Xo, Exoplanet - by Deborah Underwood (Hardcover)

About the Book

When Jupiter notices a planet circling a far star, he enlists the other planets in our solar system to send a letter, but soon there is a disagreement on which, exactly, is the exoplanet.

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

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

"With a tidy combination of STEM content and social emotional learning, this approachable picture book can do double duty."--Booklist

"An imaginative way to consider other points of view."--Air & Space Smithsonian

"A teachable moment in differences and conflict resolution. [XO, Exoplanet is] a delightful purchase that creates accessible paths to learning more."--School Library Journal

"A contemporarily incisive message with a light touch."

--Publishers Weekly

"A rollicking reminder to reserve judgment before traveling in another's orbit."

--Kirkus Reviews

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. Jorge Lacera was born in Colombia and grew up in Miami, Florida. He graduated from the Ringling College of Art and Design. He illustrated the picture book Zombies Don't Eat Veggies, with his wife Megan Lacera. He lives in Canada.