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

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. [em](Mar.) [/em]