(4) K-3 Illustrated by Diane Kidd. The history of Pluto, from discovery to inclusion as a planet to eventual reclassification as a dwarf planet (the titular secret), is described in a back-and-forth between scientists and an anthropomorphized Pluto. The fanciful premise, cartoonlike illustrations, and goofy dialogue, though amusing, may distract from the sound information; extensive back matter reinforces the science. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Diane Kidd. Sam's uncle buys a cafe in rural Nevada, hoping for some peace and quiet. Instead, the cafe is visited by a series of unusual customers, including Santa Claus, Elvis, and Bigfoot, with a frustrated news crew pursuing each guest into the restaurant. Sam's deadpan narration and the comic illustrations are amusing, but with every chapter following the same format, the one-joke premise wears a little thin.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta