Going Around the Sun: An Engaging Astronomy Book for Kids with a Fun, Musical Twist

by Marianne Berkes, Janeen Mason (Illustrator)

Astronomy for kids! If you are looking for home school supplies, this book needs to be on your list. Through bright illustrations, young readers learn about our solar system to the tune of an old familiar song, "Over in the Meadow". In Going Around the Some Planetary Fun , readers also learn of our place in a very big universe and an appreciation for the world we live in. Mother sun and her "family" of planets "spin," "roll," "tilt," "blow" and "whirl" around the Sun to the tune of "Over in the Meadow." Each of those actions is astronomically correct―for example, Earth is the one that "tilts," and that's what creates the seasons. It is also astronomically up-to-date, with Pluto being a "dwarf planet." Bright illustrations create an exciting mood, and there's plenty of interesting supplementary information in the back along with tips on related ways to integrate science, art, and literature in the classroom. Backmatter

Genres: Picture Books, Space, Science, Childrens, Nonfiction, Poetry, Music

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kathy Stemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with outstanding illustrations. Kids love it because there are lots of things to find on every page. Marianne cleaverly calls the sun, mother, and the planets her children as she rhythmically takes you on a journey through our solar system. Children will learn their numbers as they discover interesting facts about each planet. There are four additional pages of information about our planets as well as teaching tips from Marianne and art tips from the illustrator. This book is an iParenting Media Award Winner! Check out the review on my blog: http://educationtipster.blogspot.com.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun way to learn about all the planets and to stress the concept of obedience at the same time.

**Talking points - Do you know anything else about any of the planets? Which planet is your favorite and why?

[Sheli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and great rhyming text. Fantastic read-aloud for my k-2 students. Lots of learning opportunities: counting, rhyming, solar system, colours. The facts were simple and easy to relay to young students.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of poetry and just 1 fact about each planet. Good illustrations show how big each planet is compared to the sun.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently completed an astronomy themed project for a college course I'm taking. I had to read and annotate fourteen books aimed at certain age levels and from certain sub topics (biography, poetry, folktale). I'm not planning to post reviews on every book I read (as I had to read more than twelve to pare down from).

The first book I read for the project was Going Around the Sun by Marianne Berkes. It takes the poem "Over in the Meadow" and reworks it to teach about the planets in our solar system.

Each major heavenly body in the solar system gets its own page spread with a colorful illustration and a piece of the poem. Pluto, although it's now not officially one of the planets, is included as a "dwarf planet" and is shown doing its own thing.

The short stanzas and bold illustrations would lend themselves to being used for group story time. The poetry also can provide a mnemonic for children trying to learn about the solar system.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This informative rhyming text intended to be read or sung to the tune of "Over in the Meadow," the eight planets (plus other heavenly bodies) whirl, tilt, and spin, and sparkle around the sun. Interesting facts about each planet are provided against a melted crayon illustrated background. The author suggests activities involving the solar system and this book's content while the illustrator provides tips about how to paint or create cool designs using crayons. Young readers will enjoy the small amount of interesting text.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

01/11: We enjoyed this one. The illustrations are lovely. There is not much information conveyed, but each planet is given a distinct characteristic: Earth's tilt which causes the seasons, Venus sparkling like a star, Jupiter spinning the fastest of all the planets, etc. At the end of the book is more information about each planet, explaining where it got its name, climate and such. I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but the song can be sun to the tune of "Over in the Meadow." This is just a great little book that educates in a fun way without overwhelming.

[Marcelaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a lot of things about this book that drive me nuts. It's not that unpleasant to read, but I don't like that the illustrations of Venus and Jupiter aren't really accurate, and I think she could have done a better job of telling what is distinct about some of the planets. Oh, well, at least she acknowledged that Pluto isn't really a planet.

Sometimes children's books bug me enough that I have to rant about them.

[Angela Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun informational book about the planets. Each planet has its own page with a fun fact and colorful illustration on the planet. This book has a rhyme theme throughout. At the end of the book, it has more facts about the Solar System, tips/activities from the author and the illustrator. I like how this book has integrated literature, science, and art.

[Amber Lynch]

This book uses vivid verbs to discuss how planets and other bodies in space go around the sun. The students would learn about verbs and come up with different verbs to describe other things that we find in space. Ex: Vivid Venus.

[Marlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It can be read as a song to young children. It includes a simple fact on each page. And then, for kids with longer attention spans, there is a lot more information at the end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially loved the planet facts at the end of the book, as well as the information on the origins of each planet's name. There is also a great resource list in the back, as well as tips and suggestions for planet-based activities, art, and follow-ups.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4yo ds is totally into space and the planets lately, so this book was perfect for him. Great sing-songy introduction to each of the planets and something unique about each one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Requested more than once, which is always a good sign. This one is nicely set in verse, deals with Pluto's no longer planet status (although isn't too detailed) and has nice, colorful illustrations.

[Christine Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction book in a picture book format. Nice illustrations that will pull the reader in. Bright and colorful.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be uses to introduce the planets to the students. The illustrations are also awesome!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope to be able to use this during summer reading pajama party.

[Katie]

AR BL: 4.8
Points 0.5

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!