March 17, 2013
Pluto's Secret
An Icy World's Tale of Discovery
The former-planet Pluto tells his story with light-hearted fun regarding his status in the solar system. When Percival Lowell announced he had discovered a ninth planet, Pluto was dismayed, although he did like his name. He knew he wanted to be identified with his friends in the Kuiper belt, not as a planet. When astronomers declared him to be a “dwarf planet” his reply was “Bingo!” This positive reaction shows not a demotion but a correction in changing Pluto’s status. Cheerful ink and watercolor illustrations add to the appeal of this tale written by two curators at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Ages 6-8