Children's Science Book Database

Pluto Visits Earth!

This book foster development of processes because it first introduces Pluto and its moons, then goes on to adding more information about the different planets and facts about Pluto (like who Pluto was named after).Pluto Visits Earth!
  • Author: Steve Metzger
  • Illustrator: Jared D. Lee
  • Year Published: 2012
  • ISBN: 978-0545249348

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

The story begins when Pluto finds out that he got demoted from a planet to dwarf planet. Furious, he ventures across the solar system to find a planet who would go with him to Earth and help him reclaim his status as a planet. In the end, when Pluto talks to astronomers and a group of kids visiting the observatory, a boy tells Pluto that he is special no matter how he is classified.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: High
  • Authority: High
  • Accuracy: High
  • Liteary Artistry: High
  • Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book foster development of processes because it first introduces Pluto and its moons, then goes on to adding more information about the different planets and facts about Pluto (like who Pluto was named after).

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, the book does provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. It is a story that includes facts for children to learn and so during the reading children may ask questions about things that they may not know about, such as what an observatory is or more things about the different planets of our solar system.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book encourages children to think for themselves because it is written as a story with informational facts. Children think on their own when presented with situations and facts in the book that they can think about and ask their own questions.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, the science topic of Pluto and it demotion to dwarf planet is addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson. Throughout the book, it provides important facts as to why Pluto is no longer a planet but is reclassified as a dwarf planet.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes, the content is based on sound scientific principles and is accurate because I have found the same facts presented in the story about Pluto in other informational texts, such as the name of the girl who named the planet as well as the reasons why it became a dwarf planet.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I believe the fact that the planets are personified may make it difficult for children to distinguish what is fact and fiction, but there is a page in the back of the book that provides real information about Pluto and why it did not meet all of the requirements to be a planet of our solar system.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes and no, the illustrations are clear enough for children to understand what is happening in the story, but adds details that children may notice that is not part of the main plot, such as animals and people in ufos/rocketships, that might confuse children.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, the book is written at the level of Pre-K to third grade students because there are few texts on each page and it is written in dialogue. There are also some speech bubbles from planets that are easy to read for the older students.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Yes, there is a multicultural component and is free from stereotyping because when Pluto comes down into Earth to talk to astronomers and a group of kids, there are multiple races and genders represented and also one of the astronomers is a black female which counteracts with the stereotype that all scientists are male.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, the book is free from gender bias because it represents the planets as both boys and girls and represents the genders equally.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

No, the book does not show the close association between science and other disciplines. It primarily focuses on astronomy.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology because you notice that when Pluto visits the Mount Baldy Observartory at the end the astronomers are shown throwing their clipboards (because Pluto demanded answers and startled them) indicating that they were still studying the solar system.