Children’s space books ignite young imaginations. Pictures of faraway galaxies and mystifying planets inspire them to dream big. And they’re a phenomenal tool for teaching children about the vastness of the universe, the world of physics, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Space exploration can be daunting for some readers. After all, the vastness of space or the unknown is a lot to take in. But children’s space books can help with any worries by showing space exploration in a relatable and reassuring way. This can support children with facing the unknown in general too.

Some space books also explore the Earth’s place in the universe and the importance of protecting our planet. By learning about Earth from a cosmic perspective, children develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.

So if you’re after children’s space books that spark curiosity, inspire future scientists, and explore new ideas, then you’ve landed in the right place.

Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash.

The Benefits Of Children’s Space Books

From a fiction point of view, children’s space books have enormous potential to feature diverse characters and stories. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, these famous narrative are brimming with imaginative worlds. And while they might feel eons away, they can reflect so much of our cultures and backgrounds.

Children’s space books also introduce children to big concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM in other words. They can learn about the solar system, astronomy, and the history of space exploration in a fun and accessible way.

This can help to address the employment gap in STEM, empowering lots of young minds to dive into the world of science.

Recommendations Of Children’s Space Books

These children’s space books are no different. Feel free to have a browse. They all come up with lots of perspectives on space exploration, from adventures to real-life stories of astronauts and scientists:

    The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen

    Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they take a trip on a wild adventure through the solar system aboard the Magic School Bus. Far from the average school trip, readers can follow along as planets are explored and asteroids are encountered.

    Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story by Mark Kelly, illustrated by C.F. Payne

    Inspired by a true story, this children’s space book follows a small mouse named Meteor. Meteor dreams of going to space, so when a spaceship needs a small crew member for an important mission, Meteor shows that even the smallest individuals can make a big difference.

    Look Inside Space by Rob Lloyd Jones, illustrated by Benedetta Giaufret and Enrica Rusina

    The wonders of space, all packed into this wonderful flip book. Perfect for children who prefer to be tactile, this children’s space book offers an interactive read, while introducing young readers to the topic of space.

    Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman

    This picturesque adaptation of the bestseller tells the true story of four African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. And it’s through their determination and talent, they helped launch John Glenn into orbit, contributing to space exploration for generations to come.

    Jazz Harper Space Explorer by Twinkl

    Set far into the future, follow Jazz Harper and her Mum as they go to live on a Mars colony, excited to experience the wonders of a new life on the famous Red Planet.

    The Cosmic Diary Of Our Incredible Universe by Tim Peake

    How are stars made? How hot was the Big Bang? What does cosmic soup taste like? Astronaut, Tim Peake answers all these questions and more in his ‘out of this world’ guide about the universe.

    A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

    Want to teach the moon phases in a whimsical way? Then read about Little Star and her mother as they bake a big moon cake. Then, when Little Star can’t resist taking a bite from the moon cake each night, the moon wanes. Then disappears completely. A lovely children’s space book that reveals the phases of the moon with its beautiful illustrations.

    I Want to Be an Astronaut by Byron Barton

    Have your children ever wondered what it takes to be an astronaut? In this simple book, readers get an insight into the life and training. From spinning in a centrifuge to floating in zero gravity, the book brings the exciting world of space exploration to life.

    The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

    Inspired by the childhood of astronaut Chris Hadfield, this story follows the journey of a young boy who dreams of exploring space but is afraid of the dark. But inspired by the moon landing and driven by his imagination, he finds a way to master his fear.

    If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

    Take young readers on a trip to the moon! This children’s space book explores what it would be like to travel there, as well as show what astronauts would experience. Full of detailed illustrations and lyrical text, it’s a great book to inspire curiosity and wonder at the thought of space travel.

    Unlocking The Universe by Steven & Lucy Hawking

    From how the universe began to putting people on the moon, this book covers questions all about the universe and how planet Earth links to it all. It’s packed with the most up to date facts and figures from leading scientists and child-friendly essays about all things space.

    More On Children’s Space Books

    Space books encourage children to wonder about the mysteries of the cosmos and ask questions about the universe. They learn about the scale of space, the beauty of celestial objects, and the intricacies of cosmic phenomena, nurturing a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

    By reading plenty of children’s space books, young readers can pick up scientific ideas, as well as learn to ask questions and make observations. If you’re after more books around science, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, then you’ll also like some of these articles around scientific literacy as well:

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