Discover your next great read with our book reviews

13 Planets for Children Space & Solar System Singalong to the tune of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep (Pirate Panda Nursery Rhyme...

by Toomi Malo

Book Details

Publisher:S Space Books
Published:2021-12-07
Pages:35
Language:English

Reading Info

Age Range:3-5

About This Book

# **A Stellar Adventure for Young Minds: Review of *13 Planets for Children* by Toomi Malo** ## **🌌 Introduction: A Cosmic Journey Through Song** Imagine a book that turns the vast, mysterious...

Our Review

Imagine a book that turns the vast, mysterious expanse of our solar system into a playful, sing-along adventure. 13 Planets for Children: Space & Solar System Singalong by Toomi Malo does exactly that—transforming astronomy into a delightful, musical experience for young readers. Set to the familiar tune of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, this book from the Pirate Panda Nursery Rhymes series makes learning about planets fun, engaging, and memorable.

But is this book just a catchy tune, or does it offer real educational value? How does it compare to other children’s space books? And most importantly, will kids (and parents) love it? Let’s blast off into this comprehensive review to find out!


Unlike traditional storybooks, 13 Planets for Children is structured as an interactive sing-along. Each planet (including Pluto and other dwarf planets) gets its own verse, introducing key facts in a rhythmic, easy-to-remember format. The book follows a simple but effective pattern:

  • Mercury (the speedy planet)
  • Venus (the hottest world)
  • Earth (our home)
  • Mars (the red planet)
  • Jupiter (the giant)
  • Saturn (with its dazzling rings)
  • Uranus (the sideways spinner)
  • Neptune (the windy blue world)
  • Plus Pluto, Ceres, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris (the dwarf planets)

The book doesn’t just list facts—it weaves them into a melody, making it easier for kids to absorb information. For example:

"Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any gas?
Yes sir, yes sir, three rings made of glass!" (Saturn’s verse)

This playful approach keeps young readers engaged while subtly teaching them planetary science.


Since this is an educational book rather than a narrative, the "characters" are the planets themselves—each given a distinct personality through rhyme and imagery.

  • Jupiter is the "big boss" of the solar system, with its massive size and stormy Great Red Spot.
  • Saturn is the glamorous show-off with its stunning rings.
  • Pluto, the underdog, gets a sweet redemption as a beloved dwarf planet.

The anthropomorphism helps kids connect emotionally with what might otherwise be abstract celestial bodies.


Toomi Malo’s genius lies in combining music with education. The sing-along format:

āœ… Enhances memorization (kids retain facts better through song)
āœ… Encourages participation (parents and children can sing together)
āœ… Makes complex topics simple (even preschoolers grasp basic astronomy)

The rhymes are clear, catchy, and scientifically accurate—no small feat for a children’s book. The illustrations (bright, playful, and full of personality) complement the text perfectly, reinforcing learning visually.


Beyond the fun melody, 13 Planets for Children subtly introduces deeper themes:

šŸ”¹ Curiosity & Exploration – Encourages kids to ask questions about space.
šŸ”¹ Inclusivity in Science – By including Pluto and dwarf planets, it teaches that even "small" things matter.
šŸ”¹ The Joy of Learning – Proves education doesn’t have to be boring.


As a parent, I’ve read many space-themed books to my kids, and this one stands out for its interactivity. My 4-year-old was humming the tune after the first read, and my 7-year-old proudly recited planetary facts at dinner.

Emotional Impact: There’s something magical about watching a child’s eyes light up when they realize they can sing about space. It turns learning into a shared, joyful experience.


How does 13 Planets for Children compare to classics like There’s No Place Like Space (Dr. Seuss) or National Geographic Kids: Planets?

Book Strengths Weaknesses
13 Planets for Children Musical, engaging, great for memorization Less detailed than encyclopedic books
There’s No Place Like Space Whimsical, fun rhymes Fewer facts, outdated Pluto info
National Geographic Kids: Planets Rich visuals, in-depth facts Dense for younger kids

Verdict: 13 Planets for Children is the best choice for parents who want a fun, musical introduction to space before diving into more detailed books.


  • Brilliant concept – Music + science = instant engagement.

  • Accurate astronomy – Up-to-date info on dwarf planets.

  • Replay value – Kids will want to sing it repeatedly.

  • Limited depth – Older kids may outgrow it quickly.

  • No interactive elements – Would love a digital sing-along version.


āœ” Ages 3-7 – Perfect for preschoolers & early readers.
āœ” Parents & teachers – Great for read-aloud sessions.
āœ” Music-loving families – If your kid enjoys Baby Shark, they’ll adore this.


"Baa, baa, big Mars, have you any rust?
Yes sir, yes sir, red dust is a must!"

"Baa, baa, cold Pluto, are you still a star?
No sir, no sir, but I’m loved near and far!"


This book reflects modern astronomy’s shift—Pluto may no longer be a "planet," but it’s still important. The sing-along format also taps into oral learning traditions, proving that some of the best education happens through play.


Ready to launch your child’s love for space? Grab 13 Planets for Children here:
Amazon


13 Planets for Children is more than just a book—it’s an experience. By blending music, rhyme, and science, Toomi Malo has created something truly special. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or space enthusiast, this book will make learning about the solar system as fun as a playground song.

Question for Readers: What’s your favorite way to teach kids about space? Have you tried musical learning before? Share your thoughts in the comments! šŸš€

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.

0