On Monday, April 8th, a spectacular solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the world. This rare event provides a fantastic opportunity to engage students in learning about the science behind eclipses. This is a rare event, as it is a TOTAL eclipse with a path of visibility stretching from Canada, across America, to Mexico. A total eclipse is rare and won’t occur again in the US for another 20 years. So, let’s dive into our Six Spectacular Solar Eclipse Picture Books (With Video Links!).
For such a momentous occasion, we have compiled a list of six picture books that can help you teach your students about solar eclipses.
Download our FREE SOLAR ECLIPSE VIRTUAL LIBRARY PDF and Google Slides with BONUSES to access all the books’ video links on this page.
#1 Eclipse, by Andy Rash
Publisher’s Synopsis:
After hearing about the total solar eclipse happening in two months, a boy makes a plan with his father to go see it. They drive to the perfect campsite, not wanting to miss the couple of minutes when the sun will be completely hidden by the moon. When the moment happens, being together makes it even more special.
#2 Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story, by Jayme Sandburg
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Sun is seriously out of sorts about the upcoming total solar eclipse. Will Earthlings go blind watching it? What will they think when Sun’s dependable light suddenly vanishes in the middle of the day? How could Moon betray their stellar friendship? When totality finally arrives and Moon completely hides our brightest star from millions of Earthlings in its shadow, no one is more surprised than Sun to find Moon helped it shine in a totally different way.
#3: Totality: An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme & Science, by Jeffrey Bennett
This book is read by astronaut Steve Bowen, and he is actually reading from space in the video! He also discusses the science behind an eclipse as well!
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Tens of millions of people live in places that will experience the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 – and hundreds of millions more will see other future eclipses around the world. There’s no better way to get ready for an eclipse and to learn about the underlying science than through this book and the related free app “Totality by Big Kid Science.” Written by the astrophysicist/educator who created that app, Totality! An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science features a unique combination of rhyme and science that makes it suitable for a wide range of ages, as well as parents, teachers, and librarians.
#4 A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse, by Kate Allen Fox, Illustrated by Khoa Le
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Publisher’s Synopsis: A poetic and exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse and the magic of togetherness, seen through the eyes of a child. 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 a 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.
#5 Someone is Eating the Sun, by Ruth A. Sonneborn
Publisher’s Synopsis:
The barnyard animals run to warn one another of impending disaster: someone is eating the sun. Reader’s Review: “This was my elder son’s favorite book. In later years, it was a hit with the preschoolers I taught as well. The colors are vivid, the language engaging, and the story riveting to young children. It’s not just a silly chicken wondering why the sky is falling, but a whole passel of silly barnyard friends experiencing an eclipse.”
#6 Amazing Sights in the Sky: Eclipses, by Jane P. Gardner
Publisher’s Synopsis:
In Eclipses, early fluent readers will explore the science behind solar and lunar eclipses. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they explore outer space, Earth’s orbit, and how it plays a role in eclipses. An infographic, sidebars, and an activity offer kids an opportunity to extend discovery. Children can learn more about eclipses using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Eclipses also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Eclipses is part of Jump!’s Amazing Sights in the Sky series.
Conclusion
Reading these six spectacular picture books with your students can spark their curiosity about the solar eclipse and help them understand the science behind this rare event. Incorporating these books into your lessons can make learning about the solar eclipse an out-of-this-world experience!
