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Where to Buy The Book Chasing the Shadow In the Press For Libraries
Eye Safety Matters! This book follows standards set by the American Astronomical Society, NASA, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
✦  The Quest:  This book was made to travel. Sign it, pass it on, and let it collect a lifetime of eclipse moments!
Discover The Quest

An eclipse at 99% is remarkable.
An eclipse at 100% changes you forever.
I've chased six of them — and I want you to be ready for yours.

Available now
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Cover of Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse — a diverse group of children and adults look up in wonder at a total solar eclipse, illustrated by Rồng Phạm

Stand in the shadow of the Moon
with an eclipse chaser as your guide

Eclipses are among the most spectacular phenomena in nature, and among the most misunderstood. This book sets the record straight, and prepares you for the moment: every stage, every sensation, everything you'd miss if nobody told you to look.
A book about the experience and the science of eclipses!
Children excitedly use household objects including a colander and strainer to make pinhole projectors, casting crescent shadows — illustration from Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse
Learn about eye safety, activities and fun ways to make the most of the eclipse!
A mother helps her young child put on eclipse glasses to safely view the solar eclipse — illustration from Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse
Learn when & where total solar eclipses will happen!
A mother and child look together at an eclipse map, planning their next eclipse adventure — illustration from Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse

What other books often miss

The Moon is invisible on eclipse day — it's only black at totality
The sky turns stark and grey — no warm sunset hues
It only gets dark after 90% of the Sun is covered
Shadow bands, Baily's beads, solar prominences — all shown
Totality is safe — and most spectacular — to view with the naked eye
Includes a full map and guide to future total solar eclipses
Two open spreads of Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse showing the corona illustration and the totality crowd scene

Available in hardcover and ebook. Paperback coming in 2027:

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This book isn't complete
without your story!

When you see your first eclipse, sign the book — your name, your location, the date, and what you felt when the corona appeared. Invite your fellow eclipse chasers to sign the book as a memento of your extraordinary shared moment.

One day, pass it on. Gift it to someone you love. Donate it to your library, your school, or a children's museum. Tuck it into a Little Free Library book cottage in your community. Give it to anyone ready for a new unforgettable adventure.

Every signature is a life changed by the shadow of the Moon.
Every handoff is an invitation.

How far will your copy travel?
Illustrated portrait of Silvia Piccinotti, author of Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse, smiling in the warm light of an eclipse day

About the Author: Silvia Piccinotti

In my daily life as a biotech research scientist, Cub Scout leader and mother of two spectacular boys, my thoughts are a whirlwind of plans for science, adventure and, most thrillingly, the next eclipse! If you're reading this before April 2024, my total solar eclipse count is 5 going on 6. Otherwise, you'll have to check the map to see where the shadow of the Moon has taken me (perhaps Spain in 2026 and North Africa in 2027)! With this book, I hope to inspire and ignite the spirit of curiosity in a new generation of budding eclipse chasers and their families, sharing with them everything they need to know about safe observation, making the most of the partial phases, and savoring the excitement and eeriness of the most breathtaking spectacle on earth!

About the Artist: Rồng Phạm

Rồng Phạm, my indispensable partner in the creation of this book, is an award-winning illustrator from Vietnam. Thanks to his remarkable skills in mixed media and digital art, Rồng captured the otherworldly lighting of the partial phases and the ethereal beauty of the Sun's corona on the illustrated page. His vibrant artistic style further communicates the emotional journey of our protagonists as they experience their first eclipse. When he is not illustrating children's books, Rồng explores his artistic voice by honing his artistry with traditional Vietnamese artmaking techniques. See Rồng's process ↗

Illustrated portrait of Rồng Phạm, artist of Magical and Unusual Solar Eclipse, against a backdrop of his own artwork

Special Thanks

I must express the deepest thanks to the unsung heroes whose sustained encouragement and support meant the world to me. So much love and gratitude for my husband, AJ, and my sister, Machi. They read countless drafts and encouraged me throughout. Even more goes to my children, Alexander and Adrian, who were my expert child reader consultants throughout. They allowed me to read them many different drafts and gave me their thoughts on the writing and illustrations. They never became grouchy or resentful — which I took to be a very good sign for the book!

Six eclipses. Five continents.
One book.

Eclipses can guide adventurers to every corner of the world!
Click on any pin to see a photo and memory from my eclipse journeys.

Recognition & acclaim

American Astronomical Society logo

American Astronomical Society

Recommended on the AAS Eclipse Across America book list — the scientific authority on solar eclipse safety and education.
See the recommendation ↗
NPR logo

NPR Here & Now · April 5, 2024

"Monday marks Silvia Piccinotti's sixth total solar eclipse. This time around, she traveled to Lake Travis in the Austin, Texas, area with friends and family, including 13 kids..."
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Kirkus Reviews

"A fun budding astronomer's guide to a bewitching phenomenon. The prose describing each stage is as exciting as it is informative, inspiring curiosity."
Read the full review ↗
Indies Today 2024 Finalist Award badge

Indies Today

2024 Award Finalist. Recognition for independently published books that stand out for quality and originality.

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