Totality!

Overview

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.

Reviews

"Jeffrey Bennett has done it again! He has created another engaging book for kids and adults to help us enjoy and understand science in all its wonder." — Patricia Tribe, Founder, Story Time From Space

"This concise, authoritative, and entertaining introduction to solar eclipses will appeal to readers of all ages. With this book and its companion Totality app, you’ll be well prepared not only to plan a rendezvous with the Moon’s shadow, but also to enjoy the experience and understand the science behind it." — Rick Fienberg, American Astronomical Society and Sky & Telescope

"The most 100% correct eclipse poem ever! Jeffrey Bennett has created a witty ditty, with the science behind the rhyme, just in time for the next solar eclipse shadows crossing the United States." —Megan Donahue, Michigan State University and Past President, American Astronomical Society

"Nature’s most awe-inspiring sight is headed to North America, and Totality! will prepare you for this not-to-be-missed event. The book offers a joyous introduction to the science behind—and the spectacle that is—a total solar eclipse." —David Baron, author of American Eclipse

"My students thoroughly enjoyed the way the book incorporates science through rhyme, fabulous artwork, and detailed explanations. Such a wonderful way to engage learners!" —Heather Bunting, Shore Preparatory School, North Sydney, Australia

"A great book for kids (and parents) who want to know the facts about eclipses! Each page expands upon a rhyming couplet with beautiful photographs, instructive figures, and lucid explanations." —Mark Voit, Michigan State University

"My fifth graders loved this educational book, asking me to read it again and again!" —Sara Wrightstone, Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, PA

"Nothing evokes awe, wonder, and inquiry like a total solar eclipse, and Totality! is the perfect introduction for children and their parents. Beautifully illustrated and highly accessible, Totality! explains nature's greatest spectacle and makes the case for making the effort to experience it." —Mike Simmons, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science

"Fantastic book! Using a poem that stimulates curiosity and interest, along with detailed scientific content, activities, and illustrations, ensures that the book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages." —Helen Zentner Levy, Mark Levy, Brooklyn College

"Part science textbook, part children’s poetry book, Totality provides an engaging and comprehensive explanation of eclipses. The graphics and illustrations bring this complex topic to life." —Courtney Black, Education Project Manager, International Space Station, U.S. National Laboratory

"A fantastic combination of art and science, Totality is relevant and timely for students and a valuable resource any the classroom." —Sarah Haisley, Chair of Elementary & Special Education, Ivy Tech Community College

"My class absolutely loved the book! They were engaged and involved as we discussed the incorporation of the rhyme and science." —Emily Kathryn Vazquez Archer, Virginia Academy

"My students loved the way this book helped them learn the science of eclipses, and especially appreciated how the rhyme and illustrations made the concepts easier to understand." —Kaci Heins, Shelby West Middle School, Shelbyville, KY

"The clever rhyming on each page, along with higher-level scientific content, makes this book accessible to all ages. Totality! has my students —and me—well prepared to experience the extraordinary life event of a total solar eclipse." —Holli Hoskins, Foothill Elementary, Boulder, CO

"My students loved Totality! And I was excited at how easy it was to tie in lessons and activities to reinforce concepts and excite my students for upcoming eclipses!!" —Mare Gilmore, Silver Sand School, Okaloosa County, FL

Author Biography

Astrophysicist/educator Jeffrey Bennett is the author of numerous books, including college textbooks (in astronomy, astrobiology, mathematics, and statistics), books for the general public, and six previous books for children. All six children’s books have won numerous awards, including the American Institute of Physics Science Communication award. All six have also been read by astronauts aboard the International Space Station for the Story Time From Space program (storytimefromspace.com). More info at jeffreybennett.com.