Illustrated by Jorge Lacera

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On Sale: Nov 16, 2021
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780759557437

“When the planets spot something new in the galaxy, they start a letter-writing exchange that gets a little heated (for a planet) over just who gets to be called what and why. This funny fiction also teaches about planets, exo and otherwise.” —TODAY

From bestselling author Deborah Underwood comes a lively and heartwarming letter writing exchange between all the planets in outer space to show the power of perspective.

It was an ordinary day for Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, (and don’t forget Pluto, the dwarf planet). The planets were circling the Sun, staring into space, until suddenly they spot something else in their Solar System. What could it be? Who could it be? The planets have no idea but they’re circling to find out. Whatever it is that something is most definitely, absolutely, without a doubt NOT a planet.

So begins an out-of-this-world pen pal exchange between the planets and an exoplanet:

Dear Exoplanet,

We are excited to have you in the galaxy!

XO,

Planets

Dear Planets,

It is nice to hear from you! But what is an exoplanet? Does it mean “excellent planet”?

XO,

Exoplanet

Paired with vibrant illustrations from Jorge Lacera, this STEM-friendly story, told mainly through letters, reminds readers what happens when we consider another person’s point of view.

Genre:

Air & Space Smithsonian Best Children's Book of the Year
"When the planets spot something new in the galaxy, they start a letter-writing exchange that gets a little heated (for a planet) over just who gets to be called what and why. This funny fiction also teaches about planets, exo and otherwise."
TODAY
"An imaginative way to consider other points of view."
Air & Space Smithsonian
“A contemporarily incisive message with a light touch.”
Publishers Weekly
“A rollicking reminder to reserve judgment before traveling in another’s orbit.”
Kirkus Reviews
“A teachable moment in differences and conflict resolution. [XO, Exoplanet is] a delightful purchase that creates accessible paths to learning more.”
School Library Journal
“With a tidy combination of STEM content and social emotional learning, this approachable picture book can do double duty.”
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$18.99

$23.99 CAD

Format

Hardcover

Format:

Hardcover $18.99 $23.99 CAD

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Deborah Underwood

About the Author

Deborah Underwood is the author of numerous books for children, including Outside In, Interstellar Cinderella, XO, Exoplanet, and New York Times bestsellers The Quiet Book, The Loud Book, and Here Comes the Easter Cat. She lives in Northern California and invites you to visit her online at deborahunderwoodbooks.com.

Leah Hong is the creator of Happy Dreams, Little Bunny and the illustrator of When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin. She is an artist and graphic designer who graduated from Emily Carr University of Art + Design with a degree in painting and drawing. Leah lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, and invites you to visit her online at leahhong.com.

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