A Rocketful of Space Poems

This energetic collection of space poems has been compiled by experienced poetry anthologist John Foster who has teamed up with the talented illustrator Korky Paul (probably best known for his distinctive Winnie and Wilbur illustrations). Their choice of children's art work for the end pages is inspired. What great fun they must have had assembling and illustrating these poems and what fun their young readers will have with the book! There are narratives: what happens when a Martian meets an earthling (well, actually it's a petrol pump) in 'Dumb Earthling' (p.35)? And what do we think will happen to Percival Pettigrew who en route for Pluto: 'steered left at Saturn / roamed right at Uranus / but missed the last signpost, / got lost in the stars' ('A Space Odyssey', p.13)? There are games to be played. How about a game of 'Squibble-Ball' whose pitch 'must be at least four hundred swardblatz long / And at least twelve thousand / windycrunchwallops wide'? For sheer inter-galactic nonsense and word play (as well as appealing links with Quidditch), look no further. There is food to be had at Peter Pluto's Fast Food Superstore (p.18). Enjoy such delights 'Sixty-legged space squid / From the Galack Sea' washed down with 'Lazorade and Comet Cola'. The final double-page spread consists of mini-poems: a joke, a limerick and a riddle (which takes the form of a mesostic with the letters from 'pluto' embedded in each line). Word play abounds. David Harmer's 'The Worst Monster in the Universe' (p.24) is a lovely example with the reader being warned 'beware the giant ants of Nurdleskip' and 'The dreaded Drob of Droobie'. I have the smallest of reservations that maybe, sometimes, the colourful illustrations that sprawl all over the pages could overwhelm the text. But then, if they invite a reluctant reader in to pore over the book, maybe that's no bad thing. This will become a favourite in the book corner, a worthy companion to the many excellent picture books about space. In fact, maybe it could be recommended reading for Bob, man on the moon (Simon Bartram)!' 42 pages / Ages 6-9 years / Reviewed by Alison Kelly, consultant.

Suggested Reading Age 5+