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Eclipse
Shimmering rays shine around the moon. I try not to blink.
We are in the perfect place at the perfect time.
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 down and camp out, 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.
Based on a trip that author-illustrator Andy Rash took with his son to see the eclipse in August 2017, Eclipse is a heartfelt and playfully illustrated ode to seeking out unique adventures and savoring the most special moments with the people you love. Back matter about eclipses and maps of eclipses' paths across the United States make this book perfect for the STEAM curriculum.
We are in the perfect place at the perfect time.
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 down and camp out, 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.
Based on a trip that author-illustrator Andy Rash took with his son to see the eclipse in August 2017, Eclipse is a heartfelt and playfully illustrated ode to seeking out unique adventures and savoring the most special moments with the people you love. Back matter about eclipses and maps of eclipses' paths across the United States make this book perfect for the STEAM curriculum.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
4 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 5, 2024
I was hoping for a picture book that would present what an eclipse is for young readers, but it’s actually about the reminiscences of experiencing an eclipse. A very nice book, but just not what I was hoping it might be.
January 1, 2024
from the verso : "If you can go--do it! It's worth it. But if you can't, just remember that there are all kinds of amazing experiences to have as long as you're with the people you love."
This charming picture book is based on the author's trip with his son to a location in the path of totality during the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. I myself have fond memories of that day and I suppose that fueled my heartfelt appreciation of the book. The illustrations were so dear. I loved for example the telescope in the pick-up truck; of the author and his son scrambling to the spot to view the eclipse; and of the dream of them both being together (albeit a little older) to see the next solar eclipse.
Well done!
This charming picture book is based on the author's trip with his son to a location in the path of totality during the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. I myself have fond memories of that day and I suppose that fueled my heartfelt appreciation of the book. The illustrations were so dear. I loved for example the telescope in the pick-up truck; of the author and his son scrambling to the spot to view the eclipse; and of the dream of them both being together (albeit a little older) to see the next solar eclipse.
Well done!
July 3, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. Although our area just experienced a total solar eclipse, I think this book will still be popular. Do I think it was the best storyline, no. I feel like it could have had a little more detail about their plans, travel, and overall experience. However, it was a nice little "fun thing to do with my dad" kind of book. That may get some older readers all in their feelings. I like how it has a map at the beginning about the eclipse the book is written about, and also a map at the end about the most recent and upcoming eclipse across the United States.
September 18, 2023
I loved this! My family also traveled to witness the eclipse in 2017. We drove from Iowa to the St. Louis Botanical Garden.
When I brought this home from the library I took a picture of it and sent it to my son, told him what it was about and he replied "That is so cool! I love the cover!"
The next time he's home I'll have him read it.
When I brought this home from the library I took a picture of it and sent it to my son, told him what it was about and he replied "That is so cool! I love the cover!"
The next time he's home I'll have him read it.
March 24, 2024
Both a reminiscing story of a son’s memory of witnessing an eclipse with his father and a simple description of an eclipse. Maps of past and upcoming eclipses are on the front and back end pages of the book. Great choice for those who are in the path of the upcoming April eclipse.
September 29, 2023
Simple and sweet explanation of solar eclipses, but also a sweet story of father son bonding. Great for eclipse programming next April, for those of us in/near the path of totality!
April 3, 2024
If you get the chance to read Eclipse by Andy Rash before April 8, 2024, please do. However, my store is having issues with trying to locate copies (this was read via an online copy). Still it will be great after the events.
The idea is simple: a boy learns about a solar eclipse in his area. He finds out the exact location closest to him) that will be in the direct path of it. His dad okays them going, they pack their bags, go camping and just get there in time for the excitement. This, of course, happens over a matter of months, but lucky for us as a reader, it only takes a few pages.
The illustrations are simple, sweet, fun, bright and colorful. They give a bit of support to things, but the main focus is the eclipse and enjoying the special times we have with our loved ones. The story is told from a “already happened” point of view by the child, so we realize that “a year later” they still try and remember things, but of course, it is harder to get the details right. Yet, the most important thing was the time shared and that is very easy to remember.
There is back matter about eclipses, a map of when the next ones will happen (most will be in many years, just like the one that was in 2017 that inspired the book). The most clever part was that the child has mentioned that it will be years for the next one (2017 to 2024, but then even more for the next) and the art shows a bit more fun future setting that I almost bet most of us really want to see (really cool “space cars” anyone?)
The idea is simple: a boy learns about a solar eclipse in his area. He finds out the exact location closest to him) that will be in the direct path of it. His dad okays them going, they pack their bags, go camping and just get there in time for the excitement. This, of course, happens over a matter of months, but lucky for us as a reader, it only takes a few pages.
The illustrations are simple, sweet, fun, bright and colorful. They give a bit of support to things, but the main focus is the eclipse and enjoying the special times we have with our loved ones. The story is told from a “already happened” point of view by the child, so we realize that “a year later” they still try and remember things, but of course, it is harder to get the details right. Yet, the most important thing was the time shared and that is very easy to remember.
There is back matter about eclipses, a map of when the next ones will happen (most will be in many years, just like the one that was in 2017 that inspired the book). The most clever part was that the child has mentioned that it will be years for the next one (2017 to 2024, but then even more for the next) and the art shows a bit more fun future setting that I almost bet most of us really want to see (really cool “space cars” anyone?)
December 12, 2023
The cover immediately caught my attention. My library is already preparing for the eclipse this coming April, so it is a very timely title - the back matter/ end notes are very informative and are a nice compliment to the story. This is also a great story about bonding - in August of 2017 a father and son set off on a short camping trip to a close enough place (in Illinois) that will offer "totality" of the eclipse which they are able to experience and describe perfectly. They make plans to do it again - and in a note from the author encourage the reader to "... have fun and take part in amazing experiences to have as long as you are with people you love"- a great message! The artwork is bright and colorful - with the right light and dark tones to give a real impression of an eclipse. It is both an informative and truly fun story to share with a class or small group who will want to learn more about a unique and rare celestial event!
December 28, 2023
This book is a mix of facts about eclipses and a recounting of a special day spent with the narrator's dad in pursuit of seeing the path of totality in 2017. Something I love about it is how each page starts with time passing, "a day ago," "an hour ago," "a minute ago," etc. leading up to now--when the eclipse happens. "We are in the perfect place at the perfect time."
The time moves into the future as the book continues, leading up to a surprisingly moving glimpse at the future, as the father and son are much older, looking up at another eclipse. It's an ode to making memories and special days--which, as the author points out, can be any amazing experiences, not just eclipses, "as long as you're with the people you love."
I also especially love the map in the back that features future total and annular eclipses, up through 2048, which ensures this book's relevancy into the future!
The time moves into the future as the book continues, leading up to a surprisingly moving glimpse at the future, as the father and son are much older, looking up at another eclipse. It's an ode to making memories and special days--which, as the author points out, can be any amazing experiences, not just eclipses, "as long as you're with the people you love."
I also especially love the map in the back that features future total and annular eclipses, up through 2048, which ensures this book's relevancy into the future!
March 28, 2024
This picture book follows a boy and his dad who make a plan to travel to where the total solar eclipse is taking place. It is written about the one that took place in August of 2017 and is based on the author's real experiences with his son, but the story and concepts all still relate to the event coming up! The story does a good job of describing what it's like to watch a solar eclipse. Is also a lovely story about a son and his father doing a bonding activity together that is simple in many ways, but unforgettable. The backmatter is brief but it would be a good jumping off point for learning more about eclipses.
January 18, 2024
Great illustrations and use of color in this account of a dad and son's memorable day together when they witness a total solar eclipse.
May 21, 2025
The story is about a boy who plans a trip to go see a total solar eclipse back in 2017. I remember that one. It was a big deal. This book teaches kids everything they need to know about an eclipse.
I've personally seen a partial eclipse for the 2024 eclipse. It was still really cool and it was like twilight. We still got the crescent light you could see through a colander. The niece and nephew were such poops. They just wanted to watch TV. We had to force them to go outside and they were bored the whole time. An ice cream truck came by and that made them excited. They saw the crescent shapes through the colander and my niece said in her disaffected voice, "Yeah, its great." How is that not cool. I hope they grow out of this. Anyway, it was very cool, just the partial eclipse.
My parents were in the total eclipse and they said it was like a rock concert. Everyone was there.
The artwork was digital and well done. The science stuff wasn't overdone, but things were explained well. The total eclipse looked cool the way it was drawn. Upbeat and happy art
They showed the future solar eclipses and there aren't many for many years. Most won't happen until the 2040s. That will be here before we know it.
Kids into nature will love this, or science.
I've personally seen a partial eclipse for the 2024 eclipse. It was still really cool and it was like twilight. We still got the crescent light you could see through a colander. The niece and nephew were such poops. They just wanted to watch TV. We had to force them to go outside and they were bored the whole time. An ice cream truck came by and that made them excited. They saw the crescent shapes through the colander and my niece said in her disaffected voice, "Yeah, its great." How is that not cool. I hope they grow out of this. Anyway, it was very cool, just the partial eclipse.
My parents were in the total eclipse and they said it was like a rock concert. Everyone was there.
The artwork was digital and well done. The science stuff wasn't overdone, but things were explained well. The total eclipse looked cool the way it was drawn. Upbeat and happy art
They showed the future solar eclipses and there aren't many for many years. Most won't happen until the 2040s. That will be here before we know it.
Kids into nature will love this, or science.
March 30, 2024
I saw this recommended by a librarian account I follow and I checked it out to use for a library lesson ahead of the total solar eclipse happening on April 8th. We have spring break next week so I read this to 2nd–5th grades this week so that they could know more about the eclipse happening on our first day back to school.
I really liked the story's format, the illustrations are vibrant, and the story both appeals to and educates a wide range of ages. My students enjoyed learning more about total eclipses and they were eager to learn where and when they can see the next eclipse.
I really liked the story's format, the illustrations are vibrant, and the story both appeals to and educates a wide range of ages. My students enjoyed learning more about total eclipses and they were eager to learn where and when they can see the next eclipse.
December 15, 2023
A young boy learns that there is an upcoming eclipse. He is fascinated! He researches the closest place for viewing and he and his father take a trip to view it. The book goes into all the details about what is needed to view the eclipse. The boy and his dad are so awed and amazed, they make plans to view another one - when it happens. Based on a true story!
There is lots of great info for the upcoming eclipse in 2024. I think this will be a very popular book over the next few months.
There is lots of great info for the upcoming eclipse in 2024. I think this will be a very popular book over the next few months.
March 27, 2024
They must have rushed this one out, because even though it has a 2023 copyright date, they left out the April 8, 2024 eclipse except for the map on the back endpaper. It even says it's a long time until the next eclipse (?) It does a pretty fair job of explaining the eclipse, talking about when to wear the glasses, the traffic after, etc. I wonder if there are many kids picking out a spot for an eclipse and planning a trip like this, but I believe the author.
May 22, 2024
5 stars. Based on a trip the author took with his son to see the solar eclipse in 2017. A countdown from the 2 months that he learned about the total eclipse in class, the preparations they made to visit the closest totality place near their Wisconsin home. Love at the end they plan to go to another eclipse together, perhaps the one we just had in Texas in 2024. Great map showing upcoming USA eclipse paths - Alaska 2033 anyone? Back matter explaining the 3 types of eclipses.
January 4, 2024
I can't remember any other picture book that clarifies a total solar eclipse the way this one does. In addition to the lovely father-son adventure, the back matter explains what total eclipses and annular eclipses are; and the end papers show the paths of several upcoming total and annular eclipses that will be visible in the United States.
January 4, 2024
A great book to introduce the concept of eclipses and the opportunities to experience scientific phenomena. I loved the incorporation of planning and a countdown. It's great that the endpapers include future eclipses occurring within the US. While the endnotes explaining more about the types of eclipses are great it would have been wonderful to included suggested reading.
February 1, 2024
So cute. Love how the time is in the past tense leading up to the eclipse and then is set in the future after the eclipse happens. Explanations are simple and the focus is on the actions taken by the parent and child. I'm going to be in the path of the 2024 total eclipse, so I'm excited to look for the shadows on the ground.
April 12, 2024
A really sweet (and nicely illustrated) story about a boy and his dad taking a road trip to experience the eclipse in 2017. I had it on hold at the library and hoped the other readers would turn it around quickly so I could read it on Monday for the eclipse. Nope, but I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it today.
July 23, 2024
A boy and his father plan, travel to and experience the total solar eclipse. Bright cheerful illustrations and clear straightforward text make this a fun read for kids remembering this summer's eclipse or those wanting to read more about it.
Based on a real life experience which adds a nice note to the story.
Based on a real life experience which adds a nice note to the story.
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October 13, 2023This was a super cool book! The undies are good, too. It really did a good job telling how to plan a trip to see an eclipse and what happens when you're there. I'm hoping to see my first total eclipse in April!
November 9, 2023
The author remembers a trip with his dad to see a full eclipse. He shares everything that happened to prepare and the joy of being together to see it. The artwork captures the stunning view and the emotions for these two men.
March 2, 2024
Perfectly captures what it was like to experience totality during the 2017 total solar eclipse. Teaches about different kinds of eclipses, safety, and end pages show future solar eclipses. Would be a great classroom read-aloud, especially for those who will soon be in the path of an eclipse!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
‘Eclipse’ by Andy Rash dazzles with its vibrant illustrations and narrative, capturing the awe-inspiring moments surrounding an eclipse in a way that is both heartwarming and educational for young readers.
March 20, 2024
This is a cute story based on the author's experience of seeing a solar eclipse with his son. I liked that it really showed the different phases of an eclipse, and that it emphasized the experience of seeing a natural phenomenon.
March 31, 2024
This is my book choice for this month's family book club. After reading the story we will have several activities to participate in to learn about the eclipse. Can't wait for the fun event and the eclipse itself!!
October 24, 2024
A wonderful kids book that shows the joys of viewing an eclipse as a child with your dad. I learned some things I didn't know for my first eclipse and as a bonus, the book has a map in the back with the next several eclipse paths so you can potentially plan for the future.
July 28, 2025
Brightly illustrated tale of the trip Andy Rash and his son took to see the total eclipse in 2017. It was a special fathers and son moment. It appears that the Rash’s family hopes to share another eclipse event.
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September 26, 2023Turn/Level: 1/3
Eclipses
A tale of a boy and his dad making a special event of an eclipse.
Eclipses
A tale of a boy and his dad making a special event of an eclipse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews