The Planet Hunter
The story behind what happened to Pluto
Mike's discovery caused an uproar.
Astronomers around the globe asked: What is a planet anyway?
As a kid, Mike Brown gazed at his poster of the nine planets of the solar system and wondered: Is there more out there? Could he find another planet, a planet everyone else has missed? The hunt was on…
Mike discovered some weird things out in space — icy Quaoar, far-out Sedna, and finally something bigger than Pluto!
This nonfiction picture book tells the story of astronomer Mike Brown, from his childhood making muddy moon craters in his backyard, to his growing curiosity about our solar system, to his amazing discoveries that had astronomers debating: What is a planet anyway?
Kids everywhere were puzzled to hear that Pluto is no longer considered a planet. The Planet Hunter explains why — and why our solar system is more fascinating than we ever imagined. And it all began with a boy who stared up at the sky and wondered…
INSIDE: A colorful pull-out poster of the new solar system, including information about dwarf planets, the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.
Take a peek
AWARDS
PNBA Book Award finalist
REVIEWS
“Elizabeth Rusch doesn’t just retell the events behind Pluto’s demotion — she teaches children about the magic of making a scientific discovery, and how even scientists can learn from their mistakes. We need more books like these…”
— David Tytell, Sky & Telescope Magazine
“A fascinating tale, charmingly told, about Cal Tech astronomer Mike Brown, otherwise known as the guy who got Pluto kicked out of the planetary club. Could very well inspire the next generation of planet hunters.”
— John Johnson, Los Angeles Times
“A terrific book! Unlike many children's science books, The Planet Hunter explains complex thoughts through lush drawings and simple but sophisticated language. Every child (and parent) can identify with the infinitely likeable Mike Brown. The Planet Hunter is sure to encourage curious young minds everywhere.”
— Gabrielle Glaser, The Oregonian