GUEST BLOGGER LISA L. OWENS
Informational picture books like those in my 10-title Our Solar System series help young readers learn more about the world around them — and beyond — while also super-charging their imaginations in ways that naturally facilitate further investigation. Take Pluto for instance…
About the book
Pluto and Other Dwarf Planets (The Child’s World, 2025) explores the fascinating history and function of dwarf planets in our solar system. Stunning full-color photography supports the text, and front and back matter help boost comprehension.
Once students have read the book, share these activities to spark ideas for engaging with the subject matter in new ways.
Senses in space
Display pages 4–5 and 6–7 from the book. Select a dwarf planet or planet to “visit” and discuss. Then have students begin by pausing for a few moments to imagine they’ve just arrived at their destination and are taking it all in. Ask them to describe the experience using the five senses plus a bonus “sixth sense”:
- I see . . .
- I hear . . .
- I smell . . .
- I taste . . .
- I touch . . .
- I am . . .
Pluto poetry
Use PLUTO as the topic to inspire students’ five-line acrostic poems. Discuss that each letter in the vertical topic word serves as the first letter of each new line of poetry, and encourage your poets to add complementary drawings to their projects. Leave time for sharing these works in class.
Read-aloud fun
Share this delightful read-aloud of Pluto Gets the Call (Beach Lane Books, 2019) by Adam Rex and illustrated by Laurie Keller. Before starting the video, explain that it’s a fictional story containing some factual scientific details. Have students watch and listen for any new-to-them information about Pluto, dwarf planets, or the solar system.
Extra! extra!
Invite any budding reporters to track down the latest news about a recently discovered dwarf planet. Discuss findings in class and have students brainstorm a list of reasons that facts about the solar system change over time.
Featured image credit: “Happy Valentine’s Day from Pluto: Little, but with a Big Heart” by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Lisa L. Owens has written more than 100 books for young readers, including early chapter books, graphic novels, middle grade fiction, and a slew of nonfiction for ages PreK–YA. Find her online at llowens.com, @lisalowens.bsky.social, and @llowriter.
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