How to Teach Grown-Ups about Pluto: The Cutting-Edge Space Science of the Solar System
Description
A witty guide to Pluto's discovery and demotion, which puts kids in charge.
Pluto has not been a planet since 2006. But this tiny world still inspires people of all ages while sparking controversy. In this delightfully witty book, astronomer Dean Regas teaches you how to educate your grown-up about the cutting-edge science of space, most crucially the reason why Pluto is NOT a planet anymore. Delving into the history of space discoveries, the key players who have helped our understanding of the universe (including the 11-year-old girl who named Pluto in the first place), and the ever-changing nature of science, this book will equip every reader with the tools they need to bring their grown-ups fully up to speed, and to sneak in as many amazing astronomical facts as possible. And there's a handy quiz at the end so that you can check your grown-up has been paying attention!
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About the Author
Dean Regas is the Astronomer at Cincinnati Observatory, responsible for science outreach activities, and a national popularizer of astronomy. He is the author of several books including Facts from Space! and was the co-host of the prolific PBS show Star Gazers. An extremely engaging and media-savvy astronomy lecturer, he has served as the Observatory's Outreach Astronomer since 2000 and is one of NASA's Solar System Ambassadors, responsible for sharing its latest science and discoveries. An accomplished educator, Dean is an expert in observational astronomy and is a Contributing Editor to Sky & Telescope magazine, where he won the "Out-of-this-World Award" for astronomy education.
Aaron Blecha is an artist and author based in Brighton, UK, who designs funny characters and illustrates humorous books. Aaron has illustrated over 40 books, including the popular George Brown, Class Clown, and Shark School series. He is also the author and illustrator of Goodnight, Grizzle Grump! and Good Morning, Grizzle Grump! published by HarperCollins. In addition to illustrating children's books, Aaron works as a character designer in TV development for studios such as Disney, Curious Pictures, and eOne Family.
Britannica Group is a global education leader with over 250 years of dedication to seeking out facts and providing insight into the mysteries of the universe. Britannica's mission to inspire curiosity and the joy of learning helps build the world's future thinkers and innovators.
Reviews
Selected for New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids 2022 List
"Regas, an astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory and former cohost of PBS' Star Gazers, narrates this wittily engaging book that imagines kids explaining to their parents the reasons why Pluto is no longer a planet. Regas amusingly describes how many adults are still in denial about this, instructing kids, "because you will be explaining all this to your grown-ups, we had better make it very, very easy." Accordingly, the book clearly and understandably relates the history of how planets were discovered and named, and recounts the debates that ensued as scientists weighed in about Pluto's status and demotion. The author admirably describes the nature of science, scientists' roles, and their tireless pursuit of new discoveries. Blecha's cartoon illustrations (Pluto is icy blue) enhance this entertaining and informative book for solar system enthusiasts and Pluto fans of all ages." - Booklist
Selected for The Children's Book Council's Hot Off the Press List
"A delightful book for kids to teach them (and adults) about Pluto! It goes through the history of the discovery of Pluto and then why Pluto was declassified from being a planet. It is super informative about a lot of space ideas too. I thought it did a great job of breaking down these more complex ideas for kids." - NetGalley (5 starred review)
"This non-fiction book about planets and the history of astronomy is so much more than your average space book! Based on the premise that millennial (and older) parents are reluctant to confirm to the notion that Pluto is not actually a planet, this book prepares children with the information required to win an argument with their parents about why Pluto is not a planet. Through hilarious additional content, such as describing the 5 stages of grieve grown ups might go through, silly pictures, and interesting chapter themes, this book teaches a lot of really important information without feeling like a typical non-fiction or educational text." - NetGalley (5 starred review)
"Regas explains all of the information in a way that is simple, factual and yet entertaining which will keep readers of all ages engaged." - NetGalley (5 starred review)
"The writing really grabs your attention and makes the information interesting." - Luminous Libro
