Totality!: An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science

by Jeffrey O. Bennett

Tens of millions of people came out to view the 2017 total solar eclipse, the first in the US in nearly four decades. Now we are approaching an even more exciting, back-to-back pair of US eclipses: an annular eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023 and a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. You won’t want to miss them, and there’s no better way to prepare than to use the free app “Totality by Big Kid Science” (expected to be downloaded and used by millions) and this new book written by the creator of that app. Totality! features a unique combination of rhyme and science that makes it suitable for a wide range of ages. The rhyme has been pedagogically constructed to serve as a mnemonic device for the underlying science explained with illustration and “Big Kid Box” sidebars. The book concludes with a glossary, suggested activities, and a one-page eclipse science summary — features that will add particular value for parents and teachers learning along with their students or kids.

Note: Printed books come with two pairs of eclipse glasses (placed in an envelope inside the front cover), and instructions on their use, that will allow readers to view the eclipse safely.

Genres: Nonfiction, Space

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 14, 2022

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A busy book, launched (apparently as part of some greater series of science volumes) principally because North America have two eclipses in the next two years. Once we get the primary matter out the way, the bulk of the book is principally full-image pages, with a rhyming couplet describing both the science of the event and the experience of it – the tracking app, the special glasses, etc. But there is so much more than that, for a box-out on about a third of the page covers all the science in detail, so that by the time you have read the verse then all that, then the captions – then the beginning stuff and end-matter as well – you’ve been inundated with stuff to learn. And it all is well-intentioned, and accurate, and peer-reviewed to the nth degree if the credits and thanks are to be believed, but in my mind too messy. Visually it doesn’t always hang together, and the range of things here, there and summarised elsewhere did leave me with a doubt the book knew its target age range or expected science expertise.

It does have enough about it to mean it should definitely stay on school shelves after 2024’s event is over, and it could travel beyond the zones those eclipses will touch on, but I did think it needed to be more coherent and accessible. And the poem? While kind of swamped by the busyness, it only really felt that it was there because it could be there, and certainly didn’t justify purchase by itself.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provided me with a free copy of this book and asked if i would review it. I am happy to do so. I read the book twice. The first time through, I read all the information. The second time through, I read the rhyming verse. I think lower elementary grade teachers will find the rhyming verse perfect for helping to introduce solar eclipses while upper elementary and middle school teachers will find the very detailed information to be very useful in their instruction about eclipses and why viewing an eclipse in the path of totality is so special. My biggest criticism is that in talking about the "upcoming" eclipses in 2023 and 2024, the author has dated the book. I will recommend this book to elementary through middle school teachers as well as students who are interested in space.

[Ana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totality! is a children's book about solar eclipses and specifically about the total solar eclipse that will happen on April 8th 2024. It is filled with fabulous images - some of which are diagrams and some are photographs to help children understand eclipses. This book is geared towards young children with a rhyme that explains the basics and more detailed information for older children who want to understand the science. The images and the scientific information are effective at explaining eclipses. One thing I didn't love was that the book tells the reader that they have to be where they can see the totality of the eclipse because it is so much more spectacular than seeing even 99% of the eclipse. In reality, many kids will not be able to see the totality and I wish that this had been worded differently. Overall this is a great scientific book about a really exciting scientific event and I'm looking forward to sharing it with my students. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One interesting book about the eclipse, that explains how it happens, and the facts surrounding it. Back then when people hadn't developed the instruments of astronomy, they were scared of the eclipse. Their source of light, the sun, was suddenly blackened for a few moments. Now we know about them, where they happen, why and how. We can even predict the next eclipse. This book tries to explain most of the event as detailed as possible for little curious minds. Well prepared and in an order that is easy to read.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ways to experience this book: the informational rhyme across the tops of the pages, the text dense sidebars on each spread (Big Kid Boxes) and an app called Totality by Big Kid Science. Full page diagrams and photos are easy to follow. Glossary, activities, and more information in the back matter. A little dry but tailor made for the eclipses of 2023&24.
Gonna take a pic of the upcoming eclipse map to see coverage where I’ll be April 8, and also of the map of future eclipses, perhaps to plan some travel!

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/9/2024 ~ Stunning images.

The rhymes are clunky, and the "big person boxes" are intense. However, if young readers explore this book with adults, there is lots of information about the 2024 solar eclipse delivered in an approachable way.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at the eclipse that will be happening on April 8th by sharing a little rhyme when it's really more about the wraparound information that's in the book.

Obviously shares quite a bit of pertinent information about the eclipse.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for kids and kids at heart!

[MandM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done and attractive to kids, includes glasses, a must!

[Paul Delacruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to understand and learn about solar and lunar eclipses. Recommend reading before the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.