Space Books for Kids: The Ultimate Space Book Collection

Kids love learning about space, so start early by reading these fun books that will inspire curiosity in young readers!

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Mae Among the Stars

Written by Roda Ahmed

Illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Published by Scholastic

Age 4+

Mae dreams of seeing Earth from space. There are so many obstacles in her way, space is far away, and she has so much to learn. With her parent’s support, Mae knows, “If you dream it, believe in it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” This beautiful picture book is a wonderful introduction to the life of Mae Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and most famously, the first black woman to travel in space. Mae Among the Stars alludes to the challenges Dr. Jemison faced and overcame to pursue her dreams. This book inspires one to ask, “what are your dreams” and know that anything is possible.

Exploring Space: Astronauts

Written by Colleen Sexton

Published by Bellwether Media

Age 5+

Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? This book introduces readers to what it takes to soar into space. The photographs show the intense training (three years!) astronauts undergo. Future astronauts will be excited to learn that each astronaut plays different roles on a mission; everyone has a unique job to do! Furthermore, the book includes what life is like up in space. 

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space

Written by Catherine D. Hughes

Illustrated by David A. Aguilar

Published by National Geographic

Ages 3+

An excellent introduction to space for preschool and elementary-age kids. The book is filled with colorful art and photography kids will gravitate to (pun intended). This is a great reference book that will be picked up repeatedly to answer your child’s millions of questions. I love the fact boxes that sprinkle the page that have neat facts. This book is a first purchase for your home or classroom library.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Written by Margot Shetterly

Illustrated by Laura Freeman

Published by HarperCollins

Ages 6+

Based on the New York Times Bestselling book, this beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book recounts how Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women scientists worked hard to overcome racism and sexism to help launch astronauts into space.

This book is essential to any classroom, school, or public library. It can be tied into countless lessons, including Engineering, Women’s History, African American History Month, SEL (social, emotional learning) on persistence and collaboration, and nonfiction book features (check out the great timeline in the book).

This book demonstrates that hard work and perseverance can make dreams come true.

If You Had Your Birthday On the Moon

Written by Joyce Lapin

Illustrated by Simona Ceccarelli

Published by Union Square Kids

Ages: 4+

This fun nonfiction book invites readers to imagine what celebrating a birthday on the moon would be like. Lapin introduces readers to historical and scientific facts about the moon and gravity in an engaging, relatable, kid way. For example, Lapin explains that there is no need for a bounce house on the moon, as the lack of gravity would stimulate that sensation.

Cool fact: your birthday would last MUCH longer on the moon than on Earth, because it takes the moon much longer to rotate. Who wouldn’t want their birthday on the moon?

Class Activity Idea: How would your birthday be the same/different on the moon? Use this FREE-lined Venn diagram template I created to compare and contrast. I would love to see what you come up with! Please share it with me on IG @playgroundlibrarian.

Fiction

How to Catch a Star

Written and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Philomel Books

Ages 3+

Once there was a boy who loved stars very much. One day, he decides he will catch one of his very own. The book recounts how the boy achieves his quest. This is a sweet whimsical tale of a young child chasing his dreams. Jeffers’s illustrations are beautiful; the watercolors are very soothing–perfect for a bedtime story. What most appeals to me in the artwork are the stars–no two stars are identically shaped, nor are the sides equal. Readers who have ever drawn stars can relate to the ones created by Jeffers, just as they may make the connection of seeking a goal others may perceive as unattainable. This book encourages readers to dream, and demonstrates that if you persevere you can make your dreams come true.

Happy Reading!

XO, Sheryl