Raise your hand if you’re planning to experience the total solar eclipse on April 8th! I imagine most people in North America are going to be trying to get a glimpse. I’m heading to Texas for the show and am getting prepared. So for this bookish field trip, I have been reading a fabulous selection of picture books on the topic. Today, I’m excited to share:
A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse
Written by: Kate Allen Fox
Illustrated by: Khoa Le
Published by: Little, Brown and Company: 2023
Perfect for: ages 4-8 and everyone who is interested in eclipses
Themes & Topics: Solar eclipse, astronomy, nature
The story begins…
Under a broad, blue sky
from coast to coast,
we gather for a rare illusion…
a total solar eclipse-
when the sun vanishes into thin air
…for a few beautiful minutes.
Why I think this is a great book to add to your picture book collection:
A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES is written beautifully with a poetic text that lets readers experience the awe inspired by witnessing a total solar eclipse. The book is child- centered showing the preparations made for viewing and clearly explaining the actual science involved, moment by moment. We see children making sun viewers, people gathering, and what animals do as it grows darker. When the total eclipse occurs there is magic in the air as the sun’s corona shimmers around the moon.
The digital illustrations are exquisite and shine on each page in a visual celebration of a very special event.
I actually got chills while reading A Few Beautiful Minutes as it brought back memories of the eclipses I have witnessed.
Author Kate Allen Fox has wonderful resources on her website.
Mr. Ernie is ready. Are you?
NASA has a number of interesting videos on youtube. Here’s one:
Oh, this is perfect. I just wrote lessons for my kindergartners but didn’t know anyone had written a picture book about it. I’ll see if I can find it.
And how cool you’re heading to TX to watch!
Thanks for sharing, Claire!
Hi Tina,
Were you able to see the eclipse?
We had such a great experience. I was with a good friend that I served on the Holt Board with. And, she’s just sold three picture books. I’d love to connect you two.