Heart on Pluto

Jones and Ross collaboratively share the adventure of New Horizons, a satellite launched by NASA to travel to Pluto. On the way to its destination, the space probe sends images of its journey through the Solar System back to friends on Earth. As it travels, New Horizons shares some educational information about Pluto—it’s one of the farthest objects from the sun and Pluto used to be categorized as a planet but is now called a “dwarf planet.” When New Horizons reaches Pluto after nine years of travelling, it captures the discovery of a heart-shaped lake on Pluto along with the message that “it’s hard to feel lonely when there’s so much love way out here.” Ross’ fabulous and endearing illustrations and Jones’ personification of New Horizons make the science aspect of the story—though on the lighter side—feel approachable and appealing. While still being educational and containing some fun facts (cited and explained more in-depth at the end of the book), this read isn’t categorized as fact-filled, but is instead a lovely book that will spark an interest in learning about Pluto, NASA, and the Solar System at large. The additional love theme to the story provides for a surprising learning experience (who knew there was a heart on Pluto?!) and a sweet, adorable take on a space book.