What do you think?
Rate this book
A Planet Is a Poem
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.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Amanda West Lewis
5 books12 followersAmanda West Lewis has combined careers as a writer, theatre director, calligrapher, book artist and instructor. She has spent her career working in the arts and in arts education.
Amanda is the author of seven books for young people. Her latest novel, The Pact, sets friendship, poverty and family amidst the culture of indoctrination and propaganda in Nazi Germany. Her previous novel, September 17, is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the S.S. City of Benares during the Second World War. September 17 was nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award, and the Violet Downey IODE Award.
Amanda is a member of the Writers Guild of Canada, CANSCAIP, and The Great Canadian Theatre Company's Playwright's Network. She lives with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones, outside of Perth Ontario. They have 3 grown children who are a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Amanda is the author of seven books for young people. Her latest novel, The Pact, sets friendship, poverty and family amidst the culture of indoctrination and propaganda in Nazi Germany. Her previous novel, September 17, is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the S.S. City of Benares during the Second World War. September 17 was nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award, and the Violet Downey IODE Award.
Amanda is a member of the Writers Guild of Canada, CANSCAIP, and The Great Canadian Theatre Company's Playwright's Network. She lives with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones, outside of Perth Ontario. They have 3 grown children who are a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 12, 2024
This is science mixed with poetry, even though I'm not a science type of girl. I really enjoyed this one and wished it were much longer. I will definitely look forward to reading more poems like this.
Also, the illustrations were so beautiful.🥹🫶🏼
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀, 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
Also, the illustrations were so beautiful.🥹🫶🏼
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀, 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
March 8, 2024
This is a little, cute book with wisdom and rhythm. This is science and poetry together. Learn about the planets and also learn about some poetic tools. Do you know what a 'cinquain' is? its a poem written using a specific number of syllables. Five lines. Only a few words, like a haiku. What if two 'cinquains' are put together? What'll you call it? Then learn something, not only about planets but also about 'paired dwarves' and 'Kuiper belt'. Earth and Mars are similar in geography. Volcanoes, canyons, polar ice caps, and impact craters are similar. They both have seasons, and their days are also of the same length.
This book has colourful illustrations, scientific knowledge, and poetic charm all together. You can gift this book to your kid or younger ones, It will not matter if your kid wants to become an astronaut or a poet once he grows up; it can help with both ambitions. And you can also sing some poems to your grandparents. It will work for all.
Here are four random stanzas from a 'villanelle on Venus', poem,
The book is written for a specific audience: young people and educators. A general reader can also gain knowledge about the solar system around us with the help of ballads, acrostic poems, sonnets, etc. It was fun reading. I recommend it for the purpose mentioned.
I thank NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a copy.
This book has colourful illustrations, scientific knowledge, and poetic charm all together. You can gift this book to your kid or younger ones, It will not matter if your kid wants to become an astronaut or a poet once he grows up; it can help with both ambitions. And you can also sing some poems to your grandparents. It will work for all.
Here are four random stanzas from a 'villanelle on Venus', poem,
"Venus spins slowly the opposite way,
Earth-like in size, air hazy with Sulphur.
The bright light we see at the start of the day.
Her Sky is Deep orange, her Rocks are dark Grey,
Volcanoes pour lava on mountains and craters
Venus spins slowly the opposite way.
Covered in clouds that reflects the sun's rays
Storm - lighting flashes through layer on layer
The bright light we see at the end of the day.
Sunrise in the West, months pass in a day.
Her axis is straight- no seasons to savor
Venus spins slowly the opposite way."
The book is written for a specific audience: young people and educators. A general reader can also gain knowledge about the solar system around us with the help of ballads, acrostic poems, sonnets, etc. It was fun reading. I recommend it for the purpose mentioned.
I thank NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a copy.
January 24, 2024
A book about poems and space.
In A Planet is a Poem we are learning more about poems, how to write them, what it is, etc, and along the way we get facts about planets and space.
I believe this will be a good book for young readers interested in space/writing to read and enjoy. They will learn facts while learning how to make a poem. It’s a two in one deal! The illustrations were my favorite part, they were beautiful and I could stare at them for a long time!
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
In A Planet is a Poem we are learning more about poems, how to write them, what it is, etc, and along the way we get facts about planets and space.
I believe this will be a good book for young readers interested in space/writing to read and enjoy. They will learn facts while learning how to make a poem. It’s a two in one deal! The illustrations were my favorite part, they were beautiful and I could stare at them for a long time!
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2024
Summary: From a ballad of Earth to a sestina for Saturn, each of the 14 original poems is crafted in a poetic form that mirrors the unique characteristics of the celestial bodies. The book is a delightful fusion of art and science, with easy-to-understand facts about each object. Whether it's a sonnet, free verse, or hip-hop poem, every page is a celebration of the cosmos and the beauty of language.
Pros:
🌟 Five stars for this cosmic masterpiece! "A Planet Is a Poem" is like a meteor shower – dazzling, enchanting, and a joyride for young readers.
😄 The book is not only fun but also incredibly informative, seamlessly teaching kids about space and various forms of poetry. It's like learning rocket science with a side of rhyming fun!
🚀 The poems are a delightful mix of whimsy and wonder, making this book a galaxy where each planet is a verse waiting to be explored.
🌌 Oliver Averill's illustrations are a visual feast, capturing the vastness of space and transforming scientific facts into cosmic art.
Cons:
🛸 If you're allergic to poetry or space exploration, you might miss out on the stellar adventure that awaits within these pages. But hey, who doesn't love a good cosmic voyage?
📚 In conclusion, "A Planet Is a Poem" is a delight that makes learning about space and poetry an out-of-this-world experience. Amanda West Lewis and Oliver Averill, you've crafted a literary constellation that shines bright! Bravo! 🌠📚
Disclaimer: A galactic-sized thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this ARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as a shooting star in the night sky. 🌌📚
Pros:
🌟 Five stars for this cosmic masterpiece! "A Planet Is a Poem" is like a meteor shower – dazzling, enchanting, and a joyride for young readers.
😄 The book is not only fun but also incredibly informative, seamlessly teaching kids about space and various forms of poetry. It's like learning rocket science with a side of rhyming fun!
🚀 The poems are a delightful mix of whimsy and wonder, making this book a galaxy where each planet is a verse waiting to be explored.
🌌 Oliver Averill's illustrations are a visual feast, capturing the vastness of space and transforming scientific facts into cosmic art.
Cons:
🛸 If you're allergic to poetry or space exploration, you might miss out on the stellar adventure that awaits within these pages. But hey, who doesn't love a good cosmic voyage?
📚 In conclusion, "A Planet Is a Poem" is a delight that makes learning about space and poetry an out-of-this-world experience. Amanda West Lewis and Oliver Averill, you've crafted a literary constellation that shines bright! Bravo! 🌠📚
Disclaimer: A galactic-sized thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this ARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as a shooting star in the night sky. 🌌📚
March 20, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC!
Ok this was the best kids book I’ve ever read. And I’m the assigned reader whenever my baby cousins come over, so I have read a lot of kids book. A Planet Is a Poem is a great way to teach kids about space, about poetry, and about the unlikely bond between these two things. I loved how much information there was about the planets & other space stuff that the poems were written about, and about the kinds of poems showed. The illustrations were also very pretty, I have no doubt a kid would fall in love with them. Tbh I think this is the kind of book kids get obsessed with, but parents probably wouldn’t get bored of either.
Ok this was the best kids book I’ve ever read. And I’m the assigned reader whenever my baby cousins come over, so I have read a lot of kids book. A Planet Is a Poem is a great way to teach kids about space, about poetry, and about the unlikely bond between these two things. I loved how much information there was about the planets & other space stuff that the poems were written about, and about the kinds of poems showed. The illustrations were also very pretty, I have no doubt a kid would fall in love with them. Tbh I think this is the kind of book kids get obsessed with, but parents probably wouldn’t get bored of either.
January 8, 2024
Educators will LOVE this book, a super partnership between language arts and science. There’s lots of information about our solar system. And Lots about different types of poetry. It integrates curriculum and content areas and connects space and poetry beautifully with gorgeous illustrations, diagrams, sidebars, and figurative language!
March 4, 2024
My interests and space and poetry are similar: transient, yet somehow a vibrant thread in the tapestry that is my life. While I briefly considered a career in NASA mission control after my stint at Space Camp, I was always going to be a musician, so these days, I can’t spend much time learning about the galaxy. Poetry comes to me in seasons, but my own personal climate must be changing, because the place where poetry resides in my mind has been barren for a while now.
Still, I find my own way to incorporate these subjects into my life, the most recent being a story structured around Holst’s “The Planets”, a musical work that features movements titled after and inspired by the planets. Quick flourishes bouncing around the orchestra create a perfect image of the speedy Mercury, an ethereal curtain of strings mimics the seemingly placid surface of Neptune, and ominous, insistent rhythms paint a picture of the red planet, troops preparing for battle. How much more do we know now than when Holst penned his space-inspired work? How will that knowledge inform the way we create art about the planets? I saw the beginnings of an answer in my own creative process, but that was just the start.
So naturally, when I saw the title, “A Planet is a Poem,” I was immediately interested. I LOVE this book. I’m 23 years old, and I want a physical copy to pore over immediately. The book is the perfect combination of ingredients that few have thought to combine: for each celestial body included, you’ll find a fact sheet, a description of the poetic form, the poem itself, and artwork to bring it all together. As I reintroduced myself to the types of poems this book included, I was brought back to the creative writing and English classes of my childhood, where I worked to assemble the perfect poem according to the formula each form required. Free verse has always been my favorite kind of poem to write, but the rest of these forms feel like old friends. Maybe “A Planet is a Poem” will be what brings life back to that part of my creative world. I can start by writing about Planet X, as the book suggests. After all, it’s the things we can’t quite pin down that beg for our attempts to solidify them in words.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to access this book in exchange for an honest review!
Still, I find my own way to incorporate these subjects into my life, the most recent being a story structured around Holst’s “The Planets”, a musical work that features movements titled after and inspired by the planets. Quick flourishes bouncing around the orchestra create a perfect image of the speedy Mercury, an ethereal curtain of strings mimics the seemingly placid surface of Neptune, and ominous, insistent rhythms paint a picture of the red planet, troops preparing for battle. How much more do we know now than when Holst penned his space-inspired work? How will that knowledge inform the way we create art about the planets? I saw the beginnings of an answer in my own creative process, but that was just the start.
So naturally, when I saw the title, “A Planet is a Poem,” I was immediately interested. I LOVE this book. I’m 23 years old, and I want a physical copy to pore over immediately. The book is the perfect combination of ingredients that few have thought to combine: for each celestial body included, you’ll find a fact sheet, a description of the poetic form, the poem itself, and artwork to bring it all together. As I reintroduced myself to the types of poems this book included, I was brought back to the creative writing and English classes of my childhood, where I worked to assemble the perfect poem according to the formula each form required. Free verse has always been my favorite kind of poem to write, but the rest of these forms feel like old friends. Maybe “A Planet is a Poem” will be what brings life back to that part of my creative world. I can start by writing about Planet X, as the book suggests. After all, it’s the things we can’t quite pin down that beg for our attempts to solidify them in words.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to access this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 19, 2024
I was really excited to receive an advanced copy of this book to review and I instantly loved it. The illustrations are simple but lovely, calming and not too distracting. I love any resources which can be used to hit multiple curriculums, and poetry is an oft undervalued subject not taught deeply enough. Because of the variety of poems and subjects in the book, there truly is something for every age level, meaning that parents and educators alike can easily build further on poems read to children, using the poems and subject matter as an immensely powerful springboard to work from as they teach a variety of objectives and skills. While teaching about different types of poetry and a variety of literary terms, children also learn a great deal about space and the planets. Sonnets, free verse, and hip hop are all featured, among many others. A full glossary and list of valuable resources provide further information for readers. Poetry has a powerful impact on children, especially when used in conjunction with teaching, so I really hoped this would be all I wanted it to be for teachers, parents, and children alike. What a beautiful book for anyone to add to their collection! Highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley, Kids Can Press Ltd. (publisher), Amanda West Lewis (author), and Oliver Averill (illustrator), for granting me this incredible opportunity to read and review this treasure of a book. I cannot wait to buy copies for my daughters' teachers!
April 1, 2024
A cosmic love letter and an informational gem!
In A PLANET IS A POEM, Amanda West Lewis manages to do many things at once and do them all well! She not only uses fourteen different poetic forms for her planetary poems, she also familiarizes us with the poetic forms and includes concise and engaging scientific information about each planet or other astronomical wonder. There's a 'Villanelle for Venus', an "Ode to the Sun', 'Saturn's Spinning Sestina', etc. In her lovely introduction, West explains that in the same way that different poems have lines with different meters, creating a variety of rhythms, different planets also have their own rhythms based on their "orbit, spin and distance from the sun." This intro provides a framework for learning not just about planets, but about poetic form as well. There are some vivid metaphors along the way: Earth's atmosphere is an "oxygen-nitrogen stew." and "The Kuiper Belt" is "a donut coated with trillions of sprinkles." She is perfectly paired with illustrator Oliver Averill whose vibrant and richly textured illustrations are exceptionally beautiful. The book also contains gatefold flaps where the information about the the poems' form and subject resides. The book also includes a glossary, sources and resources, and a beautiful image at the end of our entire solar system. This book is perfect for the budding astronomer, in or out of the classroom.
In A PLANET IS A POEM, Amanda West Lewis manages to do many things at once and do them all well! She not only uses fourteen different poetic forms for her planetary poems, she also familiarizes us with the poetic forms and includes concise and engaging scientific information about each planet or other astronomical wonder. There's a 'Villanelle for Venus', an "Ode to the Sun', 'Saturn's Spinning Sestina', etc. In her lovely introduction, West explains that in the same way that different poems have lines with different meters, creating a variety of rhythms, different planets also have their own rhythms based on their "orbit, spin and distance from the sun." This intro provides a framework for learning not just about planets, but about poetic form as well. There are some vivid metaphors along the way: Earth's atmosphere is an "oxygen-nitrogen stew." and "The Kuiper Belt" is "a donut coated with trillions of sprinkles." She is perfectly paired with illustrator Oliver Averill whose vibrant and richly textured illustrations are exceptionally beautiful. The book also contains gatefold flaps where the information about the the poems' form and subject resides. The book also includes a glossary, sources and resources, and a beautiful image at the end of our entire solar system. This book is perfect for the budding astronomer, in or out of the classroom.
February 9, 2024
I love this book so much! The book takes the reader on a journey through the solar system. For each part of the solar system explored, factual information is given and a form of poetry is introduced. Then, the author applies that type of poem to the respective part of the solar system. The reader will learn about space through the poems and the factual excerpts - brilliant for all types of learners. I think the dichotomy of science and poetry and consequent synthesis work so well to show the value of interdisciplinary study. Of course, that makes this more of a book to study slowly rather than a bedtime story considering the flow. Still, I love the idea that a kid may choose this book based on an interest in space and finish the book knowing how to write a sonnet or a cinquain or a hip-hop verse while learning something more about space they perhaps did not before. The illustrations are excellent as well. Finally, I appreciate the sources and resources where a kid may learn more (or where I can go to learn how to pronounce cinquain). This absolutely belongs in an elementary school library!
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book before publication.
I can’t get over how much I enjoyed this book. Poetry? Yes. Science? Yes. Planets? YES! This reminded me somewhat of Elemental Haiku by Mary Soon Lee, where she weaves haikus about the elements. I love when science and literature make friends and play nice (or dirty. It is poetry, ya know). On every 2 pages we are rewarded with 4 things: information about the subject (most times a planet, however, there are other space subjects), information/history about the poem style, the poem itself about the subject, and a visual representation of the planet or where they are in our solar system. This book fascinated me the entire time I was reading. I was actually reading another book when I decided to take a peek at this one.
This would be a cool book to share with kids. Younger kids wouldn’t understand everything, but older kids definitely would. I’m going to recommend this to the science teachers in my school. I plan on using this book for creative writing and to drum up interest in the lesson.
Thank you for this book!!
I can’t get over how much I enjoyed this book. Poetry? Yes. Science? Yes. Planets? YES! This reminded me somewhat of Elemental Haiku by Mary Soon Lee, where she weaves haikus about the elements. I love when science and literature make friends and play nice (or dirty. It is poetry, ya know). On every 2 pages we are rewarded with 4 things: information about the subject (most times a planet, however, there are other space subjects), information/history about the poem style, the poem itself about the subject, and a visual representation of the planet or where they are in our solar system. This book fascinated me the entire time I was reading. I was actually reading another book when I decided to take a peek at this one.
This would be a cool book to share with kids. Younger kids wouldn’t understand everything, but older kids definitely would. I’m going to recommend this to the science teachers in my school. I plan on using this book for creative writing and to drum up interest in the lesson.
Thank you for this book!!
February 14, 2024
With A Planet is a Poem, Amanda West Lewis reminds us that our solar system is so unfathomable that poetic language is the only way to capture it. Accompanied by stunning illustrations by Oliver Averill, A Planet is a Poem offers us fourteen beautifully-crafted poems in honor of our sun and solar system, and the wonders beyond. The book opens with a Sonnet for the Solar System, continues with An Ode to the Sun, and leads us through the vast universe until it reaches A Butterfly Cinquain for Arrokoth. Amanda doesn’t stop there, however. To ensure that readers fully understand what she is offering them, each poem is accompanied by an explanation of the poetic form and the stars, planets and asteroids presented. The backmatter also includes poetry prompts for young readers and a glossary of space terms. In short, A Planet is a Poem is a treasure trove of scientific and creative inspiration--and an out-of-this-world choice for budding poets and space lovers alike.
March 13, 2024
I read A Planet Is a Poem and wished I had taken science courses with books such as these. What a fantastic way to teach about the solar system while simultaneously teaching poetry. This is a perfect STEAM book that offers poems of all types to describe a fascinating subject. The author, Amanda West Lewis describes the sun and its planets in different poetic forms, a sonnet, a villanelle, a ballad, an ode, a sestina, and everything in between (including a hip-hop poem). Here is a stanza from a ballad about Earth:
Our atmosphere’s precious, perfect for breath —
An oxygen-nitrogen stew.
The nitrogen molecules scatter sun’s light
Making our sky look bright blue.
But that’s only one of many stanzas in an entire book of poems that teach in a not just a literary fashion, but an entertaining way, too.
Backmatter includes a glossary, an author's note about writing poetry and a wonderful illustration of the solar system.
Our atmosphere’s precious, perfect for breath —
An oxygen-nitrogen stew.
The nitrogen molecules scatter sun’s light
Making our sky look bright blue.
But that’s only one of many stanzas in an entire book of poems that teach in a not just a literary fashion, but an entertaining way, too.
Backmatter includes a glossary, an author's note about writing poetry and a wonderful illustration of the solar system.
November 18, 2023
Hmmm… A book that wants to convey some hard science for the junior astronaut-in-waiting, but do it with verse. And while there is every expectation of this not working – well, to me it didn't. I'm all for factual poetry, and the different styles of verse on these pages, but the science bits and the poetry discussion are all over the place and don't make a perfect marriage together, even given the space provided by the ungainly fold-out pages, and things like the ode to the sun end up really quite dry feeling.
It looks alright, it has serious stuff to convey and does it quite concisely when it's on either the verse form or the planet to hand, but putting the two together resulted in something I didn't find favour with, and I am confident in saying it would not have appealed to a younger me much at all, either. Two and a half stars, then.
It looks alright, it has serious stuff to convey and does it quite concisely when it's on either the verse form or the planet to hand, but putting the two together resulted in something I didn't find favour with, and I am confident in saying it would not have appealed to a younger me much at all, either. Two and a half stars, then.
March 12, 2024
Meticulously researched and presented in a fun and engaging way. Who knew there was so much poetry in the universe? Amanda West Lewis did! She catches her poems like racing comets and refuses to let go. In this picture book, science and art don’t conflict; they merge and work together to help us understand the mysteries of the universe. For the space enthusiast, Lewis explores each planet and what makes it unique. For the budding poet, Lewis offers a masterclass in different forms of poetry and how the rhyme, rhythm, word choice and meter work together to create story. And then she challenges her reader to not only explore the night sky, but to also wonder and question with a poetic mind. A beautiful read for the older picture book audience.
January 6, 2024
This book is out of this world! From a nonfiction perspective, the text provides an incredible amount of information on both poetic styles and formats AND on planetary sciences. At the same time, it engages readers with beautiful variety of poems that capture the heart and the imagination. Bright, dynamic illustrations and clever fold-outs make it attractively interactive for a range of ages. This book is enjoyable on many levels and would be a valuable addition to a classroom or library, especially in its ability to cross curricular strands and encourage literary engagement in STEM topics for multiple grade levels and interests. Highly recommend.
February 6, 2024
From a sonnet about our solar system to an ode to the sun and a villanelle for Venus, A Planet is a Poem is a treasure trove of resources for Junior grade teachers and homeschooling parents.
On each spread is a poem with a sidebar explaining the particular type of poetry. For example, under sonnets, there is a description, a mention of William Shakespeare, and a brief explanation of how the poet crafted her sonnet. Additional sidebars summarize solar system science, such as when the solar system was formed or how many Earths could fit in the sun, etc. There are many opportunities for curriculum tie-ins with this title.
On each spread is a poem with a sidebar explaining the particular type of poetry. For example, under sonnets, there is a description, a mention of William Shakespeare, and a brief explanation of how the poet crafted her sonnet. Additional sidebars summarize solar system science, such as when the solar system was formed or how many Earths could fit in the sun, etc. There are many opportunities for curriculum tie-ins with this title.
March 6, 2024
This is an innovative premise: poems about planets. Each planet is the subject of a poem written in a different form (from concrete poetry to sestinas and beyond), and is accompanied by educational material about both the poetic form and the planet. Children who love the solar system get to learn about poetry, while children who love language get to learn about planets. The different angles make it well suited to a classroom setting. At the same time it would be a fun book to pore over. We tend to buy these kinds of books to take on trips, as they generate lots of discussion among the family. Thanks for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
May 16, 2024
This is a difficult read as the subject is not something everyone would be into, but it is worth the time. Things are busy and sometimes crowded, but since I read via an online reader copy (though available), that probably will workout in a finished copy. There is a lot of science information and poetic information as well. It is clever, interesting and different. It would be a great way to get your poet into science and your scientist into poetry. It shows the science of poetry and the science of poetry. It was not my OMG FAVORITE but it does fit most of the almost perfect characteristics. I think adults would get as much, if not more , than the aged 8 and up reader.
Read
February 15, 2024Of course I couldn’t resist a book about space and poetry! The illustrations serve mostly as background to give color into this book which explains poetic forms (for eg. the sonnet, the free verse, the villanelle) and relates them to certain planets from the solar system, being a kind of 2-for-1 deal. For me though, the poems are not particularly memorable, but I really loved the idea and the resources at the back. I think it’s a nice addition to a school library because it can open up conversations & the imagination.
Thanks to NetGalley & Kids Can Press for the E-arc!
Thanks to NetGalley & Kids Can Press for the E-arc!
March 4, 2024
A Planet Is a Poem offers two nonfiction texts in one! Alongside the poems themselves, this book is packed with information not only about the solar system but about different poetic structures. I can see this being a hit with independent readers who love to explore facts and figures (and fanciful form!) but who also want the engagement of a more creative presentation. I read this story in digital format, but I suspect the hard copy with the flaps and folds will be a lot of fun for kids!
I received a digital ARC from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I received a digital ARC from the author for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2024
In A Planet Is a Poem, Lewis successfully makes the connection between our solar system and poetry. It shouldn't be so surprising, given that poets have long looked to stars for inspiration, but perhaps the magic lies in how she brings both poetry to science, and science to poetry that makes this a galactic wonder.
Averill's illustrations are as artful as they are informative. The book carries a sense of cosmic balance with no one element overwhelming the other. Steeped in science, myth, wordplay, and information, Lewis has spun a book with an ingenious and inquisitive hand sure to inspire children to take leaps of their own imaginations.
Averill's illustrations are as artful as they are informative. The book carries a sense of cosmic balance with no one element overwhelming the other. Steeped in science, myth, wordplay, and information, Lewis has spun a book with an ingenious and inquisitive hand sure to inspire children to take leaps of their own imaginations.
May 13, 2024
Este poemario incluye todo lo que amo: poesía, astronomía, algunas teorías sobre el espacio exterior que aún no han sido probadas, ilustraciones preciosas…
En mi opinión, es muy bueno para empezar en cuanto a la poesía en inglés se refiere, ya que los poemas son muy fáciles de entender y la autora incluye una explicación de cada uno de los tipos de poemas. Así que, si a esto le sumas una afición por la astronomía… VAS A AMAR ESTO. ✨🪐
Mis dieces a Amanda, la autora, por este precioso poemario, y a Oliver, quien lo ha ilustrado haciendo todo muy visual y placentero de leer.
Muchas gracias a la editorial y a NetGalley por darme la oportunidad de leer este libro, mereció muchísimo la pena! 🫶
En mi opinión, es muy bueno para empezar en cuanto a la poesía en inglés se refiere, ya que los poemas son muy fáciles de entender y la autora incluye una explicación de cada uno de los tipos de poemas. Así que, si a esto le sumas una afición por la astronomía… VAS A AMAR ESTO. ✨🪐
Mis dieces a Amanda, la autora, por este precioso poemario, y a Oliver, quien lo ha ilustrado haciendo todo muy visual y placentero de leer.
Muchas gracias a la editorial y a NetGalley por darme la oportunidad de leer este libro, mereció muchísimo la pena! 🫶
May 20, 2024
There is science in art and art in science. By combining STEM with poetry in A Planet is a Poem, Amanda West Lewis has crafted an outta-this-world gold mine for students and all readers. Fourteen vastly different poem structures highlight the beauty, wonder, and details about distinct planets and space. Informational sidebars are used well to elevate the STEM information AND to break down the anatomy of each poetic style.
Have I mentioned that the illustrations are spectacular? Well, they are!
I consider this book a win-win!
Have I mentioned that the illustrations are spectacular? Well, they are!
I consider this book a win-win!
April 5, 2024
Just in time National Poetry Month! 'A Planet is a Poem' features many poetic forms and pairs them with different parts of our solar system. I especially enjoy the Sonnet and Villanelle pieces to this book.
This work of poetry is great for those young learners who are beginning to gain an understanding of poetic form. I can see myself using this book with my students when I do my poetry workshops.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the gifted book!
This work of poetry is great for those young learners who are beginning to gain an understanding of poetic form. I can see myself using this book with my students when I do my poetry workshops.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the gifted book!
May 21, 2024
Poems and space. This book is amazing!
A PLANET IS A POEM does many things all at the same time. The story uses poetic devises. It gives the reader excellent information about all of the planets. It is engaging and will make a great resource for teachers who want to kick off units on both space and poetry!
The book also includes a glossary, sources and resources. Future astronomers, take out your pens!
A PLANET IS A POEM does many things all at the same time. The story uses poetic devises. It gives the reader excellent information about all of the planets. It is engaging and will make a great resource for teachers who want to kick off units on both space and poetry!
The book also includes a glossary, sources and resources. Future astronomers, take out your pens!
February 7, 2024
What a brilliant book! The combination of science and literature is clever and the way it is written, makes so much sense. Congrats to Amanda West Lewis for her impeccable research. This is a book that should be in every school library and used in school curriculums. The illustrations by Oliver Averill make the words shine.
March 22, 2024
This book is an interesting fusion of poetry and astronomy. It teaches readers about the planets through the use of poetry and informational blurbs. And it also instructs readers in sundry poetic techniques—the formation and format of different styles of poetry—which are then illustrated through each planet-related poem.
A unique and clever learning resource.
A unique and clever learning resource.
April 29, 2024
A Planet Is A Poem is a wonderful marriage of science and poetry! The illustrations are stunning. The science facts (on planets) are in eye-catching sidebards. The poetry explanations and engaging examples are thoughtful and well-written.
This is a must-have book for teachers and librarians teaching poetry to kids.
This is a must-have book for teachers and librarians teaching poetry to kids.
May 7, 2024
I never thought I'd read two of my favorite genres in one book! A mixture of science and poetry, with fantastic illustrations. I recommend it to people who are interested in these two areas, but especially in science. Great for young adult too!!!
I thank NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a copy.
I thank NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews