I Saw A Starburst To Flames is a collection of amusing and insightful poetry for children, written by author J. R. Lamar and illustrated by Andrew Lamar. Totaling almost 150 poems among its bright and cheerful pages, the collection aims to take a slightly surreal stance, thinking outside the box to present interesting and funny ideas for kids (and adults) to have a giggle about. There are also some inventive re-imaginings of classic tales given new twists, new endings and rounding out the dimensions of their well-loved characters. Most verses are accompanied by lively illustrations in a modern artistic style.

Author J. R. Lamar has a flair for both humor and rhythm that carries throughout this collection from end to end. I really enjoyed the collection as a whole for its thoughtful, out of the box considerations, quirky ideas and combining of popular themes and holidays. I particularly enjoyed the Easter Bunny as a character and the inclusion of twists on popular holidays and seasonal events, as I could see those becoming treasured tales that you could share on that holiday every year. The illustrations by Andrew Lamar are as quirky and non-traditional as the verses, bringing different wacky ideas to life with a clarity that would help the reading experience for younger kids. I think I Saw A Starburst To Flames is the kind of beloved poetry book that, once owned, would be pulled out all the time to cheer up, bond and make others laugh along with children for years to come.

I Saw a Starburst to Flames by J. R. Lamar is a gorgeous collection of poems, unlike any others, written on a variety of themes and exploring the fantasies and dream places where the human soul has sometimes wandered. The very first poem captivated me both in the light and playful tone and in the beautiful imagery. The first stanza of “I Saw a Starburst to Flames” reads:

“When looking up into the sky,
I saw a Starburst to flames,
Pieces flew in my direction,
As if they had taken their aim...”

While the poems explore mature themes, like the desolation of the effective detective in a land where residents talk about him and make fun of him, there are some that will delight the minds of young readers like “I Could Have Been a Model.” In this poem, the character bemoans the fact that her eyes aren’t straight, and that she is short. J. R. Lamar picks on some of the mundane thoughts that strike the mind in the lonely hours of the day and weaves them into delightful lines of poetry. The poems are beautifully illustrated, colorful, and delightful.

I Saw a Starburst to Flames is deftly written and readers will enjoy the way the author plays with rhymes, the beautiful use of alliteration in some poems, and the symbolism that abounds. But what struck me most as I read from poem to poem is the delightful tone, at times light and at times languid. There is a clear sense of humanism in the poetry and a realism that can’t be missed. Readers are engaged in conversations on a variety of subjects and in a way that reminds them of the dreamy part of their existence. The poems are eloquent and enticing.