“Pluto Gets the Call,” by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laurie Keller.
Beach Lane Books, New York, 2019, 48 pages, Grades 2-4.
Discoveries are being continually made in the field of astronomy. The reason for this is the availability of scientific data from satellites and improved telescopes.
Within our own solar system, there are nine planets. Named primarily for Greek and Roman gods, the planets intrigue us. Why is Mars red? What makes up Saturn’s rings? And what is that tiny ninth planet? Oh yes, that is Pluto.
Not discovered until 1930, Pluto has recently been demoted by earth’s scientists from the planet constellation. It was declared an ice dwarf in 2006. Adam Rex tells the pain of this demotion from Pluto’s point of view. From the hysterical dialogues in the text, readers will keep laughing as they learn all about Pluto’s pain in being demoted from the planet status. Between chuckles, they will also learn many things about the solar system.
The book begins with Pluto gaily carrying on a conversation about the planets in the solar system. He knows all of them and their personalities. Pluto is proud of his characteristics and while not trying to brag, Pluto describes himself as being very cold and full of nitrogen. Though the smallest of the planets, Pluto thinks he is as interesting as his massive neighbors.
Just then, his cell phone rings. It is a call from Earth. A number of earth scientists have decided that Pluto is no longer a planet. Several are afraid to call Pluto and tell him the bad news. But one scientist braves the painful discussion and places the call. The scientist then gives Pluto the bad news. He not only isn’t a planet; he is an ice dwarf. Completely deflated, Pluto responds by showing his intelligence through a description of the entire solar system.
All the planets in the solar system are friends, with the exception of Jupiter, and are empathetic to the downtrodden Pluto. Saturn is especially fond of the little fellow and gives Pluto much kindness and good cheer. As Pluto gets closer to Earth, he decides he doesn’t want to visit the place because all the mean scientists live there. Not knowing what else to do, Pluto takes the encouragement given him by the final planets and decides to ask the Sun about his problems.
Well, the Sun is a lot bigger than Pluto and much hotter as well. But the Sun is very generous to the depressed Pluto. Why is the Sun so interested in the little guy?
Does Pluto ever accept the Sun’s advice? Do the Earth’s scientists even know what they are talking about? Have you ever studied the planets? Which one is your favorite? Why does the Sun’s conversation with Pluto make the downtrodden planet feel better? To find out, go to the library and check out this funny nonfiction picture book, “Pluto Gets the Call” by Adam Rex.
This is an excellent book to introduce young students to science. They will pour over the funny drawings and laugh at all the zany conversations between the planets. But by the end of the book, they will know quite a bit about the solar system and will have learned this in a delightful manner. This is a great read aloud book to be shared in school or the home. I loved the book and think you will as well. Enjoy!
