Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

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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!
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It's not just about Pluto (even if Pluto thinks it is). It's about science.

Pluto is pretty upset. He's gotten kicked out of the big league of planets, and now he's just a dwarf planet, out in the Kuiper belt. Even his moon, Charon, can't comfort him. Pluto wants answers! Fortunately, they're at a museum and with a little research they're going to get those answers. Or are they?

Roman's colorful cartoons, presented in comic panels, take readers through multiple scientific changes, from the earth being demoted from center of the universe to the controversy over apatosaurus vs. brontosaurus. As Pluto and Charon travel through the museum's exhibits, they learn about how scientists learn new things over the ages, update their findings, and discover new things about the universe, including space. When Pluto discovers he has a sister dwarf planet - Eris - he decides that maybe scientists - and the world - think he's special after all, even if he isn't a big planet.

Extensive back matter explains in depth about the history of scientific research into the solar system, dinosaurs, germs, why scientists study rocks, and more. There is also a glossary, further reading, and websites. Bonus points for the depiction of scientists of different races and genders! Check out the author's website for a reader's theater activity for the book, a great choice for homeschool or small classroom use!

Verdict: This is so much more than just a graphic picture book about Pluto - it's a simple but fun introduction to how scientists learn new things and the importance of asking questions. Hand to teachers introducing astronomy, museums, or research, to kids who are interested in planets, and to young readers looking for simple graphic novels.

ISBN: 9781633224612; Published June 2018 by Seagrass Press/Quarto Group; Review copy provided by the author; Donated to the library

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. ( )

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. ( )