A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse

by Kate Allen Fox, Khoa Le (Illustrator)

A lyrical, exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse.

What happens during a solar eclipse? The sun vanishes. Light becomes dark. Day animals sleep, and night animals wake. The moon takes over the sky. People stop what they’re doing and together, they look up. The whole world changes for a few beautiful minutes.

Celebrating the magic of this favorite wonder of the universe, A Few Beautiful Minutes encourages young readers to (safely) discover each stage of a solar eclipse—and to experience how this incredible phenomenon can connect us to one another.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Space, Childrens, Stem

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

Kate Allen Fox is an award-winning children’s author from southern California. After working in public health, she combined her passions for science and the written word and began writing picture books that inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Her debut picture book, Pando, A Living Wonder of Trees, was published by Capstone in 2021 and named one of the best books of the year by School Library Journal and Chicago Public Library and a finalist for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Little, Brown will publish her second picture book, A Few Beautiful Minutes, in 2023, and Beaming Books will publish Solstice Wish in 2024. Her essays have appeared in several publications, including The New York Times and McSweeney’s. In addition to being a writer, Kate is a speaker, arts educator, and homeschooler. Find her online at kateallenfox.com or on Twitter and Instagram @kateallenfox.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the concept of this book and the message of how an eclipses can unite even strangers. However, my 2 stars come down to the illustrations. People looking directly at the sun with their bare eyes and binoculars, along with incorrect drawings of how to use sun viewers.

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to discussions around the April 8th solar eclipse!

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book with my kids on the day of the annular solar eclipse. Author Kate Allen Fox uses lyrical language that flows beautifully with the lovely illustrations by Khoa Le. The book includes back matter on solar eclipses and a fun activity to make your own sun viewer. What a wonderful reading experience to further understand this amazing phenomenon, while we shared A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect day for this book - even if the Caribbean isn’t in the path of totality. Lovely illustrations show people, pets, and animals observing an eclipse. Love the picture of folks on the coastline - wonder what it looks like and how much we’ll see on the ocean, out of the path totality. Back matter includes more eclipse info, resources, timeline, and instructions to make a sun viewer.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely children’s book with beautiful illustrations about experiencing a solar eclipse and feeling part of something bigger than yourself. Bonus materials at the end (what is a solar eclipse, a solar eclipse timeline, how to build a a sun viewer) were nice.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written to describe the absolute beauty of a few minutes. Should probably better explain it is only recommended to look at a total eclipse and some viewers seemed to be use wrong.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

GR 1-3

Review Coming Soon

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is a must-read. Filled with lyrical language that includes alliteration and repetition and lovely illustrations that include light and dark cats that mirror the moon and sun, this book shares the experience of a solar eclipse in child-friendly words. I loved the teachable concepts like eclipse, corona, and sun viewers, and I appreciated the rich back matter (which includes instructions around how to make a sun viewer). Highly recommended for homes, schools, and libraries! Get a copy before the October 2023 and April 2024 North American eclipses!

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminds me of when the library did a whole big event for the eclipse!

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous book, in words and art.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

American author Kate Allen Fox and Vietnamese illustrator Khoa Le join forces in this picture book celebration of a solar eclipse. The poetic text describes how the eclipse will occur, what happens when it does—what it looks like, how the temperature will drop—and how it can be safely watched, while the digital artwork depicts people coming together to view this rare phenomena...

Published in autumn of 2023, A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse seems to have been published in anticipation of the solar eclipse in April 2024, which caused considerable excitement here in North America. Although author Kate Allen Fox was on my radar already because of another picture book about the winter solstice (which I have not yet read), I actually tracked this one down because I am an admirer of Khoa Le's beautiful artwork. From a purely aesthetic perspective I was not disappointed, finding the visuals here beautiful. I also appreciated Kate Allen Fox's descriptive text, and the further information available in the back matter. That said, I did wonder a bit at the accuracy of the illustrations, as some of the scenes depicting groups of people watching the eclipse only showed a few of them using eclipse glasses. This seems like a huge oversight to me, and caused me to subtract a star from my rating. The back matter is clear that it is only in the few minutes when the sun is completely blocked that it is safe to look at the eclipse with bare eyes, so perhaps the scenes in question were meant to occur in those few moments. That said, as none of the people watching with bare eyes were holding glasses or sun viewers in their hands, it seems doubtful that this was the intention. It's a shame that no editor caught this issue, as this is clearly a book meant to be informative as well as entertaining. It is certainly something that educators and parents should be aware of, when considering sharing this title with the children in their care.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely combination of poetry, gorgeous art, and information presents young readers with a great introduction to solar eclipses. A child experiences a solar eclipse with his family. Using the repeated refrain of "...for a few beautiful minutes," the author explains what a solar eclipse is and what happens when it occurs. She also demonstrates the use of a sun viewer, and gives instructions for making one in the back matter. The poetry is full of great imagery and makes for great reading out loud. The illustrations wonderfully compliments the text by showing the effects of the solar eclipse and what it looks like. Details such as that animals respond to the eclipse by bedding down for the night, at least for a time while it's dark, make the book especially usable in educational settings. Not only is the book informative but it also celebrates the remarkable nature of solar eclipses and how they can bring people together. The inclusion of additional information and sources in the back matter makes the book even more valuable.

[Starry Night · Rating 1 out of 5]

The text of the book does tell you that you should not look directly at the sun, during an eclipse or otherwise... in the end notes. One brief mention of this in the text itself states "Our eyes alone can't see the change. The Sun, still too bright, can burn them for life."

The illustrations, however, seem to say otherwise. There are images of children looking through box viewers TOWARDS THE SUN. That's not how a box viewer works. And there are multiple images of folks standing around admiring the eclipse... with their BARE EYES. One person even has binoculars.

If one does not read the end notes, one would get the impression from the illustrations that looking at the eclipse with unprotected eyes is fine. IT IS NOT. EVER.

I had high hopes for this book. Now I cannot in good conscience use it, even to say "...so what do we see that is wrong with this illustration?"

REMINDING YOU TO WEAR CERTIFIED SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

All over the world, Kate Allen Fox tells us in beautifully lyrical language of children waiting, preparing, ready to be awe-struck for "A Few Beautiful Minutes". Whoa Lee illustrates the excitement in her gorgeous full-page illustrations, including the animals' behavior as the sky darkens and stars twinkle. I've seen one. Birds really do fly in for 'night' as the sun disappears. The story shows the excitement and includes children using sun viewers, too. There is further explanation of a solar eclipse at the end plus how to make a sun viewer and a list of further resources. It's a lovely book about this phenomenon that doesn't happen very often.
You can find more information at NASA. The next solar eclipse is April 8, 2024!

Thanks to Melissa Stewart for her moon book giveaway, of which this was a part! I was thrilled to win!

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artwork by Khoa Le, so you know it's amazing. I do love it. I will say, it seemed like a lot of people were looking directly at the sun in some pages.

This is about the four minutes of totality of an eclipse. The next full eclipse will be in Aug 2026 in Europe. At the end of the book, it tells you have to make your own viewer. It looks fun. I remember the last one in April 2024. It wasn't totality here in Baltimore, but it was still really cool.

The story focuses on how this event bring people together. That is unless they are children who would rather play video games and be on their phone and hang around outside. We had to drag my niece and nephew outside and they complained the whole time how boring this was. It broke my heart. They pestered the whole time, "Ok, I've seen it, can I go back inside now." Relentless.

[S.K. Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful picture book is a must-read for any reader. Not only does the text capture the beauty of the world as an eclipse unfolds, it also shows the type of preparations that can be made in order to enjoy one safely. I've had the pleasure of experiencing two eclipses in recent years -- a solar eclipse and an annular eclipse -- and the author and illustrator do a fantastic job of sharing what these amazing events are like. From the details of sun silhouettes on the ground to the twilight-like orange hues that bathe the sky to the camaraderie felt with fellow observers. Given that another solar eclipse will occur in April 2024, along with others to follow, this title will be one to add to home, classroom, and library collections.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow a full eclipse through its few beautiful minutes. Kate Allen Fox's lyrical storytelling paints a picture of the spectacular moments the moon crosses the sun. Reading this story aloud with my kids was a joy in every way.

We loved the illustrations that nearly glowed with light. And the details like the crescent shadows to the leaves, and sunset that radiates out from the darkened sun only adds to the pleasure of sharing this story.

With a full eclipse coming in parts of the US in 2024, this seems like the perfect book to be added to a collection. And there's even instructions for building a solar eclipse viewer to keep eyes safe!

[Norene Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply stunning!! Everyone needs to take a few minutes to read A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES and then take a few more minutes to go back and reread. No one can grasp the wonder of this book by reading it only once. It's truly an epic exploration of a solar eclipse that explains what happens and its impact on individuals and communities on a level that is as easy to understand as it is visually appealing. The back matter is an added bonus that not only defines a solar eclipse and gives a detailed "what's happening when" timeline but includes instructions on how to build a sun visor. Highly recommend this STEM book!

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember your first solar eclipse? The awe, wonder, questioning, and sheer amazement are gently captured and expressed in A Few Beautiful Minutes. Through Kate Allen Fox's words, the narrator sets the stage and takes us on a journey. We experience the moments before the eclipse, through the darkening sky and then back into the light.

Wonder and amazement aren't only captured by people, it is expressed in every living being, from animals to insects and even the trees that have the ability to experience this moment.

A Few Beautiful Minutes is a perfect addition to classrooms and libraries around the globe.

[Bekka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like some other reviewers, it really troubled me that most of the people in this book are depicted staring at the sun directly. Backmatter explains that it may be safe to do so during a select time during a total eclipse, but that is not the nuanced message I want to relay to kids. I tried the book during two STEAM-themed programs geared towards kids, one for school-aged kids and one for preschoolers. I knew the younger crowd wasn't going to get through all of the words, so I skim-read it to them, but the older kids were not riveted by the book either. Overall, I thought this was a shame because the illustrations are gorgeous, albeit troublesome in some cases.

[Jenna Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gorgeously told picture book, the reader is taken through the wondrous journey of witnessing a solar eclipse. With enchanting prose and inviting illustrations, the reader is reminded that while a stunning natural event like a solar eclipse may last only a few moments, its magic brings connection, community, and wonder. Backmatter includes additional information on solar eclipses and fun instructions on how to build a sun viewer - a fabulous activity for all. Perfect for any school, library, or bookshelf, this stunning story will sure to become a favorite.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. The lyrical words by Kate Fox along with the gorgeous illustrations by Khoa Le make a book that children (and adults) will want to read over and over again. The reader is gently brought into the few beautiful minutes of a solar eclipse as if they are experiencing it firsthand.
The backmatter, including a timeline and instructions on how to build a sun viewer, add to this gorgeous, informative, and entertaining book. I highly recommend this book for all classrooms as well as anywhere curious children live. This is a winner!

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunningly illustrated, beautifully written, and equal parts fascinating and informative. Filled with magic and wonder from beginning to end this book shows a family experiencing one of nature's most spectacular wonders, a solar eclipse. Back matter provides further information on a solar eclipse and its timeline and there is even an activity to create your own sun viewer provided in the back. It is impossible not to read this book and not be left itching to experience this wonder yourself. Highly recommend!

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the gorgeous art and lyrical voice mixed with science elements, and how at one point the child is placed within the story and within the universe. The repetitive phrase "for a few beautiful minutes" gives the story a soothing cadence. And I also love how the community of strangers become friends through experiencing this celestial event together. The book has interesting back matter about solar eclipses and instructions for making your own sun viewer to use during an eclipse so you don't burn your retinas. Great book!

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Few Beautiful Minutes is a beautiful, captivating book that introduces young readers to the concept of solar eclipses and the thrill of viewing them live. The illustrations are inviting and pair perfectly with the rich, lyrical text. The book perfectly captures the exhilarating experience of awe while viewing natural phenomena, and the ways it connects people who experience it together. Back matter provides information on the science as well as instructions for making a sun viewer. I loved reading this book, and can’t wait to add it to my shelf! Highly recommend!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES: EXPERIENCING A SOLAR ECLIPSE is a tale of magical discovery. Lyrical, poetic writing is accompanied by beautiful illustrations that showcase the eclipse of the sun by the moon. Emphasis is placed on the wonder of a few beautiful minutes that occur during this short journey. The intrigue of the eclipse and the community that is formed as the watchers enjoy the few beautiful minutes draws the reader into the story. Backmatter is informative and offers additional facts and details. This is a marvelous book that kids of all ages will enjoy.

[Julie Hauswirth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combines science and poetry to create a beautiful ode to the wonders of experiencing a solar eclipse for the first time and sharing such an experience with others. With language that inspires awe and factual details about eclipses, the story is perfect for children who love science, nature, or just having a beautiful story read to them at bedtime. The back matter provides additional learning experiences, including how to make your own sun viewer. Highly recommend for families as well as schools!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this whirlwind world, author Kate Fox entices readers to slow down and understand the intricacies of nature with stunning simplicity that appeals to every child and child at heart. A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse exemplifies this! The book takes readers on a visual journey of an eclipse, slipping in ways people interact in the viewership. Poetic prose, environmental understanding, and kid-friendly STEM backmatter complete with project instructions to construct a view finder enhance this keepsake book, a perfect pick for 2023 and 2024 with the upcoming eclipse!

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely lyrical nonfiction. Kate Fox uses precious words to serve up all the suspense of a total solar eclipse. "A small sphere striving to overshadow a giant...for a few beautiful minutes." A delightful refrain prepares us as we move closer to those short minutes of totality and then celebrate what we witnessed together.
Khoa Le's illustrations bring the power and movement of an eclipse to the page.
Backmatter further defines a solar eclipse, including a timeline and how to make a sun viewer to safely look at the eclipse.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a fairly pleasant narrative until the flow was disrupted with, "In the crowd is one tiny precious . . . you," with a gigantic white male face. In a book that otherwise showed different ages and races, this seemed an odd choice . . . maybe the cover illustration (a child mostly in silhouette) would've been a better choice. Would also have liked to have seen different abilities and differences in a book about experiencing community through a shared event. In terms of illustration style, I thought the artwork was beautiful.