A Place for Pluto

by Stef Wade, Melanie Demmer (Illustrator)

Overview

Pluto got the shock of his life when he was kicked out of the famous nine. His planet status was stripped away, leaving him lost and confused. Poor Pluto! On his quest to find a place where he belongs, he talks to comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. He doesn't fit it anywhere! But when Pluto is about to give up, he runs into a dwarf planet and finally finds his place in the solar system. This feel—good picture book combines a popular science topic with character education themes of self discovery, acceptance, and friendship. It has bonus material in the back matter to support curriculum.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684460045
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	07/01/2018
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Stef Wade used to write about cardboard boxes, but thinks writing books is far more exciting. She was the co—creator and writer for the former cooking and home blog Haute Apple Pie. Stef holds a BA in advertising from Marquette University and an MBA in Integrated Marketing Communication from DePaul University. Stef is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She currently resides in the greater Milwaukee area with her husband and three boys.

Melanie is an American artist born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan. She has been drawing since she was a little girl. Back then, her favorite canvas was pavement and her go to medium was sidewalk chalk. Nowadays, Melanie likes create artwork digitally but also enjoys using watercolor, markers, colored pencils, and acrylic paint. Oh, and sometimes a pinch of glitter too!  Melanie is a 2013 graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan where she earned a BFA in Illustration. The Michigan—native has since relocated to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in illustration and design.

Interviews

• A fresh approach to a common science theme—mixes science with Character Ed • Nonfiction back matter connects the narrative story to the curriculum • Addresses the need for books on acceptance and self—awareness

Editorial Reviews

A charming story about finding your place in the world (or the solar system). When Pluto loses his planet status, he feels sad and adrift. As he searches for a new identity, he makes new friends and learns valuable lessons (and fascinating facts!) in a journey that is part science, part self—discovery.

Barnes & Noble Kids blog

Demmer gives all the heavenly bodies big eyes (some, including the feminine Saturn, with long lashes) and, on occasion, short arms along with distinctive identifying colors or markings. . . .Make space for this clever blend of science and self—realization.

Kirkus Reviews

Poor Pluto. Disheartened that after decades together he can no longer call himself a planet along with Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and the others, he sets off with four moon companions and a wee suitcase, his expressive eyes wide open. Join him on his quest to find a place to belong while learning what makes planets, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids unique in a delightful and accessible take on the redesignation of the Kuiper Belt’s most controversial orbiter.

Foreword Reviews

This book is just adorable, and it’s my son’s favorite of the BookExpo 2018 haul. It’s a smart approach to explaining Pluto’s history to readers. . . .With an upbeat messages about identity, acceptance, and friendship, and adorable artwork, this is a must—add to your planet books.

Mom Read It

The story skillfully entertains while educating readers about Pluto and other solar system elements. Great artwork throughout — very evocative.

Imagination Soup