Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery

by Margaret A. Weitekamp, David Devorkin, Diane Kidd (Illustrations)

People, children especially, have been baffled, bewildered, and even outraged by the fact that Pluto is no longer called a planet. Through whimsical artwork and an entertaining dialogue format, Pluto’s Secret explains the true story of this distant world, including its recent reclassification. Includes a glossary and bibliography.

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Space, Astronomy, Childrens, Planets

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really well done! It is bright and attractive and presented in a great way: Pluto has a SECRET. What kid isn't going to be somewhat intrigued by a secret? It was really well done, with mention of how some people got upset when Pluto was not a planet anymore but Pluto wasn't upset because people still hadn't learnt its secret. The secret was that Pluto had "friends" it played with in what is now called the Kuiper Belt. There is a great line where Pluto explains to people that it isn't upset at not being a planet because it was the "first example of something new". Now it is known that there are bands of icy planets at the edge of many of the stars in the universe. It closes with the information that Pluto will get its first visitor from Earth, the New Horizons, in 2015 and that Pluto may even still have more secrets to tell us. There is a substantial amount of back matter. There are the copies of original photos showing how Tombaugh was able to identify that there was a new planet as well as a number of other interesting photos, including one of the girl who came up with the name Pluto; a glossary, a who's who, Suggested Reading and a Bibliography; and a note from the Smithsonian Museum on the subject. This is what we need more of: attractive nonfiction for kids, with humor and excitement! Now I need to go look up some titles from the Bibliography!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery, written by Margaret A. Weitekamp with David Devorkin and illustrated by Diane Kidd, is a nominee for the 2015-16 South Carolina Picture Book Award.

Pluto's Secret is an entertaining, informative, accessible introduction to studies of Pluto, long-believed to be the ninth planet in our solar system. This book takes a look at Pluto's initial discovery, as well as the circumstances that led to its "demotion" to dwarf planet status.

As someone who grew up thinking of Pluto as a planet, I found that Pluto's Secret provided easy-to-understand details on its place in the Kuiper Belt and why the icy world was reclassified. I think that many older readers may feel the same way. This book definitely has an audience with young and older readers alike.

When paired with photo's from the New Horizons journey to Pluto, I think Pluto's Secret is a necessary addition to any young student's study of astronomy. The "Who's Who" section, glossary, and suggestions for further research make this a must-purchase for nearly any classroom, school, or public library serving children interested in learning more about Pluto.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction book, whilst using quirky arty illustrations and an engaging dialogue explains the true story of Pluto. This book provides a factual history of the small, icy world, from its discovery to the recent renaming.

This book effectively explains all about Pluto and encourages children to become interested in science and the solar system. The educational aspect is included in a way that children would be able to take it in and absorb the knowledge without it being portrayed in an overly complex manner.

[Shelby M. (Read and Find Out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to my four year old niece last night before bed, and I thought it was so well done!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is fantastic--really well done and informative. Beyond the history of the discovery of Pluto, it's great for showing how our perspective can change as we gain more scientific knowledge.
4.5 stars

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick! Let’s name all of the planets in the solar system.

If Pluto is not mentioned: Did you know there used to be 9 planets instead of 8? Pluto is an icy world on the very edge of our solar system, and it used to be considered a planet. In fact, I learned that Pluto was a planet in school, and it wasn’t that long ago. Now, Pluto has lost its rank. It is not a planet anymore, and this is the story of why. At first, I was very upset about Pluto. All these years, my teachers were lying to me! But, after reading this story put together by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, I totally understand why. For example, did you know that Pluto has a very hard time staying in its spot in orbit? Sometimes, it comes closer to the sun than its neighbor Neptune does. Plus, it doesn’t even have a regular, flat orbit around the sun like the rest of the planets. Pluto’s orbit tips up, “like a slide in a playground” (pg 18-19). So, if you have any interest in the universe, and you should because we live right in the middle of it, then you should check out this book. Pluto’s Secret is the gateway to unknown galaxies beyond our own, and I don’t know what’s more exciting than that.

If Pluto is mentioned: How many of you think that Pluto is a planet? Why should it be considered one? This is a great book to read if you’re not sure how to answer that question. In fact, I learned that Pluto was a planet in school, and it wasn’t that long ago. Now, Pluto has lost its rank. It is not a planet anymore, and this is the story of why. At first, I was very upset about Pluto. All these years, my teachers were lying to me! But, after reading this story put together by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, I totally understand why. For example, did you know that Pluto has a very hard time staying in its spot in orbit? Sometimes, it comes closer to the sun than its neighbor Neptune does. Plus, it doesn’t even have a regular, flat orbit around the sun like the rest of the planets. Pluto’s orbit tips up, “like a slide in a playground” (pg 18-19). So, if you have any interest in the universe, and you should because we live right in the middle of it, then you should check out this book. Pluto’s Secret is the gateway to unknown galaxies beyond our own, and I don’t know what’s more exciting than that.

[Kim Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Through our reading we have learned about all of the planets. How many have we learned about? (Student Input) Right, we have learned about all 8 planets. But if you asked me when I was your age how many planets there were, I would have said 9. I would have told you all of the planets we have learned about – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. What other “planet” would I have listed? (Student Input) I would have told you that Pluto was a planet! When I was your age, Pluto was considered a planet, but scientists have come to the conclusion that Pluto is not a planet. Today we are reading a book by Margaret Weitekamp called Pluto’s Secret. While it is a little bit of a silly book, we are going to learn all about the history of Pluto and how it went from being a full-fledged planet to a dwarf planet. While we read, I want you to listen for some reasons that Pluto is no longer considered a planet.
2. In the opening moves for our book on Pluto, I shared a personal connection I have with the text and I raised interest in the topic or theme by sharing a change in the information we will be reading. I also raised questions about the number of planets and the changing answer to spark my student’s attention.
3. I chose this book about Pluto because it is important to know that Pluto was considered a planet at one point in history. I love this particular book because it shares the history of the planet in a playful way that I know will engage my students. Not only does it engage students by using a playful nature to tell the story, but it also gives a great history of the planet from the beginning to the modern day. Even as it examines why Pluto is no longer a planet, it discusses the importance of the change and Pluto’s role in the universe. After all of the other non-fiction reading my students will be hearing in this unit, I am excited to read this fun book to my kids and to get them thinking critically about the classification of Pluto.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique informational book from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum about the discovery of Pluto, how it was named, and later was not considered a planet. Readers will learn a great deal about the mysteries surrounding Pluto as well as the astronomers who have studied it. Illustrations are fun and cartoon-like, giving Pluto its own personification. Text is easy to understand and there are contextual clues as to the meaning and pronunciation of some vocabulary. Includes endpapers with; photographs & information behind the story, bibliography, suggested reading for young people, a glossary, a who's who - information about each planet, a note from the museum, and an index. Great resource for primary, intermediate, and even middle school science teachers. Would also make an educational and fun read aloud - might be interesting to create a reader's theater from selected text highlights.

[Magila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

A great picture book that covers the rise and fall of the beloved planet Pluto. It discusses how and when Pluto was found, and what precipitated the decision to downgrade Pluto to a "dwarf planet." In the end, there's a bit of propaganda because Pluto is totally happy being relegated to a new planetary class.

When I think about it, the idea that children learn the solar system has 8 planets still blows my mind. The idea that Pluto is at best a footnote in today's science textbooks is just crazy. This short, simple, and engaging book about the solar system and Pluto will keep his memory alive in your home.

I appreciated the deft hand the author has, making hard science accessible regardless of age. The art is cartoony and fun, the text well crafted.

Highly recommended.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great non-fiction for kids, and especially us adults who grew up with Pluto as a planet, giving an easy explanation as to why it was demoted. The fun font and cartoon illustrations help diffuse the difficulty of the material, with definitions in parenthesis instead of a sidebar or caption, which might be a distraction for some non-fiction fans, but it does help the information read more like a narrative, matching the font and illustration style. I was pleasantly surprised to see the photographs in the back matter of the important people involved with Pluto's discovery. I'm looking forward to learning more about this celestial body as the New Horizons is set for a fly-by in 2015.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Pluto will be delighted with this book, which describes how the former planet was first discovered, identified as a planet, and then removed from that categorization. It turns out that Pluto has a secret--you'll have to read the book to find out what it is--and that it helped astronomers determine what a planet is. In addition to the playfully-written and -illustrated story of Pluto, the back matter includes photos of the individuals and telescopes involved in Pluto's story. Young readers will be delighted that the former planet was named by Venetia Burney, an eleven-year-old girl. The watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencil illustrations show Pluto's personality.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical illustrations and background information about the discovery and naming of Pluto make this a great addition to a solar system collection. An explanation as to why Pluto was removed from the list of planets helps readers grasp the definition of a planet. The authors help young readers by providing definitions and pronunciations of unfamiliar terms, as well as adding actual photographs, a glossary, and "Who's Who" at the back of the book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent nonfiction picture book describing Pluto's reclassification to a dwarf planet. Good news: He is not upset at all by this development! This book is written in a style that will engage students in learning about astronomy and Pluto. The extensive back matter (including real photos, a who's who, glossary, suggested reading, bibliography, index and note from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum) will help answer their many wonders and send them off to learn more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as a way to teach the nature of science (that science is open-ended, tentative, subject to change in light of new evidence, etc). It has adorable illustrations and a perfect amount of historical detail. I really hope the IAU doesn't change Pluto's classification back to a planet and make this book obsolete!

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good explanation of how Pluto was discovered and why it was demoted as a planet. Accessible language, glossary, index, suggested reading, and photos of people mentioned in the book. A good addition to solar system collection.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, really helps kids understand Pluto... and good for adults too!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it... Learned a lot... an animated Pluto contributed to the story. Back matter filled with information. I think I finally understand the Pluto "scandal." :-)

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about why Pluto is no longer a planet. Easy to read, but very informative text will engage any scientific reader in understanding this distinction.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, accessible review of Pluto's discovery, new status, and most recent developments. Ends with a who's who and a glossary.

[Lisa Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book to Benjamin helped me to appreciate the history behind Pluto's discovery and why the decision was ultimately made to declassify it as a planet. Thanks, I needed that!

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful introduction to Pluto. I especially enjoyed the illustrations.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pairs well with The Planet Hunter: The Story Behind What Happened to Pluto. We are studying the Earth, Sun and Moon and my students had a lot of questions about the planets and Pluto. While that isn't technically part of what I am supposed to teach, I wanted to share the answers to some of their questions. So we read Pluto's Secret and The Planet Hunter. Pluto's Secret shows Pluto (looking kind of like a cookie, or that's what my students all though) explaining the history of his discovery and the secret he was keeping (that he is not a planet). It's informative but in a humorous way.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a science book for children. Written at the level of the early elementary school student, it tells the basic tale of the discovery of Pluto, why it was first considered a planet and then why it was demoted. The most interesting point is that the demotion was a consequence of an emerging scientific consensus as to the definition of a planet. It is amazing to learn that it was not until 2006 that a convention of astronomers met and concluded that Pluto was not a planet.
If you are looking for a book that combines science education with the cuteness of imagery and dialog that attracts the young reader, this is one that parents and children will enjoy.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I like this type of book that is halfway between narrative and narrative non-fiction. Where it's mostly fact, but then the author gives Pluto a point of view and dialogue. It makes me feel like the author thinks that kids can't handle non-fiction and it talks down to them.

Off my soap box...I do like the information that the book presents about Pluto and its human history and why it is no longer a planet.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). I think this is one of the cutest, best educational children’s books I’ve read! It’s short and simple, easy to understand but well written, with some good humour tucked away in the corners. It made the whole Pluto thing quite understandable while also personifying Pluto into something real, so you cared. I may be 23 but I still enjoy the book and Pluto is the only planet I feel a connection to. ;)

[Margena Adams Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this for my grandson and I to read together. He loves learning about the solar system and we enjoyed this book. The only thing that I didn't like was the font. It made it hard for my grandson to read sometimes.

[دعاء الدريس · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب مشوق علمي، عن سر بلوتو ولماذا قرر العلماء أنه ليس كوكباً.

[Lauren Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed having a nice way to explain to my five year old why her favorite “planet” is not really a planet.

[Vani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger! What happened in 2015 when we visited Pluto???