science verse written by jon scieszka and illustrated by lane smith

Scieszka, Jon. Science Verse, Illustrated by Lane Smith. New York: Viking, 2004. ISBN: 9780670910571

Critical Analysis:
     Science Verse is a collection of thematic poetry based around science. Each poem incorporated within this compilation directly relates to science’s subject content while including poetic elements such as: stanzas, rhyme scheme, and puns. Throughout a majority of the poetry compilation, Jon Scieszka utilizes puns in order to correlate the content with the selected science theme. In the Spotlight Poem below, “What’s the Matter,” the author uses puns such as ‘what’s the matter’ and ‘she didn’t know the state’ to demonstrate a specific play on words as it relates to science’s three states of matter.  Among the word play utilized, the author structures his poetry within stanzas that incorporate end rhyme schemes. As seen within the poem, “Scientific Method at the Bat,” there is an obvious utilization of an AABBCCDDEEFFGGHH rhyme scheme that is separated by four stanzas while incorporating a quatrain within each. By utilizing this separation the author is able to provide readers with anticipation and a structure that allows the content to transition to the next idea. More elements the author uses are allusions and references to popular nursery rhymes. By including these references the author is able to coincide science with a format and storyline that are already familiar to children. In the poem, “Jack Be Nimble,” the author states that ‘Jack jump over the combustion reaction of O2 + heat + fuel to form CO2 + light + heat + exhaust;’ this line uniquely teaches children the scientific elements and properties of a candle stick because they’re able to reference the well known nursery rhyme “Jack Be Nimble.”
     Not only does the author utilize poetic elements within this compilation, but he also collaborates with Lane Smith who successfully pairs each poem with vibrant illustrations. Despite the author’s intentional play on words, the illustrator depicts each line in a literal manner. By illustrating the author’s play on words, Smith is able to provide his audience with humor while incorporating the described elements of science. The author and illustrator do a fabulous job of pairing their talents in order to connect poetry with science within a picture book.

Spotlight Poem:

"What's the Matter?"

Miss Lucy had some matter.
She didn't know its state.
She only had three choices,
So tried to get it straight.

She thought it could be liquid,
Quite possibly a gas.
And if it wasn't solid,
Well call me sassafras.

Miss Lucy called the plumber.
Miss Lucy called the cop.
Miss Lucy called the egghead
With the perfectly bald top.

"Liquid," said the plumber.
"Solid," said the cop.
"Gas," said the egghead
With the perfectly bald, perfectly bald, perfectly bald
Top top top.

                                       - Jon Scieszka

Connections:

• Within each poem there is an allusion to science. Have the children identify each reference to science.
• Puns are a poetic element that are seen throughout this compilation; teach a small lesson on puns and have children identify the puns used in various poems.
• Each poem entails the theme of science. Proceeding each poem, further explain that specific theme that has been introduced. For example, in the Spotlight Poem "What's the Matter," further explain the three states of matter.