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Pluto Gets the Call
Pluto gets a call from Earth telling him he isn’t a planet anymore, so he sets out on a journey through the solar system to find out why in this funny and fact-filled romp that’s perfect for fans of The Scrambled States of America .
Pluto loves being a planet. That is, until the day he gets a call from some Earth scientists telling him he isn’t a planet anymore! You probably wanted to meet a real planet, huh? So, Pluto takes the reader on a hilarious and informative journey through the solar system to introduce the other planets and commiserate about his situation along the way. Younger readers will be so busy laughing over Pluto’s interactions with the other planets, asteroids, moons, and even the sun, they won’t even realize just how much they’re learning about our solar system!
Pluto loves being a planet. That is, until the day he gets a call from some Earth scientists telling him he isn’t a planet anymore! You probably wanted to meet a real planet, huh? So, Pluto takes the reader on a hilarious and informative journey through the solar system to introduce the other planets and commiserate about his situation along the way. Younger readers will be so busy laughing over Pluto’s interactions with the other planets, asteroids, moons, and even the sun, they won’t even realize just how much they’re learning about our solar system!
48 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2019
13 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Adam Rex
92 books774 followersAdam Rex grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, the middle of three children. He was neither the smart one (older brother) or the cute one (younger sister), but he was the one who could draw. He took a lot of art classes as a kid, trying to learn to draw better, and started painting when he was 11. And later in life he was drawn down to Tucson in order to hone his skills, get a BFA from the University of Arizona, and meet his physicist wife Marie (who is both the smart and cute one).
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
May 6, 2020
Mr. H loves this book! Pluto is his favorite planet and he refuses to call it a dwarf “because Pluto is a planet.” 😁 this book is a lot of fun and has some wonderful facts about the solar system. Adorable!
November 23, 2019
I have a soft spot for Pluto so this book tugged on my heartstrings. It offers more than just an ode to a former planet. The illustrations are wonderful. Humor is clever. And I actually learned about our solar system along the way! There is even a nice little moral to the story [if you want to get deep] that reinforces the importance of positive self-esteem.
Because, let's face it. If anyone is struggling with dashed dreams and poor self-esteem - it's Pluto. Yet, he pulls through.
Because, let's face it. If anyone is struggling with dashed dreams and poor self-esteem - it's Pluto. Yet, he pulls through.
April 24, 2022
"Pluto thinks that he is not good enough but he really is."
December 29, 2019
I laughed so hard when I read this, and it has such a heart-warming ending. Adam Rex hits it out of the park again!!
The illustrations by Laurie Keller are completely charming.
This is a bit longer than most picture books, and will probably appeal most to kids old enough to know a little bit about our solar system already (in particular, that Pluto used to be a planet but is now a dwarf planet*). Sometimes the planets, ahem, Jupiter, are a bit rude, and I know some parents might object to that, but it was my favorite part.
* I thought it had been declared a planet again, but I checked https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/... and looks like it’s still a dwarf planet. Rex has this covered. One of the last lines is: “Do you know that right now, as we speak, those scientists are still arguing about you?”
The illustrations by Laurie Keller are completely charming.
This is a bit longer than most picture books, and will probably appeal most to kids old enough to know a little bit about our solar system already (in particular, that Pluto used to be a planet but is now a dwarf planet*). Sometimes the planets, ahem, Jupiter, are a bit rude, and I know some parents might object to that, but it was my favorite part.
* I thought it had been declared a planet again, but I checked https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/... and looks like it’s still a dwarf planet. Rex has this covered. One of the last lines is: “Do you know that right now, as we speak, those scientists are still arguing about you?”
November 13, 2019
This might be my favorite book of 2019. It's hilarious and informative at the same time. I am a fan of Pluto!
May 28, 2021
This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. For a fuller explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf. The Reviewers seemed to run correctly last week, but didn't run this week at all, and the Readers list hasn't been fixed at all. I guess algorithm don't care. Looking at the beta pages, algorithm loves stars.
This project is such a hoot. I got a little overexcited on Tuesday when I went to pick up my holds because I could go inside and look at books on display and chat with librarians, who are the finest kind of humans. But also this project is fun because I'm catching up on old friends I haven't seen in a while: like Laurie Keller. She's not an actually friend, or even an imaginary friend, she's a writer and illustrator who has done some fabulous books. And because I am thinking about her, I placed a bunch of her books on hold. Stayed tuned for Arnie the Doughnut who now has multiple adventures in print.
So, yeah, review. I love Rex's work, I love Keller's work this book does a remarkable job of seeming like it was half written and half illustrated by both of them: the text has a Keller-ish vibe, and the art feels like some of Rex's more collage-y works. that makes it twice as good in both respects.
Go, read, enjoy.
Library copy
This project is such a hoot. I got a little overexcited on Tuesday when I went to pick up my holds because I could go inside and look at books on display and chat with librarians, who are the finest kind of humans. But also this project is fun because I'm catching up on old friends I haven't seen in a while: like Laurie Keller. She's not an actually friend, or even an imaginary friend, she's a writer and illustrator who has done some fabulous books. And because I am thinking about her, I placed a bunch of her books on hold. Stayed tuned for Arnie the Doughnut who now has multiple adventures in print.
So, yeah, review. I love Rex's work, I love Keller's work this book does a remarkable job of seeming like it was half written and half illustrated by both of them: the text has a Keller-ish vibe, and the art feels like some of Rex's more collage-y works. that makes it twice as good in both respects.
Go, read, enjoy.
Library copy
December 21, 2019
This picture book about Pluto's demotion is funny, sweet, and informative. The illustrations are great, the humor is spot-on, and I learned a little something. Just great.
February 23, 2020
Pluto Gets the Call by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laurie Keller. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2019. $18. 9781534414532
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Pluto is busy explaining his finest features when he gets the call that he is no longer considered a planet. So he takes the reader on a tour of the “real” planets. When he gets to the Sun, she gives him a very nice pep talk, because now the scientists talk about Pluto even more than they did before.
Leave it to Adam Rex to give us a hilarious look at the fall of Pluto and a nice overview of planets. Keller’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment. Any school that teaches about the solar system can use this in their library.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Pluto is busy explaining his finest features when he gets the call that he is no longer considered a planet. So he takes the reader on a tour of the “real” planets. When he gets to the Sun, she gives him a very nice pep talk, because now the scientists talk about Pluto even more than they did before.
Leave it to Adam Rex to give us a hilarious look at the fall of Pluto and a nice overview of planets. Keller’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment. Any school that teaches about the solar system can use this in their library.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 4, 2020
This is the absolute cutest book I've read in a long, long time. It's hysterical and I learned things about several planets. 10 stars!
December 14, 2019
Children are going to LOVE Keller's bright and bold artwork in this new picture book that showcases Pluto getting the call from Earth's scientists saying he's not longer a planet. Pluto's pretty frustrated, to be honest, but after taking a tour around the galaxy and getting some much-needed consolation from the sun, I think he's going to be a-okay. Some pages are extremely busy full of speech bubbles and multiple conversations, so you have to take time to scour the entire spread (checking out the little asides and jokes). The back matter provides a great deal of solar system facts along with an Author's Note that explains that "People used to say there were twenty-three planets! Then they decided there were none: now there are eight. Science is always learning, just like you." And the illustrator's blurb also shares that it took just one day (Venus time) to create all the illustrations for this book. ;) The humorous illustration note says the artwork for this book was : "rendered in traditional, digital, and galactic media."
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
January 8, 2020
"I'm not crying. I have... meteor dust in my eyes!"
Same, Jupiter. Same.
Even though this book is extremely similar to A Place for Pluto, it's not a rip-off. These authors just had very similar ideas around the same time, and they both did a great job drawing out slightly different dramas about Pluto's identity crisis while incorporating lots of space facts. I enjoyed both books, but this is the one that made eyes well up with tears while I was at work, so I guess it's my favorite of the two.
Same, Jupiter. Same.
Even though this book is extremely similar to A Place for Pluto, it's not a rip-off. These authors just had very similar ideas around the same time, and they both did a great job drawing out slightly different dramas about Pluto's identity crisis while incorporating lots of space facts. I enjoyed both books, but this is the one that made eyes well up with tears while I was at work, so I guess it's my favorite of the two.
Read
November 16, 2019Pluto LOVES being a planet, but when the call comes from Earth that he's no longer a planet, how can he go on? This fun and funny picture book not only pays homage to our favorite planet-that-was, but also introduces young readers to the solar system as Pluto takes a farewell tour and presents facts about each planet along the way. Hand this to fans of THE SUN IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL or Laurie Keller's THE SCRAMBLED STATES OF AMERICA for kids who enjoy learning but in a really fun, funny way.
October 19, 2020
Pluto gets the call from Earth scientists, and Pluto is saddened to learn that he is no longer a planet. Pluto takes us on a quick tour of the solar system and introduces us to the planets and other key features. The story is told in a fun format, with speech bubbles and cartoons and lots of humor.
December 14, 2019
Very humorous story about Pluto being told he is no longer a planet. Part fiction, and part humorously presented facts about the solar system.
December 18, 2019
This book is a true delight.
December 30, 2019
Really fun picture book! Informative, hilarious, and for me, personally relatable be because #PlutoForever
February 6, 2021
Fun book from Pluto's perspective. Engaging illustrations from Keller and witty text from Rex.
February 20, 2021
The jokes might be a little out of reach of littles but great in Grades 3+.
February 27, 2021
Super clever. Super cute. And! informational 👍👍
August 7, 2021
Adorable, hilarious, and fun fact filled book about everyone's favorite (non)planet and the solar system.
March 10, 2022
Cute and funny book with great illustrations and educational content.
September 16, 2023
Adorable, perfect for parents who grew up with Pluto as a planet, very sweet message along with learning about our solar system
March 12, 2025
This is also sweet. Pluto will always be special.
All of this author's books have a schtick. They all sound interesting, which is why I got them all out. And most of them are.
All of this author's books have a schtick. They all sound interesting, which is why I got them all out. And most of them are.
July 19, 2020
I loved this book! What a fun way for kids to learn about the solar system and planets. I am a sucker for humor. I am sure many children will love this book too!
June 18, 2021
Hilarious. I felt bad for Pluto when he got demoted from being a planet, too. Filled with cool facts about the universe and fabulous illustrations!
November 25, 2019
What an awesome and funny book to learn about the Solar system and dwarf planets!
February 12, 2020
Eh, a 3 from me and a 4 from my kid. He thought it was very funny. But the whole premise doesn’t really work for me since he already knows that Pluto is a dwarf planet. Really cute illustrations, but I thought it was a little annoying to read aloud. He was also very excited about Adam Rex: “Adam Rex! Who wrote ‘Are you scared Darth Vader?!’”
January 18, 2020
Planetary fun hits high orbit in this really cute book, which just happens to teach a few inter-planetary facts along the way.
Pluto wants to introduce you to itself but before it gets very far, it receives a phone call from Earth. And not a happy one. The scientists have decided to demote Pluto from a planet to... well, they aren't sure yet. Still, Pluto is ticked. But instead of stewing, he heads off to introduce the other planets (and get some needed, emotional support). And there just happen to be a few surprises along the way...ones that might warm a reader's heart.
This book is a bit quirky, funny, and simply fun. Each planet...and non-planet...Pluto meets has a unique personality. As a read-aloud, it's wonderful, especially when a bit of voice play sets in. The back and forth between the planets holds humor as well as information, making it a sneaky way to learn a few solar system facts.
The illustrations are ones to flip through time and again as they not only bring the planets to life, but offer interesting details and humor too. Young listeners are sure to see the planets in the solar system from a totally new point of view. Plus, it's hard not to feel for Pluto as he tries to come to terms with the removal of his planet status. Even this, however, offers a touching ending with a message listeners can use in their own lives.
Oh, and to round the entire thing off, the last pages hold a jumble of numbers and facts for all of those solar system fans.
My daughter had a ton of fun reading through this book, which means thumbs up from me. I received a complimentary copy, and these are my honest thoughts.
Pluto wants to introduce you to itself but before it gets very far, it receives a phone call from Earth. And not a happy one. The scientists have decided to demote Pluto from a planet to... well, they aren't sure yet. Still, Pluto is ticked. But instead of stewing, he heads off to introduce the other planets (and get some needed, emotional support). And there just happen to be a few surprises along the way...ones that might warm a reader's heart.
This book is a bit quirky, funny, and simply fun. Each planet...and non-planet...Pluto meets has a unique personality. As a read-aloud, it's wonderful, especially when a bit of voice play sets in. The back and forth between the planets holds humor as well as information, making it a sneaky way to learn a few solar system facts.
The illustrations are ones to flip through time and again as they not only bring the planets to life, but offer interesting details and humor too. Young listeners are sure to see the planets in the solar system from a totally new point of view. Plus, it's hard not to feel for Pluto as he tries to come to terms with the removal of his planet status. Even this, however, offers a touching ending with a message listeners can use in their own lives.
Oh, and to round the entire thing off, the last pages hold a jumble of numbers and facts for all of those solar system fans.
My daughter had a ton of fun reading through this book, which means thumbs up from me. I received a complimentary copy, and these are my honest thoughts.
October 21, 2020
I was a little annoyed when Pluto was downgraded. I am glad this book helps give us a little more input into the situation.
July 1, 2019
Absurdly brilliant.
Pluto loves being a planet and is heartbroken when scientists from Earth call to revoke his status. After a traverse of the solar system, The Sun sets Pluto back on course. Classic Laurie Keller illustrations and hilarious puns with every page turn make this picture book a sure win with smart young readers.
Pluto loves being a planet and is heartbroken when scientists from Earth call to revoke his status. After a traverse of the solar system, The Sun sets Pluto back on course. Classic Laurie Keller illustrations and hilarious puns with every page turn make this picture book a sure win with smart young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews