Space exploration is fascinating to people of all ages. As young one’s minds expand and grow, space presents countless questions and avenues of exploration. Astronomy, astronauts, and mysteries of what lies beyond our planet! Here are 19 of the best kindergarten-age books to introduce your child to the wonders of space.
All About Space
You really can’t go wrong with any National Geographic Kids book. They are the perfect mix of entertainment and education, with great illustrations and pictures. Little Kids First Big Book of Space is a great reference book and comprehensive overview for kids just starting to show an interest in space. (Ages 4-8)
Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations – This award-winning National Geographic book is a perfect choice to introduce children to constellations. The illustrations are beautiful and each constellation includes a fascinating story about the animal. (Ages 6-9)
Constellations for Kids is a great introductory book to the stars for kindergarten-aged kids. What I especially like is the step-by-step instructions on how to identify each constellation. (Ages 6-9)
Birthday on Mars! is an adorable picture book that follows the Curiosity robot as he gives the reader a tour of his planet, Mars. Kids will be blown away when they find out that Curiosity is real and living on Mars, and actually did sing happy birthday to himself to celebrate his first year on the planet! You can follow along with the robot’s adventures on Twitter. (Ages 5-8)
And if your kid is a fan of the Curiosity rover, Rover Throws a Party and Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover are also some good robot reads.
Space Adventures
Magic Treehouse: Midnight on the Moon– The Magic Treehouse book series are such exciting reads that I hate to even categorize them as learning. And yet you can’t help but pick up some history and science knowledge as you follow Jack and Annie on a fast-paced adventure, in this case on a mission to the moon to save their friend! (Ages 6-9)
Another classic series, The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System has Ms. Frizzle and her class missing a trip to the planetarium, and instead travel to the moon! Filled with adventure and fun space facts. (Ages 4-8)
This fun wordless picture book is an ALA Notable Children’s Book and is about one classroom’s field trip in space, and what happens when someone needs to be rescued! Field Trip to the Moon is a great read for imaginative kids who dream of taking their own class trip to the moon. (Ages 4-8)
Max Goes to Jupiter, A Science Adventure with Max the Dog was selected for NASA’s Storytime from Space Program and is about Max the Dog’s trip to Jupiter. The book is written as a story for younger kids, and has informational boxes delving deeper into the science for older kids. (Ages 4-12)
Moustronaut, the New York Times Best-selling book by astronaut Mark Kelly (twin brother to astronaut Scott Kelly!) is a fun semi-true story of Meteor the mouse and his trip to space. (Ages 4-8)
Calling All Future Astronauts!
Astronaut in Training is all about what it takes to become an astronaut! From exercising, STEM, and learning to speak Russian phrases, this is a great book for aspiring space explorers! (Ages 5-8)
Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy is a fun introductory book about how to become an astronaut. (Ages 3-7)
Biographies and Autobiographies
Reaching for the Moon is a children’s picture book written by Buzz Aldrin – perhaps the most famous astronaut of all time -and tells the story of his life and adventures as the second person to set foot on the moon. (Ages 4-8)
My Journey to the Stars by astronaut Scott Kelly (twin brother to astronaut Mark Kelly!) is about his time as the first person to spend a whole year in space. (Ages 5-8)
I am Neil Armstrong by Brad Meltzer is part of the Ordinary People Change the World book series, a series of biographies of real-life heroes. (Ages 5-8)
Women and Space
The Girl Who Named Pluto is a fun non-fiction story of the girl who gave the former planet its name. A great story of how little people can accomplish big things. (Ages 4-8)
Mae Among the Stars is a lovely picture book about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. (Ages 4-8)
Margaret and the Moon is a well-told biography of Margaret Hamilton and her work at NASA. The illustrations and wording make this book very appealing to young space lovers. (Ages 4-8)
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