Review by Booklist Review
Using simple, straightforward language, vocabulary words defined within the text, and clear, helpful illustrations, Bill Nye and the Planetary Society invite young readers to learn about solar and lunar eclipses. The explanations of how people on earth see shadows created when either the moon or our planet gets in the way of the sun's rays are easy to grasp, and carefully chosen photos and diagrams reinforce concepts. There are brief historical interludes, such as sidebars on Copernicus or how ancient Greeks deduced that the earth was round based on the shape of earth's shadow, but the overall emphasis is on the regularity of eclipses and safe ways of viewing them. The section on why certain eclipses can only be seen from limited places on earth brings the content full circle, reminding readers that the moon is constantly moving, creating a sense of wonder. There's a glossary and brief list of resources that will be helpful for report writers, and emerging and newly independent readers will appreciate the inviting and accessible content.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--This accessible book from the Planetary Society's chief scientist explores solar and lunar eclipses. Text covers the cause of an eclipse along with explanations of the various possible types, the movement of the Earth and Moon, phases of the Moon, and how shadows are formed. Large, clear photos with helpful captions show total, partial, and annular eclipses as well as crowds viewing the phenomena. Diagrams of the necessary positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun support the text, as do sidebars on syzygy, Copernicus, and even eclipses on Mars. Safety warnings remind readers to use special protective glasses or pinhole viewers to watch a solar eclipse. A glossary and suggestions for further reading round out the back matter. Bill Nye's opening note is only the first incredible detail that will captivate the attention and imagination of young readers. This information is an especially timely addition to collections due to the number of eclipses that will occur in 2024. VERDICT Perfect for intermediate science lessons and a useful update for existing library collections; the large format images make it especially appealing.--Suzanne Costner
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A short primer on eclipses, both solar and lunar. A note from Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye (the Science Guy) opens this book. Betts goes on to explain that eclipses--when either "the Moon enters Earth's shadow" (lunar) or "Earth enters the Moon's shadow" (solar)--are one of the times the wonders of space can be experienced here on Earth. The first chapter uses diagrams to show how shadows are cast by the moon and Earth and how their orbits affect the shadows. Betts also states that syzygy "refers to three bodies in space that are in a straight line" (Earth, the moon, and the sun). After covering the general concept, the next chapters go into more detail on lunar and then solar eclipses, with beautiful full-color photos of both kinds of eclipses and racially diverse groups of people watching them. The solar chapter is especially strong, with safety warnings, instructions on using a piece of cardboard to watch the eclipse, and information on how the Mars rovers have photographed eclipses. The text blocks are kept small and straightforward so that the information doesn't overwhelm readers. The result is impressively clear and efficient--the level of detail will satisfy advanced readers, while the digestible format will be welcoming to reluctant or hard-to-please readers. The author's enthusiasm shines through clearly and is contagious. Sure to excite a new generation of stargazers and scientists. (glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
