Children's Literature – Vicki Foote: Why is Pluto no longer called a planet? This book, published in association with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, explains in scientific but elementary terms how this change came about. Large illustrations help define the descriptions of the solar system and how astronomers, particularly one named Percival Lowell, search for a new planet beyond Neptune. Using a new telescopic camera, an astronomer finds what he labeled as the ninth planet that was eventually named Pluto. But they discover that Pluto does not stay in one place as the other planets do. They also find other objects in the same orbit as Pluto. Astronomers name this area where the new objects orbit "the Kuiper belt." They decide that they need to define what a planet actually is or is not and decide that Pluto is not really a planet since it is not alone in its orbit. Humorous drawings depict Pluto talking and smiling as the discoveries unfold. Several pages at the end of the book discuss "The People and Telescopes Behind the Story." A "Who's Who" gives information about each planet and the astronomers. There is a glossary and "A Note from the Museum." This text contains a good explanation of a complex theory and relates the information in an entertaining way. Younger children should be able to get a better idea of the concepts of outer space and the basics of astronomy. It would make a helpful resource for educational purposes. Reviewer: Vicki Foote