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Pluto Is Peeved: An Ex-Planet Searches for Answers
Pluto is peeved. And who can blame him? He was once considered one of the Solar System’s nine planets but was unceremoniously demoted. “Why do scientists think it is all right to change things?” Is just one question Pluto asks as he roams the science museum in search of answers.
Pluto Is Peeved!, a comic-book-style picture book, takes you on a scientific journey side-by-side with Pluto, who speaks with other museum inhabitants -- such as a dinosaur, a germ, and the Earth -- and learns what exactly scientists are interested in. The answer is: everything, including him!
Pluto Is Peeved!, a comic-book-style picture book, takes you on a scientific journey side-by-side with Pluto, who speaks with other museum inhabitants -- such as a dinosaur, a germ, and the Earth -- and learns what exactly scientists are interested in. The answer is: everything, including him!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2018
1 person is currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Jules
79 books91 followersI am a children's author, teacher, librarian, and poet. My books include the Zapato Power series, the Sofia Martinez series, Pluto is Peeved, Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation, Duck for Turkey Day, Never Say a Mean Word Again, and Feathers for Peacock. Please visit me at http://www.jacquelinejules.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 21, 2018
Pluto is Peeved! but I'm not! Jacqueline Jules brings science to life in a nerdier version of Night at the Museum. Planets and other exhibits roam the library learning about how scientist are always changing their views based on new research. Some of the exhibits benefit while others, like Pluto, feel slighted.
This book is in a graphic novel format and we follow Pluto through the museum. Dave Roman's illustrations are simple but effective and welcoming. Pluto is trying to figure out why he has been demoted and why nobody is interested in him anymore. Ultimately, good science studies everything and Pluto is pleased. Another great aspect of this book is the scientific explanations at the end for those who want to no more about each exhibit visited as well as the sources documented, including websites for further study. This would be a great book for a science classroom as well as an English classroom when studying ways of storytelling as well as citations.
This book is in a graphic novel format and we follow Pluto through the museum. Dave Roman's illustrations are simple but effective and welcoming. Pluto is trying to figure out why he has been demoted and why nobody is interested in him anymore. Ultimately, good science studies everything and Pluto is pleased. Another great aspect of this book is the scientific explanations at the end for those who want to no more about each exhibit visited as well as the sources documented, including websites for further study. This would be a great book for a science classroom as well as an English classroom when studying ways of storytelling as well as citations.
April 26, 2018
4/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an adorable and informative look at Pluto, dwarf planet and, most recently, kicked out of the solar system. No longer classified as the ninth planet in our solar system, let me tell you, it caused a lot of controversy in my life. I still refuse to accept Pluto's demotion, so this book was perfect for me.
'Pluto is Peeved!' follows Pluto as he travels around a science museum, interacting with a whole range of exhibits to figure out why his status was changed. A lot of detail has gone into this book- not only is it friendly for much younger children, it also has more information in the back pages for anyone wishing to find out more detailed histories of the exhibits. I actually found out quite a lot reading this, including that Brontosaurus's are no longer called Brontosaurus's, and that Charon and Pluto are considered a 'double planet' and orbit each other. So cool.
Finishing this, I feel even more passionately about Pluto being welcomed back into our solar system. This is such a wholesome read, and the art style is really cute, so overall I had a brilliant reading experience with this. I would love a hardcover copy of this, eventually, for my 'Space' shelf.
I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an adorable and informative look at Pluto, dwarf planet and, most recently, kicked out of the solar system. No longer classified as the ninth planet in our solar system, let me tell you, it caused a lot of controversy in my life. I still refuse to accept Pluto's demotion, so this book was perfect for me.
'Pluto is Peeved!' follows Pluto as he travels around a science museum, interacting with a whole range of exhibits to figure out why his status was changed. A lot of detail has gone into this book- not only is it friendly for much younger children, it also has more information in the back pages for anyone wishing to find out more detailed histories of the exhibits. I actually found out quite a lot reading this, including that Brontosaurus's are no longer called Brontosaurus's, and that Charon and Pluto are considered a 'double planet' and orbit each other. So cool.
Finishing this, I feel even more passionately about Pluto being welcomed back into our solar system. This is such a wholesome read, and the art style is really cute, so overall I had a brilliant reading experience with this. I would love a hardcover copy of this, eventually, for my 'Space' shelf.
May 7, 2018
I cannot figure out what the target age is for Pluto is Peeved!
My five-year-old niece didn't really follow the story very well as she has always known Pluto as a 'non-planet'. So she couldn't connect with the idea that he was once a planet and my friends nine-year-old thought it was a bit too childish for him.
Comic Book Style
I'm all for comic books. I own (a lot) of them myself and most have been acquired recently (long after I was a child). So I think the layout and drawings are brilliant. It's clear that Dave Roman wants you to see Pluto like a child that doesn't get it. One who acts out and cannot get on board with any sort of change. This is relatable for many children and so I thought the illustrations and set-up for the book were very well done.
But Who Really Cares?
If a five-year-old finds the book too hard to get into and a nine-year-old finds the book too 'childish' I'm not sure who the real audience is. And without an audience does anyone really care how cute or well illustrated the book is?
Overall
While adorable and a great little story, that I can appreciate as an adult, I certainly don't need this story in this format to understand the reasons why Pluto was demoted. And even though (personally) he got screwed out of planetary status (lol) I just didn't think Pluto whining about it and eventually feeling gratified by attention was:
a) a story I want children to feel connected with (you shouldn't need constant validation in life to feel important);
b) a format of story that would connect with most children who didn't know Pluto was ever a planet.
It reminds me a bit of the situation when I was a child and the USSR was breaking-up. I didn't really care, but was interested in all the new names and flags of the countries. However the reality was that it didn't affect my day to day life as a Canadian child and so whether a cute book laid it out for me or not I just can't imagine child me connecting with the change. Much later as a teen, when it was Olympic hockey time, I started to appreciate and understand what it meant for the USSR to have broken up; from both a political, cultural and identity perspective. And yes of course it was via hockey; because here in Canada it is a religion for many.
Maybe if you have a child who is obsessed with space or science it would be a good buy. But for your average kid I just don't see a lot of concrete value here.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
My five-year-old niece didn't really follow the story very well as she has always known Pluto as a 'non-planet'. So she couldn't connect with the idea that he was once a planet and my friends nine-year-old thought it was a bit too childish for him.
Comic Book Style
I'm all for comic books. I own (a lot) of them myself and most have been acquired recently (long after I was a child). So I think the layout and drawings are brilliant. It's clear that Dave Roman wants you to see Pluto like a child that doesn't get it. One who acts out and cannot get on board with any sort of change. This is relatable for many children and so I thought the illustrations and set-up for the book were very well done.
But Who Really Cares?
If a five-year-old finds the book too hard to get into and a nine-year-old finds the book too 'childish' I'm not sure who the real audience is. And without an audience does anyone really care how cute or well illustrated the book is?
Overall
While adorable and a great little story, that I can appreciate as an adult, I certainly don't need this story in this format to understand the reasons why Pluto was demoted. And even though (personally) he got screwed out of planetary status (lol) I just didn't think Pluto whining about it and eventually feeling gratified by attention was:
a) a story I want children to feel connected with (you shouldn't need constant validation in life to feel important);
b) a format of story that would connect with most children who didn't know Pluto was ever a planet.
It reminds me a bit of the situation when I was a child and the USSR was breaking-up. I didn't really care, but was interested in all the new names and flags of the countries. However the reality was that it didn't affect my day to day life as a Canadian child and so whether a cute book laid it out for me or not I just can't imagine child me connecting with the change. Much later as a teen, when it was Olympic hockey time, I started to appreciate and understand what it meant for the USSR to have broken up; from both a political, cultural and identity perspective. And yes of course it was via hockey; because here in Canada it is a religion for many.
Maybe if you have a child who is obsessed with space or science it would be a good buy. But for your average kid I just don't see a lot of concrete value here.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
May 2, 2018
A comic book that follows Pluto through a science museum as he tries to find out why he is no longer a planet, and ultimately answer the question "why do scientists change things?" The graphic illustrations are simple and the dialogue explains complicated concepts effectively. My outer space obsessed 4 year old loved looking at this book but I definitely see it useful as he gets older as well.
Thank you Netgalley and Seagrass Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Thank you Netgalley and Seagrass Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
June 18, 2018
Pluto is Peeved is a cute comic book style picture book. Pluto used to be the 9th Planet in our Solar System but has been demoted and he wants to know why. Pluto takes a trip through the museum to find out why he was demoted. On his journey he meets other exhibits from the largest to the smallest to find out why he was demoted. What he does learn is what all Scientists are interested in and learns that he himself is just one of those things.
Cute interesting and educational book. The book has really great comic book style illustrations. At the back of the book there is an Authors note as well as the reason Pluto is no longer our 9th planet. As well as answers to some some of the questions brought p by the other exhibits in the book like dinosaurs and germs. There is also a glossary, further reading and websites to go along with the science brought up in the book.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
Cute interesting and educational book. The book has really great comic book style illustrations. At the back of the book there is an Authors note as well as the reason Pluto is no longer our 9th planet. As well as answers to some some of the questions brought p by the other exhibits in the book like dinosaurs and germs. There is also a glossary, further reading and websites to go along with the science brought up in the book.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
April 25, 2018
This is a cute and informative little book. I work with kids who often think Pluto "no longer exists". I hope this book can help kids understand the situation.
June 13, 2018
Pluto is upset that he is no longer a planet. He has questions, and he sets out to explore the science museum in an attempt to get answers. Along the way, he encounters planets, dinosaur bones, germs, and more, and as he learns more about what scientists study, he also finds that no longer being a planet doesn't mean he's not still being studied.
This book was a lot of fun. My five-year-old twins really love learning about space, and they are fascinated with the fact that Pluto used to be a planet but was reclassified, so they were very excited to have me read this book with them. They like science in general, so it was neat to have other scientific topics introduced as well. The comic book style was fun, and we really enjoyed reading it together.
I read an ARC from Seagrass Press, Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was a lot of fun. My five-year-old twins really love learning about space, and they are fascinated with the fact that Pluto used to be a planet but was reclassified, so they were very excited to have me read this book with them. They like science in general, so it was neat to have other scientific topics introduced as well. The comic book style was fun, and we really enjoyed reading it together.
I read an ARC from Seagrass Press, Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 7, 2018
I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
'The universe is full of mysteries.'
If you were born before August 2006, then you most likely grew up with Pluto being one of the nine planets in our solar system, before it was demoted to the status of a dwarf planet. Jacqueline Jules' Pluto is Peeved is a great informative picture book that provides factual information, whilst in a comic format. The reader goes on a journey with Pluto, who questions why scientists think that it's ok to change things, whilst going on a scientific journey through a museum, speaking to the museum inhabitants, such as a dinosaur, a germ, and learns what exactly scientists are interested in. Pluto soon learns that scientists are interested in everything, whether they are big or small and that includes him and the moon Charon. By putting scientific and astronomical information in the form of a picture book, it allows the reader to learn new information, without feeling that they are being bombarded by facts.
The last few pages of the book, provide more information about the facts that are mentioned in the story, such as Pluto's status change to a dwarf planet, how earth was once considered the centre of the universe, the fate of the dinosaurs and a glossary of terms that younger readers may want to know the meaning of.
'The universe is full of mysteries.'
If you were born before August 2006, then you most likely grew up with Pluto being one of the nine planets in our solar system, before it was demoted to the status of a dwarf planet. Jacqueline Jules' Pluto is Peeved is a great informative picture book that provides factual information, whilst in a comic format. The reader goes on a journey with Pluto, who questions why scientists think that it's ok to change things, whilst going on a scientific journey through a museum, speaking to the museum inhabitants, such as a dinosaur, a germ, and learns what exactly scientists are interested in. Pluto soon learns that scientists are interested in everything, whether they are big or small and that includes him and the moon Charon. By putting scientific and astronomical information in the form of a picture book, it allows the reader to learn new information, without feeling that they are being bombarded by facts.
The last few pages of the book, provide more information about the facts that are mentioned in the story, such as Pluto's status change to a dwarf planet, how earth was once considered the centre of the universe, the fate of the dinosaurs and a glossary of terms that younger readers may want to know the meaning of.
May 6, 2018
This is an excellent introduction to planets for young children. The illustration are colorful and the explanations are impressively easy for a such complicate subject. Even, the book mention the International astronomy union and the scientific characteristic that define planet. Excellent work!
July 28, 2018
Pluto Is Peeved: An Ex-Planet Searches For Answers is a children's picture book in comic form written by Jacqueline Jules and illustrated by Dave Roman, which focus on tiny ex-planet Pluto looking for answers as to why he was demoted to dwarf-planet status as he wonders throughout the museum.
Full Disclosure: I love Pluto and was disheartened when it was reclassified as a dwarf planet – I didn't go out a protest like my fellow Pluto lovers, but I was there in spirit. Nowadays, I am at peace with Pluto's status and grown to love dwarf planets as much as planets, because of Pluto. However, I still think that the solar system has nine planets – not because I object the reclassification, it's just I grew up and learned that the solar system have nine planets and when I read or hear that the solar system has eight planets sounds wrong to my ears – at first. Regardless, on with the review!
Jules' text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It has Pluto exploring a museum pondering why he was demoted from planetary status. It is reminiscent Night at the Museum, but more scientific. I appreciate that at the end of the book where it further explains the exhibits that Pluto visited in more scientific explanation. Roman's illustrations are simply wonderful and depict and enhanced the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's about Pluto, who is peeved about being reclassified as he ponders around the museum looking for answers. He engages with several exhibitions and learns that scientists are always changing their minds, because the more they know, the more things change and it's for a good thing. Pluto also learned that just because scientist reclassified or demoted him, doesn’t mean they didn't care about him anymore – they still love him and want to study him, which made him happy in the end.
All in all, Pluto Is Peeved: An Ex-Planet Searches For Answers is wonderful children's book of exploration, answers, and the scientific method and done in a wonderful medium – the comic book.
Full Disclosure: I love Pluto and was disheartened when it was reclassified as a dwarf planet – I didn't go out a protest like my fellow Pluto lovers, but I was there in spirit. Nowadays, I am at peace with Pluto's status and grown to love dwarf planets as much as planets, because of Pluto. However, I still think that the solar system has nine planets – not because I object the reclassification, it's just I grew up and learned that the solar system have nine planets and when I read or hear that the solar system has eight planets sounds wrong to my ears – at first. Regardless, on with the review!
Jules' text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It has Pluto exploring a museum pondering why he was demoted from planetary status. It is reminiscent Night at the Museum, but more scientific. I appreciate that at the end of the book where it further explains the exhibits that Pluto visited in more scientific explanation. Roman's illustrations are simply wonderful and depict and enhanced the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's about Pluto, who is peeved about being reclassified as he ponders around the museum looking for answers. He engages with several exhibitions and learns that scientists are always changing their minds, because the more they know, the more things change and it's for a good thing. Pluto also learned that just because scientist reclassified or demoted him, doesn’t mean they didn't care about him anymore – they still love him and want to study him, which made him happy in the end.
All in all, Pluto Is Peeved: An Ex-Planet Searches For Answers is wonderful children's book of exploration, answers, and the scientific method and done in a wonderful medium – the comic book.
July 21, 2018
Pluto is Peeved is a delightful look at learning to accept oneself just as they are, and about why humans study the things they do. Pluto has been kicked out of the planet pantheon. Despite Charon trying to cheer Pluto up, the little planet(oid) is inconsolable, and sets off through the museum, trying to learn why he was no longer 'special’. Visiting with a deceased dino, a bevy of bacteria, and a recumbent rock teaches Pluto that everyone is important, and scientists love studying everything!
Laid out in more of a comic book format, this quirky book is sure to appeal to any junior astronomers out there, and would be a great addition to any classroom library. Not only do kids, no matter the age, get a fun science lesson, but they learn that people can be special as is, without having fancy designations. At the end is a section detailing more scientific information on each exhibit Pluto visited.
***Many thanks to Netgalley, and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Laid out in more of a comic book format, this quirky book is sure to appeal to any junior astronomers out there, and would be a great addition to any classroom library. Not only do kids, no matter the age, get a fun science lesson, but they learn that people can be special as is, without having fancy designations. At the end is a section detailing more scientific information on each exhibit Pluto visited.
***Many thanks to Netgalley, and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 11, 2018
The animated comic format picture book addresses Pluto's feelings about being rejected as a planet. He doesn't understand why he was downgraded and goes searching through the museum in search of answers. Instead he discovers some of the subjects that scientists work to learn about, including dinosaurs, bacteria, and rocks. Eventually he realizes that though he's not considered a full-sized planet anymore, that doesn't mean he isn't of interest. This is a fun way to explore an interesting topic. This Pluto would be glad to know that some scientists are now saying that Pluto should be a planet after all. Extra information at the end of the book provides further development of the ideas raised in the main section of the book.
November 27, 2018
This is an adorable comic for children.
May 1, 2018
An educational yet entertaining book, in graphic novel/comic book style. This graphic novel follows Pluto on his adventure to find out why he's been demoted from being a planet to not being a planet. Pluto assumes its all about his size, but he soon finds out he's wrong. I found this book to a perfect intro to the graphic novel style of reading for children. The story was humorous enough to keep me interested, and I feel like middle grade children will get a kick out of it.
I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2018
Graphic novels are all the rage, and I thought it was a clever twist to write a nonfiction story in this format. The content will appeal to both adults and younger learners. Readers will appreciate the connections to dinosaurs and germs, too! Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to preview #PlutoIsPeeved by @jacquelinejules
June 10, 2018
'Pluto Is Peeved: An ex-planet searches for answers' by Jacqueline Jules with art by Dave Roman is a graphic novel about a disgruntled astronomical object.
Pluto is no longer a planet and he goes in search of answers. Along the way, he finds a dinosaur that has been renamed. He finds super small bacteria. He discovers that he have have relatives in the Kuiper Belt where he lives. He also learns that even though he is no longer a planet, there is still plenty of interest in him.
It's a cute story about scientific curiosity, and the way science can change over time. The lesson is pretty good, and there is some further material about the different things discussed in the book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Seagrass Press, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Pluto is no longer a planet and he goes in search of answers. Along the way, he finds a dinosaur that has been renamed. He finds super small bacteria. He discovers that he have have relatives in the Kuiper Belt where he lives. He also learns that even though he is no longer a planet, there is still plenty of interest in him.
It's a cute story about scientific curiosity, and the way science can change over time. The lesson is pretty good, and there is some further material about the different things discussed in the book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Seagrass Press, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 4, 2018
Poor Pluto. I love the premise of this book. The title is amazing. As a child of the 80s I have a soft spot for poor forgotten Pluto. In execution, the plot is a little random at times but I like the way the author talks about science and discovering answers to your questions. The information Pluto learns is well presented. I like the graphic novel type illustrations chosen for this book. It's fun and conversational and that style really appeals to my children. Overall, I would say I like this book. It's definitely worth reading as part of a unit on Space because it offers a lot of great information beyond just the topic of Pluto. My kids love this book (I added a star for their complete love of this book). If you have outer space enthusiasts and graphic novel fans, this is a picture book they will love.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 14, 2018
This book was pure awesome! It’s a graphic novel about Pluto. He is all sad and feels unimportant after no longer being a planet. But with some understanding and some lessons at the museum he learns that he too is important and has a place in the universe. I really like how this book was done. It’s short enough to read as a bedtime story, but in a graphic novel format with tons of cute illustrations. A perfect read.
November 7, 2024
I love space topics and remember sympathizing with the "Dear Earth: You suck. Love, Pluto" t-shirt back when Pluto was kicked off of the list of planets. So this nonfiction, graphic-novel style picture book really caught my eye. And I know Jackie and her wonderful books oh, so I couldn't wait to read it.
This book surprised me. First of all, I am rather visually illiterate when it comes to reading graphic novels. I'm intrigued by the idea of picture books done in panels, but I have often struggle with them, too. In this book, I almost always could immediately tell who was speaking and in what order. That was such a relief. (Use the Look Inside feature on Amazon if you want to see some interior spreads.)
The second surprise is that it is not only about Pluto. It starts out with Pluto and its moon, Charon, having a conversation in a museum. But in the course of their conversation and their exploration of the museum, they also talk about germs and dinosaurs and rocks. Pluto not only has conversations, it has feelings. It says things like, "I'm just sad. Everybody is worth studying except me." Later, Pluto gets excited when it discovers it could have lots of siblings in the Kuiper Belt. And Pluto comes to understand that scientists are always discovering new things. And the new things they discover sometimes make scientists reclassify or reorganize things we already are familiar with, like the former planet Pluto. So it's about a lot more then just Pluto. It's really about how the search for knowledge is constantly disrupting our current accepted view of the universe.
Despite the dialog and emotions, Pluto Is Peeved is classified as "juvenile literature" by the Library of Congress, which is the classification for nonfiction. It's interesting how many picture books that are informational in intent, but that use invented dialogue and other fictional elements, are now being classified as nonfiction. My own If You Were the Moon has a talking moon, and it's classified as nonfiction. And my picture book from this year, Meet My Family, features young animals who introduce their families in first person. It's also categorized as nonfiction. Because all of these books have nonfiction content and concepts at their core, I like that they're in with the straight nonfiction books. But I wonder if we need a separate categorization for nonfiction with fiction elements. But I digress. The upshot is that this story offers a fresh understanding of not only why Pluto was deplaneted but also of science and inquiry in general.
So if you're looking for a book of straight nonfiction facts about Pluto, this isn't the book for you. But if you're open to a mixture of storytelling and facts, and you have readers who love graphic novels and humor and drama, and you want to learn a little more about Pluto and other scientific advancements, then this would be a great choice for you.
The back matter clearly states the point of the book: "Scientists make observations and question everything--even ideas people have long considered to be facts." It also gives more details on how scientists' view of the topics touched on in the book have changed over the years. There's also a glossary and resources for further learning.
One last thing. Because this story is all dialog, it could be fun to do as Readers Theater. I think the content in here would be very suitable for upper elementary, and having kids perform it would be cool. I hope someone posts a video if they do that:>)
This book surprised me. First of all, I am rather visually illiterate when it comes to reading graphic novels. I'm intrigued by the idea of picture books done in panels, but I have often struggle with them, too. In this book, I almost always could immediately tell who was speaking and in what order. That was such a relief. (Use the Look Inside feature on Amazon if you want to see some interior spreads.)
The second surprise is that it is not only about Pluto. It starts out with Pluto and its moon, Charon, having a conversation in a museum. But in the course of their conversation and their exploration of the museum, they also talk about germs and dinosaurs and rocks. Pluto not only has conversations, it has feelings. It says things like, "I'm just sad. Everybody is worth studying except me." Later, Pluto gets excited when it discovers it could have lots of siblings in the Kuiper Belt. And Pluto comes to understand that scientists are always discovering new things. And the new things they discover sometimes make scientists reclassify or reorganize things we already are familiar with, like the former planet Pluto. So it's about a lot more then just Pluto. It's really about how the search for knowledge is constantly disrupting our current accepted view of the universe.
Despite the dialog and emotions, Pluto Is Peeved is classified as "juvenile literature" by the Library of Congress, which is the classification for nonfiction. It's interesting how many picture books that are informational in intent, but that use invented dialogue and other fictional elements, are now being classified as nonfiction. My own If You Were the Moon has a talking moon, and it's classified as nonfiction. And my picture book from this year, Meet My Family, features young animals who introduce their families in first person. It's also categorized as nonfiction. Because all of these books have nonfiction content and concepts at their core, I like that they're in with the straight nonfiction books. But I wonder if we need a separate categorization for nonfiction with fiction elements. But I digress. The upshot is that this story offers a fresh understanding of not only why Pluto was deplaneted but also of science and inquiry in general.
So if you're looking for a book of straight nonfiction facts about Pluto, this isn't the book for you. But if you're open to a mixture of storytelling and facts, and you have readers who love graphic novels and humor and drama, and you want to learn a little more about Pluto and other scientific advancements, then this would be a great choice for you.
The back matter clearly states the point of the book: "Scientists make observations and question everything--even ideas people have long considered to be facts." It also gives more details on how scientists' view of the topics touched on in the book have changed over the years. There's also a glossary and resources for further learning.
One last thing. Because this story is all dialog, it could be fun to do as Readers Theater. I think the content in here would be very suitable for upper elementary, and having kids perform it would be cool. I hope someone posts a video if they do that:>)
December 12, 2018
Scientific thought changes over the years. Good read.
June 24, 2018
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
One of the most stupid decisions of all time is was of course to demote Pluto from planet to dwarf planet. Cixin Liu’s SF series even suggests it will still be spoken of in 200 years! I for one, strongly feel for Pluto, so when I came across this little booklet in which Pluto searches for answers and struggles with the anxiety caused by the sudden change, I just had to read it.
It was a cutesy little book. Pluto, in a Science Museum, is looking why people would be investigating lots of things instead of him. Along the way he discovers that in science people have to changes ideas when new evidence arrives (think Galilei), and makes some friends. As a scientist I totally agree, as a person I feel for Pluto. Luckily its demotion doesn’t mean it will no longer be studied.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
One of the most stupid decisions of all time is was of course to demote Pluto from planet to dwarf planet. Cixin Liu’s SF series even suggests it will still be spoken of in 200 years! I for one, strongly feel for Pluto, so when I came across this little booklet in which Pluto searches for answers and struggles with the anxiety caused by the sudden change, I just had to read it.
It was a cutesy little book. Pluto, in a Science Museum, is looking why people would be investigating lots of things instead of him. Along the way he discovers that in science people have to changes ideas when new evidence arrives (think Galilei), and makes some friends. As a scientist I totally agree, as a person I feel for Pluto. Luckily its demotion doesn’t mean it will no longer be studied.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 14, 2018
"To the outsiders, and anyone who has ever felt
disconnected from the rest of the solar system"
disconnected from the rest of the solar system"
April 23, 2019
Fuck the racist harassing asshole.
And Children's Book Guild of DC for doubling down in support.
And hell fucking YES, Dr. Reese is right about Little House on the Prairie.
Folks, I'm sharing a story (with permission) that made my blood boil. Last week, a native woman was invited to be a part of a prominent DC kidlit org. As she was eating lunch, the author who invited her asked her what her opinion was of Debbie Reese. (GUISE. NEVER DO THIS).
— heidi heilig (@heidiheilig) April 22, 2019
And Children's Book Guild of DC for doubling down in support.
UPDATE. Apparently deciding to double down, Children's Book Guild of DC has decided to name Jacqueline Jules their Author of the Day. Jules is the author who harassed my friend, grabbed her arms, and followed her for three blocks. pic.twitter.com/HHHJJWJ8Fs
— heidi heilig (@heidiheilig) April 22, 2019
And hell fucking YES, Dr. Reese is right about Little House on the Prairie.
June 10, 2018
This is a nice enough little book for children with an interest in science and more specifically space and the solar system. The illustrations are bright and colourful enough to draw young readers in and I can see this appealing to a specific audience who might be interested in the topic.
My main concern with this title is that it veers from bright and simplistic enough for the youngest of readers to being too difficult at random points. It would be hard to say with real certainty what age range this being pitched at. I could envisage this being something you could read with a child from age 3+ but it would require explanation alongside it, while it might seem to babyish to readers over the age of around 7. This makes it a tricky book to use in a class setting. Maybe one to read at home if you have children interested in this topic.
My main concern with this title is that it veers from bright and simplistic enough for the youngest of readers to being too difficult at random points. It would be hard to say with real certainty what age range this being pitched at. I could envisage this being something you could read with a child from age 3+ but it would require explanation alongside it, while it might seem to babyish to readers over the age of around 7. This makes it a tricky book to use in a class setting. Maybe one to read at home if you have children interested in this topic.
November 13, 2018
Pluto explores the museum looking for answers about why he was demoted from being a full planet and in the process discovers several other things scientists changed over time.
This book looks at the story of how and why Pluto was demoted in addition to the change from the geocentric theory to the heliocentric theory, the renaming of brontosaurus to apatosaurus and now the debate of whether to bring brontosaurus back, and germ theory. The graphic novel format is attractive. I was kind of disappointed that the book didn't introduce the term exoplanet. Oh well. It does do a good job of explaining how scientists revise theories in an interesting way and brought up some good examples.
This book looks at the story of how and why Pluto was demoted in addition to the change from the geocentric theory to the heliocentric theory, the renaming of brontosaurus to apatosaurus and now the debate of whether to bring brontosaurus back, and germ theory. The graphic novel format is attractive. I was kind of disappointed that the book didn't introduce the term exoplanet. Oh well. It does do a good job of explaining how scientists revise theories in an interesting way and brought up some good examples.
September 6, 2018
Coming from someone who took Pluto losing planetary status personally, I enjoyed this book. I also enjoyed the fact that this was not just some cute book for little kids, but also had astronomy facts. I will never be an astronomer, but it's still cool to know things.
Personally, I think this book is great for kids and anyone of the older generations that feels Pluto got the raw end of the deal.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Publisher: Seagrass Press
Publication Date: June 5th 2018
Personally, I think this book is great for kids and anyone of the older generations that feels Pluto got the raw end of the deal.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Publisher: Seagrass Press
Publication Date: June 5th 2018
January 4, 2019
This wasn't quite what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. I guess I didn't think it would actually be as scientific or nonfictional as it was. I figured it would mostly just be humorous and picture-book-like. It isn't a bad thing that it is so educational, but I just wasn't expecting that. Would be a great book for science classrooms, library research, etc. I did find myself feeling sad for poor little Pluto more than I actually laughed.
April 5, 2020
Did you hear about Pluto? Yeah, that's messed up. In this book Pluto is peeved! He was a planet, and how he is not. How did this happen? Pluto goes off to find answers. And find answers he does. Talking to experts, he finds out what happened, and who is responsible. This is a great title for modeling the research process for students, since that is what Pluto is actually doing in this book. Recommended for grades K-5.
April 19, 2018
I think the format of this book (comic book layout) could be a good options for those kids that are having trouble understanding scientific topics. Overall, it was an interesting take on science especially our solar system.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2019
I was really interested in this concept: why Pluto was demoted from being a planet, all in a graphic novel format. But I found that it tried to do too many things: covering dinosaurs and germs as well as showing how scientific opinion changes over time. The main idea for this book was not clear.
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