Are you looking to spark your child’s curiosity and interest in space? Whether your little one is a budding astronomer or just loves adventure, I’ve rounded up the best children’s books about space.
Many kids know about the 1969 Apollo 11 mission and Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Buzzù Aldrin’s moon landing. But few know the behind the scenes events that occurred during the U.S. and Soviet Union space race. Or how about the fascinating story of the Mercury 13ù women pilots, who fought prejudice, sabotage, and jealousy in the 1960s to help light the way for the first American female astronauts?
Now kids can experience these stories through picture books, graphic novels, and highly enjoyable nonfiction books. They can gain a more complete picture of the fascinating history that shaped today’s space programs. These highly informative texts make excellent books for libraries.
From colorful picture books to informative nonfiction books, here are some great options to ignite young readers’ curiosity about the solar system and outer space.
Picture Books for Young Children
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes
Do you want your young child to have a glimpse of what the universe looks like at night? This book has incredible photos and simple text which is perfect to introduce young readers to the night sky, planets, and more.
The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield
This story is about the young Chris Hadfield who overcame his fear of the dark and became an astronaut who went to space. It is beautifully illustrated and tells a relevant life-lesson as an inspiring story.
Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing
by Dean Robbins
It tells the story of Margaret Hamilton, a computer scientist, who played a crucial role in the Apollo 11 mission of 1969. The colorful illustrations make this an inspiring book for young readers to learn about the importance of hard work and ingenuity.
Young Readers’ Edition Books about Space
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
by Margot Lee Shetterly
This adaptation for young readers of the book that inspired the movie with the same title is the powerful story of four African American female mathematicians who made significant contributions to the space industry at NASA. African American astronaut Katherine Johnson features in this book since she helped launch America’s first manned spacecraft.
First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong by James R. Hansen
This book tells the story of Neil Armstrong, who was the first person to walk on the moon. It features illustrations, unpublished family photos, and accounts from Armstrong himself. It is a captivating read with interesting facts.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole
This is part of the popular Magic School Bus series, and follows Ms. Frizzle and her class on a journey to outer space. This book is an enjoyable way to learn about the solar system and space exploration.
Middle-Grade Books
Mission Control, This is Apollo! by Andrew Chaikin
This book offers an in-depth and factual account of the Apollo 11 mission that brought the first humans to the moon in 1969. It includes photos and contemporary newspaper clippings that offer a window into the experience of the event.
Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman
This book takes readers on an exciting journey through space. It explains complex astronomical topics with detailed illustrations that are engaging and can be thoroughly enjoyed by children.
Fun Books about Space
National Geographic Kids: Space Encyclopedia by David A. Aguilar
This book is a comprehensive guide to space with pictures and interesting facts like how a rocket works, and what living in zero gravity feels like. It is perfect for older children who want to learn more about the space program.
George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
Suitable for kids who love fiction, this book is authored by the world-renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking, and his daughter Lucy. This is an exciting adventure that includes scientific facts about the universe.
The Magic School Bus: Space Explorers by Eva Moore
This board book is part of The Magic School Bus Rides Again series, and it follows Ms. Frizzle and her class on another educational adventure. It is highly recommended for younger readers who love learning about space in a fun way.
Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara
This book is a picture book that follows three alien friends who are always getting into mischief on their journey across space. It is a fun story that can educate young readers through the exciting adventures of the three little aliens.
Only Room for Two by Nicole Duggan
Only Room for Two follows two children on their journey to the moon. As others ask to join, the challenge is how to include them when there doesn’t seem to be enough room. This is an adventurous story of friendship with an emphasis on the value of teamwork and including others. Also, check out our FREE Only Room for Two printables.
There are numerous books about space for kids on the market with varying content and levels of depth in their explanations. We hope you are inspired by this list of some of the best books according to age groups and topics of interest.
From picture books for young children and young reader’s non-fiction books to middle-grade fiction, you’re sure to find the perfect book about space for your child. Start exploring space with your young one today!