Pluto Gets the Call

August 26, 2019
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.

September 1, 2019
Heart (-shaped surface feature) literally broken by its demotion from planet status, Pluto glumly conducts readers on a tour of the solar system. You'd be bummed, too. Angrily rejecting the suggestions of "mean scientists" from Earth that "ice dwarf" or "plutoid" might serve as well ("Would you like to be called humanoid?"), Pluto drifts out of the Kuiper Belt to lead readers past the so-called "real" planets in succession. All sport faces with googly eyes in Keller's bright illustrations, and distinct personalities, too--but also actual physical characteristics ("Neptune is pretty icy. And gassy. I'm not being mean, he just is") that are supplemented by pages of "fun facts" at the end. Having fended off Saturn's flirtation, endured Jupiter's stormy reception ("Keep OFF THE GAS!") and relentless mockery from the asteroids, and given Earth the cold shoulder, Pluto at last takes the sympathetic suggestion of Venus and Mercury to talk to the Sun. "She's pretty bright." A (what else?) warm welcome, plus our local star's comforting reminders that every celestial body is unique (though "people talk about Uranus for reasons I don't really want to get into"), and anyway, scientists are still arguing the matter because that's what "science" is all about, mend Pluto's heart at last: "Whatever I'm called, I'll always be PLUTO!" Hurray for the underdog. (afterword) (Informational picture book. 6-8)

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November 1, 2019

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

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2019
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* Poor Pluto! He's expecting a party invitation, but the phone call turns out to be news that he is no longer a planet. Heartbroken, he nevertheless graciously continues his informative tour of the solar system, explaining to readers about his own location in the Kuiper Belt, Uranus' sideways alignment, Saturn's amazing rings, and Mars' collection of robots, among other details. Throughout the tour, the planets engage in witty repartee: Jupiter resents being called gassy; the rocks and comets in the Asteroid Belt don't like being termed garbage; and Earth (home to those mean scientists) is miffed to be skipped entirely. Still, everyone is sensitive to Pluto's downgraded status. Luckily, a visit to the Sun helps Pluto realize that people love him best simply because he was demoted. Told entirely in speech balloons, this is a hybrid fiction-nonfiction title that works. Solar system facts are easily distinguishable from the entertaining chatter, and the anthropomorphized planets are certainly memorable. Keller's colorful, cartoon orbs feature googly eyes and expressive faces that perfectly complement Rex's quirky, sometimes snarky text. 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)