Book Review: Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story
January 2024 :
Book Review: Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story
by Jayme Sandberg, Illustrated by Kathleen Gadeken. Lincoln, NE: It’s All Stories, LLC, 2023, ISBN 979-8988284116, paperback, $11.99, US
Reviewed by Francine Jackson
Have you ever wondered how the Sun feels when his best friend, Moon, decides to pass right in front of him? Sun is very proud of the job he has, taking care of us Earthlings, but will they think less of him?
He also worries that suddenly Earthlings are looking directly at him; he knows that’s not right, but, wait! They seem to be wearing strange glasses.
But, then, they take them off, and “love” seeing the Sun in the dark, showing his solar corona. He’s so surprised, he wants to see for himself how he looks, so he tries a diamond ring! But, then, everyone’s glasses come back on.
Sun is so happy how everyone liked him – plus no one was hurt – that he sends a note to Moon on how special they both are.
When it comes to introducing solar eclipses to young children, this little book is really special. A total solar eclipse, as told by the Sun, is a great way to show both how important our Sun is, and how it realizes how important it is not to observe it without special eye protection. The Sun is worried we will think less of him by being blocked by the Moon, but he learns the reverse is true, that we are grateful for him, despite leaving us for a short time.
As an introduction to the beauty of a total solar eclipse, this book will inspire children to want to see one, especially as this will be the last one in the U.S. until they reach adulthood. Families should read this as soon as possible, as our country’s last total eclipse for over 20 years is fast approaching. Don’t let this opportunity be lost.
