Pluto Gets the Call

Pluto, with his heart (an actual surface feature), is a particularly appealing underdog character. The book is appended with a spread of solar system facts, and kids will clamor to hear Pluto’s story and want to know more.

Mid-conversation with the reader ("So, not to brag, but I'm mostly made of nitrogen"), Pluto picks up the phone. "Some scientists from Earth," seen arguing on the title page ("NO WAY! I'm not calling him"), have disappointing news for the former planet. Devastated and wearing his heart on his surface, he goes on a tour of the solar system to commiserate about his demotion to an ice dwarf. Along the way, Rex (Why?) provides lighthearted tidbits about asteroids, plutoids, and planets as Pluto introduces readers to everyone from "gassy" Neptune ("I'm not being mean, he just is") all the way to the smallest ("And, dare I say, the cutest?") planet, Mercury. Keller (Potato Pants!)--who knows her way around misunderstood inanimate objects--sets a silly mood with emoji-like mixed-media collages of lively planets who break the fourth wall to joke with the reader. Easily navigable, panel-less comics introduce an upbeat Saturn, a grouchy Jupiter ("Stop staring at my red spot!"), and a reassuring sun who reminds Pluto that he's a beloved entity, no matter his status. Dynamic galactic characters and the tongue-in-cheek astronomy lesson should amuse. Ages 3-8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Nov.)

K-Gr 3--This informational picture book takes readers on an imaginative journey through the universe. Pluto, a small and good-natured fellow, receives a call with disheartening news. Scientists from Earth inform him that he is no longer a planet; from now on, he will be considered the solar systems's largest ice dwarf. Pluto cannot believe it! He decides to show readers around, introducing each planet and their unique features. Rex's humorous narrative matches factual data with a jocose plot. Readers will learn about the Kuiper Belt, the Asteroid Belt, ice giants, Saturn's rings, and Jupiter's Great Red Spot, among other facts. Keller's illustrations delineate thei planets' fictional personalities with expressive gestures that enhance the whimsical text. This creative picture book could be used in a read-along activity for a second grade science unit covering the solar system, or in a storytime about self-acceptance and individual differences. VERDICT An ingenuously funny informational picture books that will captivate young students while teaching facts about the planets of the solar system. The back matter contains fun facts and a note from the author.--Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA