Astrophysicist/author Jeffrey Bennett, a recipient of the American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award, has long specialized in math and science education. TOTALITY! is his 7th book for children, and it will join his 6 previous children’s books as a selection for the Story Time From Space program, in which astronauts aboard the International Space Station read books to the children of Earth, with videos posted at storytimefromspace.com. 

Dr. Bennett is also the author of critically acclaimed books for the general public on topics including global warming, the search for extraterrestrial life, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and math and science teaching, and the lead author of college textbooks in astronomy, astrobiology, mathematics, and statistics (combined sales 2+ million copies). Dr. Bennett’s expertise spans math and science education for all ages, astrophysics, quantitative reasoning, and the science of global warming. Other career highlights include having served as a Visiting Senior Scientist at NASA Headquarters, proposing and co-leading development of the Voyage Scale Model Solar System on the National Mall in Washington, DC, founding Big Kid Science, creating the free app Totality by Big Kid Science, and creating a free online textbook/curriculum for middle school Earth and Space Science (grade8science.com). Learn more at jeffreybennett.com and bigkidscience.com.

ABOUT TOTALITY!

Tens of millions of people came out to view the 2017 total solar eclipse, the first in the US in nearly four decades. Now we are approaching an even more exciting, back-to-back pair of US eclipses: an annular eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, and a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. You won’t want to miss them, and there’s no better way to prepare than to use the free app “Totality by Big Kid Science” (expected to be downloaded and used by millions) and this new book written by the creator of that app. 

The TOTALITY! book features a unique combination of rhyme and science that makes it suitable for a wide range of ages. The rhyme has been pedagogically constructed to serve as a mnemonic device for the underlying science explained with illustration 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 students or kids. 

Printed books come with two pairs of eclipse glasses (in an envelope inside the front cover), and instructions on their use, that will allow readers to view the eclipses safely. 

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Jeffrey Bennett has done it again! He has created another engaging book to help both kids and adults 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.” —Rick Feinberg, 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 Astrological Society

“TOTALITY! 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 learning science through rhyme, fabulous artwork, and detailed explanations. Such a wonderful way to engage learners!” —Heather Bunting, Shore Preparatory School, North Sydney, Australia

“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 the beautifully illustrated and highly accessible TOTALITY! Is the perfect introduction for children and their parents.” —Mike Simmons, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science

“Fantastic book! With a poem that stimulates curiosity and interest, and detailed scientific content, activities, and illustrations, this book will be treasured by readers of all ages.” — Helen Zentner Levy, Mark Levy, Brooklyn College