The Day the Universe Exploded My Head

Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back — propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations.

The universe poured into me.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoked and glowed red-hot.
And then
it actually exploded.

Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining — and illustrations that are positively out of this world — this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.

“Poems about stars, planets, moons, and other astronomical wonders, accompanied by stylish anthropomorphic illustrations...A giddy ride through our stellar neighborhood and beyond. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)”

Poems about stars, planets, moons, and other astronomical wonders, accompanied by stylish anthropomorphic illustrations...A giddy ride through our stellar neighborhood and beyond.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The pen and pencil ink- washed collages capture the mood of each poem and add humor, whether portraying Mars as a Roman centurion or introducing Saturnista Fashionista. Some poems are designed for multiple voices, one is a round, and all beg to be read out loud. Visually compelling, this will capture and hold the attention of young stargazers.
—Booklist (starred review)

Wolf writes funny and fact-filled verse that revolves (no pun intended) around the sun, moon, and universe...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.
—Publishers Weekly

This celestial collection of original poetry, filled with vivid illustrations that paint faces on planets and stars, begins with a sonnet for the sun and a romantic and scientifically accurate ode to the planet Venus.
—Virginian-Pilot

Goofy illustrations on fields of star-spangled black and an abundance of cheeky verses combine to riotous effect in ‘The Day the Universe Exploded My Head’...Anna Raff’s pictures keep the energy high in this rowdy interstellar adventure for readers ages 7-13.
—The Wall Street Journal

Allan Wolf is the author of many award-winning books for children and teens, including The Blood-Hungry Spleen and Other Poems About Our Parts. He lives in Roanoke, Virginia.

Anna Raff is the illustrator of several books for children, including World Rat Day by J. Patrick Lewis and A Big Surprise for Little Card by Charise Mericle Harper. She lives in New York City.

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