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?)