literacy

math

science

themes

centers

christian

digital

classroom

20 Space Books for Little Learners

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read our disclosure here.

Teaching our little learners about space is such a wonderful unit to go through. There are so many fun ways to go through this unit and watch little minds be amazed as they learn about stars, astronauts, planets, and so much more out there in space! It’s even more fun to watch them read through books related to this unit.

Finding space books to read with them is a fun addition with units like these and they get to see all the different aspects of space!

Taking the time to read space books is important for our little learners as they go through this exciting space unit! They’ll discover all kinds of things that are out there in our galaxy. Some may they recognize such as stars in the sky, others might be totally new like the different planets!

I’ve found some fun space books for you to use with the space unit that can be purchased on Amazon. Just click the links below and stock up on some amazing space books! I love to use my prime membership for this since I can get all the books I need with FREE 2-day shipping.

Me and My Place in Space

Now in a Dragonfly edition, here is an out-of-this world introduction to the universe for children.  With earth as a starting point, a young astronaut leads readers on a tour past each planet and on to the stars, answering simple questions about our solar system.

Astronaut Handbook

With an appealing text and funny, brightly colored illustrations, Meghan McCarthy transports aspiring space travelers to astronaut school in her young nonfiction picture book. Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Try a bite of astronaut food, such as delicious freeze-dried ice cream. Have your measurements taken—100 of your hand alone—for your very own space suit. Get ready for liftoff!

The Sun and the Moon

Has the excitement of the total solar eclipse sparked interest in the sun, moon, and stars in your home or classroom? The Sun and the Moon should not be missed! Recommended by Brightly.com in 2017 as a favorite book for kids about astronomy: “This book even has a glossary and science experiments to offer kids a hands-on learning experience.”

The Sky is Full of Stars

Young stargazers learn about different star colors and brightnesses, how to locate major constellations, and how to make mini planetariums by using coffee cans and flashlights. ‘A fine job of encouraging young people to look at stars and constellations. . . . Highly recommended as a science resource book.” —Science and Children. “A dandy book for [primary grade] readers.” —AP.

Our Stars

Scientists use telescopes and satellites to study the stars. But even though they’re far away, stars are part of your world, too! Just lift up your eyes to see. Anne Rockwell explains the universe with bright pictures and simple text in a book that will delight any curious child’s mind!

The Planets in Our Solar System

Where is it partly cloudy and 860°F? Venus! This classic picture book is a fascinating exploration of space written by children’s nonfiction veteran and former chairman of the American Museum of Natural History–Hayden Planetarium Franklyn M. Branley and illustrated by Kevin O’Malley. Full of interesting facts about the eight planets in our solar system, including our very own Earth, this bestselling book also features photographs from Voyager and other space explorers.

There’s No Place Like Space!

Au revoir, Pluto! In this newly revised, bestselling backlist title, beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched on a wild trip to visit the now eight planets in our solar system (per the International Astronomical Union’s 2006 decision to downgrade Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet), along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Dick, and Sally. It’s a reading adventure that’s out of this world!

I Want to Be an Astronaut

From picture-book master Byron Barton, this is the perfect story for young readers who love outer space and want to know more about how NASA astronauts do their job. Up into the sky goes the space shuttle! Once in orbit, the astronauts get a taste of ready-to-eat food, experience zero gravity, go for space walks, and even fix a satellite. It’s fun to fly aboard the shuttle…and then come back to earth.

Goodnight Spaceman

Blast off to dreamland with this charming book that’s destined to be your child’s favorite. Rocket across the stars and through the universe with these joyful illustrations and fun rhymes. It’s the perfect book for parents and toddlers to read together at bedtime, nap time, or any time at all.

OLIVIA Blasts Off!

Olivia’s big imagination is taking her on a journey to outer space! Come along for an out-of-this-world adventure with Olivia and decorate the scenes with the reusable stickers that come with this book!

What We See in the Stars

A richly illustrated guide to the myths, histories, and science of the celestial bodies of our solar system, with stories and information about constellations, planets, comets, the northern lights, and more.

I am Neil Armstrong

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great.  The traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero’s childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume tells the story of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon

The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System

The fieldtrip to the planetarium is foiled when the museum turns out to be closed, but Ms. Frizzle saves the day. The Magic School Bus turns into a spaceship and takes the class on a trip zooming through the atmosphere, to the Moon, and beyond! With up-to-date facts about the solar system, revised for this edition.

Good Night Galaxy

Good Night Galaxy explores the Milky Way planets, the sun, the moon, asteroids, comets, black holes, constellations, binary stars, the Big Dipper, meteors, the Orion nebula, red giants, and more. Blasting into outer space, this unique and educational board book gives young astronauts a tour of our Milky Way Galaxy. No asteroid is left unturned!

Think like an Astronaut! How Do Rockets Work?

This educational tool gives a new meaning to “rocket science”. Contrary to what was previously agreed, rocket science doesn’t have to be too difficult. It can actually be presented in a way that’s easy for young learners to understand. The secret? Pictures! With the right placement of images and selected texts, pictures can become the secret to effective study. Grab a copy today!

What’s Out There?

What is the sun made of? What causes night and day? Why does the moon change shape? Colorful collage illustrations and an easy-to-understand text bring planets, stars, comets, and the wondrous things out there in space right down to earth in a simple introduction to the solar system for young armchair astronauts.

Astronauts

Blast off on an adventure to the International Space Station! Join the astronauts on their long journey and learn how they work, eat, and sleep in this zero-gravity atmosphere. With the fun interactive features, kids can make the rocket take off, go on a space walk, watch the sun rise and set 16 times a day, and more. Simple science facts will fascinate budding astronauts and astronomers.

Planets

Take a trip through the solar system and discover what¹s really up in the sky! Packed with fascinating facts about planets, comets, asteroids and more, Planets is a galaxy of fun for young astronomers…and everybody who gazes at the night sky!

How to be a Space Explorer

Everything young explorers needs to know to travel in space, covering what life in zero gravity is like, how to find your way around the solar system, and the all-important question of how to pee in a spacesuit! Unique illustrations take kids to the heart of the action and amazing photos show what the universe is really like.

Through the Milky Way on a PB&J

Across the solar system and on to the Milky Way! School’s out for the summer and Sami and Thomas have big plans. They’ve built a spaceship in their tree house and are going to blast off for a tour of the solar system.  But one of the planets holds a special surprise. Vibrant images and flowing verse bring this imaginative story to life. Space lovers and adventurers of all ages are sure to love this cosmic journey.

Teaching the space unit is such a blast for our little learners as they explore the different aspects of space that are out there. It’s fun for us too as we get to watch them learn and grow with new ideas! Grab some fun exciting books and this space unit and explore all the amazing parts of space out there.

LIKe what you read?

subscribe to our newsletter for more ideas and offers

Become an mjcs subscriber!

sign up to get weekly newsletters and deals!

Screen-Shot-2019-04-18-at-10.03.37-PM.png
progress monitoring in the early elementary classroom for math, literacy and reading