Attention all you space enthusiasts! In just over a week, the first full solar eclipse in seven years, will be visible across North America. Here in B.C., we will be able to view a partial eclipse (75%), but further east will be able to view close to a full eclipse (Click HERE to for a map that provides time viewing time frame).
Whether you will be experiencing a full or partial eclipse on April 8th, learning about this outerspace phenomonon is both fascinating and educational – and a great way to link real-life science (and safety) into your classroom!
Here are some recommendations of books to get the excitement growing and knowledge building before April 8th!
A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse – Kate Allen Fox
This is an exquisite, lyrical tribute to the solar eclipse that encourages young readers to not only discover (safely) each stage of a solar eclipse – but also encourages them to think about how this incredible phenomenon can connect us to one another. Linking science and thinking? But OF COURSE this one is on the top of my list!!!
NOTE: If you are a GPP Book Subscriber – this is one of the books you will be recieving in your Intermediate spring box!
Totality!: An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science – Jeffrey O. Bennett
Totality! explores solar eclipses, with specific focus on the total solar eclipse that will happen on April 8th. It is filled with fabulous images – some diagrams and some photographs, to help children understand eclipses. Each page includes a simple rhyme that explains the basics for younger readers and more detailed information for older children who want to understand the science behind eclipses.
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.
Eclipse – Andy Rash
A young boy reminices about experiencing the 2017 eclipse with his father. Simple and sweet explanation of solar eclipses, but also a sweet story of parent-child bonding. I love how each page starts with time passing, “a day ago,” “an hour ago,” “a minute ago,” etc. leading up to when the eclipse happens. “We are in the perfect place at the perfect time.” Maps of past and upcoming eclipses are on the front and back end pages.
Eclipse: Our Sky’s Most Dazzling Phenomenon – Kelsey Oseid
Filled with captivating information and vivid, colorful illustrations, readers will discover the ancient myths and fascinating science of eclipses. This is a bit of a “coffee table” type of book – really beautiful and with text definately geared for older readers. Would make a great gift for a space lover!
Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story – Jayme Sandberg
I thought the author does an excellent job of weaving the facts of solar eclipses with a little fun! The Sun, Moon, and Earth are all characters telling the story to help children learn both what an eclipse is and also how to be safe while viewing one. I love that a page to document your solar eclipse memory is included in the book!
What Is A Solar Eclipse? – Dana Meachen Rau
Very manageable information book exploring solar eclipses and how to safely observe them. A good choice for grade 3 and up.
Thank you, Moon – Melissa Stewart
Oh, this is a beautiful, lyric, and informative book by one of my favorite nonfiction children’s authors! While not specifically about eclipses, this is such a fascinating read about how many of Earth’s inhabitants rely on the moonlight – in each of its phases – I just couldn’t resist sharing it! Layered text makes it accessible to a variety of readers. LOVE!!!
Sun & Moon: A Giant Love Story – Lisa Desimini
A girl giant, afraid of the light, and a boy giant, afraid of the dark, live lonely lives following only the moon or the sun until an eclipse brings them together. This folk tale style story was published in 1999 so might be hard to find – but I’m including it because it is a fantastic story about eclipses for your littlest learners, but enchanting for all ages. Gorgeous illustrations.
Sunpainters: Eclipse of the Navajo Sun – Baje Whitethorne
Another older title, but I’m including it as it’s a beautiful book about eclipses told through an Indigenous lens. A Navajo grandfather explains to his grandson how the Sunpainters bring color back to nature after an eclipse. Woven into the story are themes of reverence, patience and the wonder of nature. Gorgeous illustrations and interesting back notes.
The Night Luna’s Light Went Out: A Solar System Story for Kids about the Earth and the Moon – K.J. Field
Best friends Earth and Moon are inseparable. One day, Luna feels that Earth has everything that she never will, and when she decides to leave – catastrophe strikes. Readers learn what would happen if our moon suddenly disappeared and the different ways the Moon affects our planet. Cute illustrations and interesting elements of lunar science woven throughout.
Adrienne Gear - Reading Power Ltd. 