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  • The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again

Author
Allan Wolf
Illustrator
Anna Raff
Publication Date
March 05, 2019
Genre / Grade Band
Non-fiction /  4th − 5th
Language
English
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You Into Space and Back Again
Currently out of stock
Description
Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations. 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.
Publication date
March 05, 2019
Genre
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780763680251
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
BISAC categories
JNF042010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Poetry | Humorous
JNF051010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science
JNF051040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Astronomy

Kirkus

Starred Review
Poems about stars, planets, moons, and other astronomical wonders, accompanied by stylish anthropomorphic illustrations...A giddy ride through our stellar neighborhood and beyond.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
The pen and pencil ink- washed collages capture the mood of each poem and add humor, whether portraying Mars as a Roman centurion or introducing Saturnista Fashionista. Some poems are designed for multiple voices, one is a round, and all beg to be read out loud. Visually compelling, this will capture and hold the attention of young stargazers.
--Booklist (starred review) 

Publishers Weekly

Wolf writes funny and fact-filled verse that revolves (no pun intended) around the sun, moon, and universe. The sun recites a "sunnet, er, sonnet": "Next time you want to wish upon a star, / you need not even wait for night to fall." Raff anthropomorphizes planets, moons, and other celestial bodies with features (eyes, mouths), and accessories such as sunglasses, watches, and--in the case of "lonesome" Neptune--a guitar: "I'm so alone. So all alone./ I'm more than two point seven billion miles from home./ I want a planet playmate/ I can call my very own." Back matter includes notes on the poems' subjects and a glossary of terms, providing an opportunity for readers to broaden their knowledge of the galaxy and beyond. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Allan Wolf
Allan Wolf is the author of many award-winning books for children and teens, including The Day the Universe Exploded My Head and The Blood-Hungry Spleen and Other Poems About Our Parts. Before the publication of No Buddy Like a Book, Allan Wolf frequently recited the text of the poem for educators and students, to avid response. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Brianne Farley is the author-illustrator of Secret Tree Fort and Ike's Incredible Ink. Her work has appeared in McSweeney's, the New York Times, and elsewhere. Brianne Farley lives and works in Traverse City, Michigan.
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