8 Little Planets

by Chris Ferrie, Lizzy Doyle (Illustrator)

A delightfully fun, fact-filled planetary tale from the creator of the Baby University series!

Travel around the solar system and celebrate what makes each planet unique! From Neptune to Mercury and all the planets in between, each one is different and each one is happy to be what they are.

Old slow Neptune looks a bit behind.
Orbiting the Sun takes an awful long time.
But the 8th little planet doesn't need to worry.
It spins on its axis in a really big hurry!

Vibrant, joyful art, playful verse, and a fun die-cut shape are sure to have astronomers of all ages celebrating their own uniqueness while they party with the planets.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Science, Space, Nonfiction, Astronomy, Kids

18 pages, Board Book

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

I am Chris Ferrie, father of four and happy husband. My day job is academic research where I follow my curiosity through the word of quantum physics. My passion for communicating science has led from the most esoteric topics of mathematical physics to more recently writing children’s books.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sure, the factual information Chris Ferrie provides and features in his 2018 board book 8 Little Planets (regarding the planets of our solar system) is generally, is mostly scientifically accurate (read correct) and is also textually presented by Ferrie in a nicely fun and engaging manner that many toddlers, that board book audiences would likely enjoy, and with Lizzy Doyle's artwork providing a nicely colourful albeit for and and to my aesthetic tastes also rather one dimensional and overly smilingly silly visual mirror to and for Chris Ferrie's printed words (and of course, there are not nine planets anymore after the demotion of Pluto to a dwarf planet in 2006, and even though I personally very much miss Pluto and am still annoyed with and by Pluto's removal as the ninth planet of the solar system, it is what it is, and I am certainly textually pleased that 8 Little Planets is as such up to date, current, and yes, this certainly is essential for science books, and indeed, even for science based board books).

However, just because Pluto is no longer considered to be the ninth planet of our solar system, Pluto also and equally has not suddenly vanished, it has not ceased to exist, but that Pluto is simply now seen and approached as being a planetoid (as a like already mentioned above dwarf planet) along with other similar solar system entities. And frankly, for Chris Ferrie to TOTALLY ignore Pluto in 8 Little Planets is for and to me hugely problematic, is majorly and massively rubbing me the wrong proverbial way. For come on, with 8 Little Planets Ferrie basically seems to insinuate that aside from the eight planets and the sun around which they revolve, there is nothing else present and worthy of scientific study and being mentioned in our solar system. And indeed, this is absolutely not true, so that aside from the eight planets featured, Ferrie should in my opinion and most definitely also be mentioning and describing in 8 Little Planets dwarf planets like Pluto and Sedna, the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter as well as comets, and that Chris Ferrie not doing this in and for 8 Little Planets, it leaves a huge feeling of scientific lack, a not understandable oversight, bothering my adult self and in fact and indeed so very much frustrating and annoying my inner child that she only will and can consider a two star rating for 8 Little Planets and to therefore only be recommending the book with some major caveats. Because yes, aside from Pluto totally being missing in action in 8 Little Planets, the rhyming scheme Chris Ferrie is using in 8 Little Planets also feels a bit forced and awkward and not to mention, Ferrie making the planets appear like human beings with often grumpy and problematic character traits and personalities is just really annoying and ridiculous, and rather takes away from the STEM thematics of 8 Little Planets by making hard core science, hard core astronomy appear more than a trifle silly and artsy-fartsy.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This really just didn't work for me. It tries too hard to be cute. It has too many almost rhymes and loses its sense of rhythm at random moments. While it has a handful of good facts for kids it could present the same information in a more entertaining way. It does have really cute illustrations.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book design, with the planet and its accompanying information, arriving in successive circles is novel and fun.

[Lis ~Cheese Fairy~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ 5 little stars⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

This was used as a coping tool at the pediatrician this morning. Many tears were shed but “let’s read little sun book”, between sobs, was a clear indication that this books services were required. My toddler has been in a planet phase, for close to a year now, and this book is requested (*demanded) almost daily. He loves the illustrations, facts, and the silly planets (who are having so much fun)! If you’re looking for a deep dive into astronomy this isn’t your book. But it’s a children’s book…and also not the serious.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆the more you know ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

**For anyone offended that Pluto isn’t included as a planet: I’m going to direct you to look up the dwarf planets; there are 5 of them now and Pluto isn’t alone. So do not fear, dear friends; I too have sentimental attachment to our OG Kuiper Belt bro, but Pluto doesn’t meet the 3 criteria to be a primary planet. You may ask “what ARE the criteria to be a primary planet?” I will direct you to my son, because I couldn’t tell you and he’s the expert in our house.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, and an interesting idea to introduce scientific facts to such a young age group. The bright colours and the rhythm of the rhyming text can be pretty engaging for the intended audience. I’m intrigued by the melding of a typical technique used by authors for this age group with scientific concepts, and will be checking out more books by this author.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kind of a downer with some weird negging and questionable rhymes.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book and I love that it's dedicated to Pluto.

[Seamus Dover]

Center and Better don't rhyme, but I like the voices Uncle Josh makes when he reads to me.

[Khari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled between choosing 3 or 4 stars for this one, so I finally decided to be generous.

This is a cute book. The art is cute. Each planet is anthropomorphized and a portion of its unique information is presented in little rhymes. The author did a great job of not presenting too much information and drowning the reader in facts. The book is useful for teaching the order of the planets while presenting ideas such as distance from the sun relating to orbit length and size relating to axis spin time. As such it presents difficult but foundational astronomical concepts in easy to understand language and for that it got an extra star.

Story: Dictionary-Informational-But it has some characterization to help that along.
Art: Adorable
Price: 10.99

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun board book to introduce the planets to a child. Only thing, while it isn't a complaint, but it went from outter planets (neptune) to inner planets (mercury). And I KNOW that how the book is designed (circles cut out of the center) it makes sense to go that direction, I am just not used to that direction that it felt backwards. Again not wrong, just didn't feel right to a person who has been singing the planet order since I can remember. (And that it too long of a review for a simple board book about planets...) *Erin done*

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack borrowed this book from the Ashland Public Library.

We picked this book for the topic and colorful illustrations, and it is super vibrant and pretty. The planets are cute, and each page has lots of fun things to look at. We also like the cut out feature with the rainbow around the sun.

While it does have good information about the planets, the book is weirdly negative. It talks about reasons why the planets should be unhappy, which I don’t really like. Also, since I am old, I still count Pluto as a planet, and it is not included in this book.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son got this book for his Birthday and it’s adorable! I love how it rhymes almost like you could sing it. I also really love the pages are cut out to circles in the middle like the planets big to small (or really further from the son to closest to the sun). They even all had little party hats on them. It was cute and educational. Would recommend for babies and little kids.

[Margie Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book and so did my nephew. There are some vocabulary words that you may want to have definitions or explanations for like: strife,sulfur, orbiting, axis, octillion, weird, and dizzy. The last sentence was a little off to me but I really enjoyed the book as a whole especially how the narrative is written in verses, the words flow smoothly.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Jocelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute board book about the planets in our solar system. Simple facts that are easy to read. Little ones will want to study astronomy(possibly).😀

[Andrea (andreareadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to my 11 month old. It bugs me that Pluto is not included but the facts about the other planets and illustrations are very well done. A favorite of my daughter!

Facts about this book:
• Board book
• Colorful
• Planet and space facts
• Solar system

[Eugenio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect into to planets and different planet makeups

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorful die-cut pages with rhyming short text.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to Julianna tonight. 2nd time this week. She enjoyed reading about the 8 planets and the rainbow. Cute book. She gives 5 stars.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking cute 😍

[Jj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice concept/idea and design, but the text is really a disappointment. Some of the rhymes here are outright painful, very forced and awkward phrasing is abundant throughout. I'd use it for a toddler storytime, but change some of the text.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Chris Ferrie! This is the kind of big concepts for kids books we need. Adorable illustrations, kid-friendly, fact-based text - this! This is what I expected from the “.... For Babies” series and didn’t get. The bright colors and circular cut-outs add to the fun.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty fun for 18 pages
A book on which I'd gladly spend my wages
8 Little Planets sure is fun
I sure was sad when I was done.

[Melenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Kayla Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Ferrie wrote a children's book called "8 Little Planets" in which he described the eight planets in the solar system and accompanied them with counting up to eight in the book. As the student follows along with each planet, he or she will be able to identify up to eight planets while following along on separate pages. While there is no strict focus on counting numbers in this book, it explains how learners can add up to the number 8 by learning about each planet that makes up our system. It introduces readers to the solar system, starting with the Sun at the center of the system, and moving along to each planet. There are eight planets in the solar system, and each of these pages is devoted to exploring one of them. This book educates kids on the basics of each planet, presenting them with their basic facts and characteristics in a simple and meaningful way. It is filled with colorful images and rhyming text that will encourage young children to learn about the planets in a fun and memorable way. Nodelman states that "the more readers and viewers of any age know about the codes of representation, the more they can enjoy the ways in which writers and illustrators use these codes in interesting in involving ways"( Nodelman, 138). There may be a little bit of math involved here but a picture book can be a great way to show that young students are able to use the numbers that they identify to learn about the planets. Whenever new information is presented to a child, they will be able to frame the new information using a visual code.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little find was found in a Cracker Barrel in MO as they seem to be focusing on a universe theme at this time for one of their sales point. If you are into the idea that Pluto is now not a planet, which I am not, than you may actually enjoy this book as a starting educative point for your little one.

The book explores the "eight" planets as modern astronomy sees fit and as a result the book explores the planets starting with the farthest as this point, which is Neptune. From their the book gives each planet two pages to explore its it numerical position from the sun and then on the opposite a fun fact made into verse. In my opinion I think it would have been nicer to have had the two different verses flipped around or reconstructed such as:

"Old slow Neptune looks a bit behind.
But the 8th little planet doesn't need to worry.

Orbiting the Sun takes an awful long time.
But it spins on its axis in a really big hurry!'

As for the artwork and format I do have to admit that I love it. The colors are bright and warm while the planets have been given faces as if they really need it. Furthermore the book has cut-out spots that allow the planets to stack nicely until you get to the sun.

So again if you don't mind the modern viewpoint of astronomy this will be a good starter educative book that doesn't look to confuse since Pluto is no longer visible nor mentioned even as a suggestion.

[Halle Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the eight planets of our solar system. Each planet is presented in a fun and educational manner, with distinctive cutouts that set them apart.
Although there are no traditional characters in the book, it is narrated in a fun and interesting way that makes it simple for young readers to follow along. The solar system serves as the setting for this book, which takes readers on a voyage from the sun to Neptune.
The book's simple yet effective plot aims to familiarize kids with the eight planets and give them some fundamental information about each one. At the end of the book, there is a glossary with further explanations of important terms.
The book's use of rhyme and repetition, which makes it enjoyable to read aloud and helps kids in remembering the facts presented, is one of its most noticeable literary features. The book's pictures, which are bright and vivid and represent the distinctive qualities of each planet, are another outstanding aspect of the artwork.
Ultimately, "8 Little Planets" deserves a 4-star rating because it is a great tool for teachers and parents who want to introduce kids to the solar system. The book is a wonderful addition to any child's library because it is both fun and informative.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable, fun, fact-filled board book. An Amazon Best Book of 2018!

From the back cover: “8 little planets going ‘round the sun. Could these little planets be having much fun? YES! Neptune loves how fast it spins on its axis. Mars has the tallest mountain. And Mercury is the closest to the Sun. Each planet is unique and that’s what makes each planet feel special!” And the book is dedicated to minor planet Pluto.

Perfect for the preschool kiddies. With its catchy rhymes it is fun to read aloud. “Fiery VENUS must feel rather fraught. 900 degree temperatures sure are hot! But the 2nd little planet never cries. It loves being the brightest planet in the sky.”

Two colorful, beautifully illustrated pages are devoted to each planet (18 pages total). The book is the perfect size for small hands - 8 x 0.5 x 8 inches.

The author, Chris Ferrie, is the creator of the Baby University series.

[Tori Crews]

This book is an excellent educational resource for young readers interested in astronomy and space exploration. This book's unique cutout design allows children to explore the different planets in our solar system in a fun interactive way. This book is written in a language that is easy for kids to understand, and the illustrations are fun and engaging. It covers key concepts such as the size and distance of planets, their characteristics, and the role the sun plays in our solar system. This book encourages children to build their knowledge of planets and our solar system. This book's cutouts design challenges kids to piece together the planets in the correct order, helping them to remember the important facts and figures about each planet.

[Evianrei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, adorable little book about the nine eight planets in our solar system!

The rhymes flow decently well and all have facts about the planets. I do think however that the illustrations are what carry this book so far. Lizzy Doyle did a fantastic job making cute visuals for children to look at. My almost three-month old son loved looking all the the unique pages (I think Jupiter is his favorite). I also love how the board book itself is designed, reminds me a lot of the Eric Carle books.