Out of This World: Poems and Facts about Space
This attractive volume offers 20 illustrated poems about space travel and astronomy, supported by information related to each selection. The wide-ranging topics include the unusual items that the Apollo 11 astronauts took to the moon; the experience of zero gravity; the planets considered as potential vacation spots; and constellations viewed as both stars and stories. In the verse, Sklansky has a pleasing way with words and a good sense of what appeals to children. A wide black border running vertically along one or both pages of the spread acts as a fact box, carrying information (printed in white) that kids might need to know to understand a specific poem, as well as intriguing related factoids. Schuett’s mixed-media artwork digitally combines appealing gouache paintings with more formal printed elements that bring subtle texture and a sense of fathomless depth and mystery to the best illustrations here. Recommended for both library poetry collections and classroom astronomy units. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan