Today’s the day, it’s finally come
I’ll see a diamond on the Sun
(the opening of the Totality rhyme)
(Watch the author read the book here.)
Do you want understand the “how and why” of eclipses?
There’s no better way to learn than with this fun and educational book. Ideal for both kids and adults. Teachers: This book is also the ideal way to help your students meet local, state, or national standards around eclipse science.
Totality! An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science features a unique combination of rhyme and science that makes it suitable for readers of all ages, as well as parents and teachers. The engaging rhyme, with a couplet on each page, has been pedagogically constructed to serve as a mnemonic device for the underlying science, which is further explained through beautiful illustrations and “Big Kid Box” sidebars. The book concludes with a glossary, suggested activities, and an eclipse science summary — features that will add particular value for parents and teachers learning along with their kids or students.
SELECTION — Story Time From Space
→ Watch astronaut Steve Bowen read Totality from the International Space Station
WINNER – 2023 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites
WINNER – 2023 Children’s Book Council Librarian Favorites
WINNER – Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal
WINNER – Colorado Book Award (category: Juvenile Literature)
In Support of Equal Justice, Black Lives Matter, and Education for All
Big Kid Science devotes 100% of revenue (yes, revenue, not just profits) to a combination of nonprofit donations and free public outreach.*
*Recipient organizations include the National Urban League and Story Time From Space, and our outreach projects include the free Totality app, our free digital curriculum for Middle/High School Earth and Space Science, and free visits to schools and communities by author Jeffrey Bennett.
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Applies to titles purchased Direct From Distributor.
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Praise for Totality! An Eclipse Guide in Rhyme and Science
“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
“A GREAT teaching tool for the classroom!”
— Cynthia Tait, Michigan Mama news
“This book is perfect!”
– Picture Book Brain