I will start with, unfortunately I did not finish A Planet Is a Poem by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Oliver Averill. Not because it is a bad book, but because it is a fantastic book. It is just a difficult read via an online copy for me. Also, the subjects (planets and poetry) are not something everyone would be into. Plus it is really not in a format that one expects when talking about space, planets or poetry. It is not pure science nor pure poetry as the two are mixed together to create something new.
It will take time to read, but it is worth the time. I will be finding a finished copy just so I can sit quietly and read. As I said, I read via an online reader’s copy, but it is currently available. I was trying to read during lunch breaks, but my personal reading style was not being honored. I need to spread the book out on a table and run my fingers across the page. I need to stop and read each poem (heck even a line) more than once. I need to stop and look at the interpretation Averill gives us with their art.
Things are busy and sometimes crowded, but I am hoping this look will work itself out in a finished copy. The colors are earthy, and have a tone without dampening things. There is a lot of science information about each planet and scientific item given, but there is also a poetic element that gives information as well. There is an ode to the sun and a sonnet to the solar system. And those are just the first two poems.
The facts are before, during and even after the poems. It is just a lot crowded onto the page but this clever, interesting and different book is worth anything you need to put into it. 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 poetry of science. It was not my OMG FAVORITE but it does fit most of the almost perfect characteristics I have for a favorite book. I think adults would get as much, if not more than the aged 8 and up reader aimed towards.