Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Rich, poetic language explains the process of a total solar eclipse and ponders its effects on the living creatures below.With a sweeping sense of scope and scale, the author presents the solar eclipse as a luminous stage show that humans are occasionally privileged to view, a part of a dazzling cycle that's played out for millennia. The meditative verse offers enough factual information and terminology to make this an excellent choice for a science lesson, with readers gaining a solid sense of exactly what happens during the eclipse, especially when the text is combined with the clear and well-sourced backmatter. But at its heart, this is a story about the shared bonds of humanity, and Fox makes this grandiose cosmic event feel intimate and immediate. Jewel-toned illustrations depict racially diverse characters joyfully gathering together as communities, watching with family and neighbors from beaches and parks. As the moon makes its move "into the spotlight," the paper-doll–like characters watching the eclipse are left bonded: "Once strangers, now we are friends." Especially effective are the incandescent double-page spreads showing the moving celestial bodies. Lush turns of phrase such as a vast sky "velvet panorama" are captivating to read aloud, while the repetitive refrain "a few beautiful minutes"-referring to the brief length of time of an eclipse-anchors the experience. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Like a solar eclipse, this theatrical work of nonfiction is not to be missed. (information on solar eclipses, selected resources, timeline of an eclipse, instructions on building a sun viewer) (Informational picture book. 6-12)

ALA Booklist (Mon Nov 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Artful poetry and bold artwork combine in this warm and inviting exploration of a total solar eclipse. Fox emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of the event in lyrical lines small sphere striving / to overshadow a giant"; "all of us aware of our own tininess / all captivated and connected" at also fold in scientific concepts. Le's soft but detailed artwork shows beaming children and fascinated adults sharing the experience of the phenomenon together, as well as some of the visible effects of the eclipse nset colors in the sky, crescent shapes appearing in the dappled shade of trees. Important reminders to not stare directly at the sun are repeated throughout and in the back matter, which includes other safety guidelines for viewing eclipses and instructions for making an eclipse-viewing box. As libraries prepare for the upcoming total solar eclipse in April 2024, which will be viewable in portions of North America, this thoughtful and gracefully illustrated picture book is a strong choice that brings together the entrancing nature of eclipses and the facts surrounding the extraordinary event.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Rich, poetic language explains the process of a total solar eclipse and ponders its effects on the living creatures below.With a sweeping sense of scope and scale, the author presents the solar eclipse as a luminous stage show that humans are occasionally privileged to view, a part of a dazzling cycle that's played out for millennia. The meditative verse offers enough factual information and terminology to make this an excellent choice for a science lesson, with readers gaining a solid sense of exactly what happens during the eclipse, especially when the text is combined with the clear and well-sourced backmatter. But at its heart, this is a story about the shared bonds of humanity, and Fox makes this grandiose cosmic event feel intimate and immediate. Jewel-toned illustrations depict racially diverse characters joyfully gathering together as communities, watching with family and neighbors from beaches and parks. As the moon makes its move "into the spotlight," the paper-doll–like characters watching the eclipse are left bonded: "Once strangers, now we are friends." Especially effective are the incandescent double-page spreads showing the moving celestial bodies. Lush turns of phrase such as a vast sky "velvet panorama" are captivating to read aloud, while the repetitive refrain "a few beautiful minutes"-referring to the brief length of time of an eclipse-anchors the experience. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Like a solar eclipse, this theatrical work of nonfiction is not to be missed. (information on solar eclipses, selected resources, timeline of an eclipse, instructions on building a sun viewer) (Informational picture book. 6-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Fox pens an ode to a total solar eclipse, a moment when the moon “steal the sun’s glory/ ...for a few beautiful minutes.” Le creates vignettes of children of varying skin tones making paper sun viewers that will allow them to safely regard the eclipse, as well as sweeping landscapes from which many species encounter the spectacle. As the sky darkens, wild creatures behave instinctively (“Birds roost for the night/ as crickets and bats wake”). And during the total eclipse, delicate filaments of energy radiate from the sun—the corona’s “lightning-like tentacles.” One spread zooms in from a crowd scene to a single pale-skinned child, who radiates their own filaments of energy: “one/ tiny/ precious.../ you.” The miracle of the eclipse and the miracle of existence are drawn together in this title about the unifying power of coming “face-to-face with the splendor of the universe.” Back matter includes instructions for constructing a sun viewer. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

School Library Journal (Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 1–3 —An overview of the phenomenon known as a total solar eclipse. The book not only delves into the scientific aspects but also provides a step-by-step guide for DIY enthusiasts to create their own sun viewer, enhancing readers' safe interactions with the event. What truly sets this book apart is its captivating illustrations. The vivid watercolor imagery captures the awe-inspiring transformation of the environment during the eclipse. The contrasting dark and bright colors create a dynamic portrayal of this celestial dance, offering a genuine and immersive experience for the readers. The fluidity of the artwork evokes the real-time changes during an eclipse, making it a visual delight. Moreover, the inclusion of diverse characters emphasizes the universal impact of an eclipse. It highlights how this natural phenomenon transcends boundaries and affects people worldwide, fostering a sense of unity and shared wonder. VERDICT In a blend of science and art, this book succeeds in making the complex accessible and extraordinarily relatable, making it a valuable addition to any collection's astronomy shelves.—Jessica Calaway