 8-12 Years
- 11.2" x 8.2" Hardcover
- 40 Pages
- Juvenile Nonfiction, Science & Nature
Description
About the Book
"How does life survive on Earth? Why is Pluto no longer considered a planet? And just how big is Jupiter, really? The answers to these questions and more are explored in this innovative non-fiction book featuring 14 beautifully written poems about space. Every object in our solar system is paired with a different kind of poem, from lyrical sonnets to bouncy rhyming couplets, twisty sestinas to joyful free verse. As they explore the solar system, readers will learn about what makes each object, from the tiny paired-dwarf planets Pluto and Charon to the vast Kuiper Belt, special. Each unique poem by Amanda West Lewis is stunningly illustrated with dreamy artwork by Oliver Averill that celebrates the vast darkness of space and brings to life familiar space objects such as sunspots, comets, Saturn's rings and more. Every spread features a flap that opens to extend the illustration and offer readers easy-to-understand science sidebars as well as short explanations of each poetic form. This highly original, lavishly illustrated book is the perfect blend of science and poetry, and a marvelous pick for all budding astronomers."--Book Synopsis
Science and poetry combine in an out-of-this-world exploration of the wonders of our solar system.
From a ballad of Earth and an ode to the sun to a villanelle for Venus and a sestina for Saturn, here are 14 original poems about planets and other bodies in our solar system. Each poem is written in a different poetic form that's been chosen to reflect the object's unique characteristics, and each is bursting with intriguing details sure to capture readers' imaginations. Why is Mars known as the Red Planet? How many moons does Jupiter have? And what exactly is the Kuiper Belt? Budding astronomers, young and old, can find the answers to these questions and many more in this innovative, enchanting book.
Amanda West Lewis's unique and engaging poems and text are lavishly illustrated with stunning artwork by Oliver Averill that celebrates the vastness of space while bringing its curious objects to vivid life. Every spread features a stunning space scene, a poem and a fold-out flap that, when opened, reveals easy-to-understand science facts about the object as well as an explanation of the poetic form used and why it was matched with that object. From sonnet, free verse and persona to prose, acrostic and hip-hop poems, there are 14 poetic forms to enjoy. With loads of curriculum connections in Earth science and language arts, this immersive and beautifully crafted book is a terrific choice for STEAM lesson plans. The back of the book contains a glossary, references, an activity, an illustration of our solar system and an index.
Review Quotes
An impressive achievement that is unique in our solar system!--Booklist, starred review
Author Amanda West Lewis shoots for the stars and succeeds --- enchantingly! ... A Planet Is a Poem is both thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect teaching tool.--The Humm Online
... a beautiful and creative exploration of the solar system and of poetry, a wonderful way to introduce young readers - simultaneously - to both. Highly Recommended.--CM Magazine
... an excellent addition to a school library for teachers working on an outer space unit or even a public library for kids who are fascinated by the solar system.--l'Association des bibliothécaires du Québec - Quebec Library Association
... more than an anthology of poetry to teach forms and astronomy. It is an opportunity for young readers to become young writers themselves.--CanLit for LittleCanadians
... a book that celebrates and embraces creativity, which makes it a valuable addition to any classroom.--Quill & Quire, starred review
... a great cross curricular connection between science and poetry. Highly recommended ...--Children's Literature
... budding wordsmiths and skywatchers alike will find the ride worth taking.--Kirkus Reviews
This combination of poems and planets is a fun way to introduce readers to both. An excellent purchase ...--School Library Journal, starred review
About the Author
Amanda West Lewis is the author of eight books for young readers, ranging from craft books to historical novels, and has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is also a theater director, calligrapher and drama teacher and the founder of the Ottawa Children's Theatre. Born in New York City, Amanda now lives in Brooke Valley, Ontario, with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones.Oliver Averill is an illustrator based in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. He graduated from Falmouth University with degree in illustration and is inspired by history and most things old fashioned. He is the illustrator of several books and the author-illustrator of The Boy from the Moon.