45 Space Books for Kids Who Love the Stars, Planets, and Beyond

3 2 1 to the Moon! by Stacy McAnulty

This fun, interactive board book offers a playful way to explore the moon, taking little readers on a countdown from 10 to 1 alongside Earth’s closest neighbour. With a spinning wheel cover and hands-on elements, it brings early learning to life. Perfect for toddlers who love to move, play, and explore while they read!

ABCD … Earth! by Stacy McAnulty

Another great concept board book with a space theme! If you’re looking for a playful way to introduce the alphabet, this one brings letters to life from Earth’s fun, lively perspective. Little ones will love the spinning globe cover and hands-on features as they explore A to Z through bright, bold illustrations. It’s a great choice for little readers!

Hello, World! Moon Landing by Jill McDonald

The Hello World series is always a great choice. In Moon Landing, little readers are introduced to the first moon landing. It breaks down the Apollo 11 mission into simple, easy-to-understand facts, from astronauts and rockets to the celebration back on Earth. It’s perfect for curious toddlers who are just beginning to explore space and how we got there.

Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald

If your little reader loves gazing up at the night sky, you’ll love Solar System. It’s an engaging introduction to the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. With simple facts, colourful illustrations, and interactive prompts, it makes early learning both fun and accessible.

Little Wonders: Space by Rose Nestling

This interactive board book introduces young readers to the magic of space. With flaps, tabs, and moving parts, toddlers can explore the planets, stars, and the Moon in a hands-on, engaging way. Young readers will love playing with this book just as much as they enjoy reading it!

Rocket Ship, Solo Trip by Chiara Colombi

This gentle, encouraging rhyming board book about bravery and first-time jitters follows Rocket on her very first solo mission. As she journeys into space and learns to trust herself, little readers will connect with the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with trying something new. It’s a sweet, uplifting read perfect for little ones building confidence and independence.

Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams by Chiara Colombi

Fans of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip will love this sweet follow-up as Rocket heads on a new mission to the moon—this time with a companion. Through gentle rhymes and charming illustrations, the story explores friendship, teamwork, and how to manage big emotions when things don’t go as planned. It’s a heartfelt and engaging read that blends space with social-emotional growth.

Space by Natalia Boileau

Packed with tactile pieces, this interactive board book invites little readers to explore space through hands-on play. From planets and galaxies to supernovas and the moon, it introduces big concepts with simple, easy-to-understand facts. Paired with bright, playful illustrations, it’s an engaging choice for curious toddlers who love to learn through play.

What Can You See? In Space by Kate Ware

What Can You See? In Space is a fun, interactive introduction for young readers who love learning more about the universe. From astronauts and Mission Control to planets, comets, and the moon, each page offers something new to explore. It’s full of fascinating facts about space!

Astronaut Sisters by Julie Fortenberry

Astronaut Sisters is a sweet, imaginative story about two sisters who dream of space. As Fern and Rosie turn everyday moments into a cosmic adventure, their bond and creativity shine on every page. Paired with warm, whimsical illustrations, it’s a heartfelt story that celebrates family, imagination, and looking up at the stars.

Girls Belong in Space by Ashlee Hashman

Fans of Mae Among the Stars and the She Persisted series will love this story! This inspiring picture book celebrates the women who helped shape space exploration. From early astronauts to modern-day innovators, it introduces young readers to real-life stories that empower and inspire.

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers

I adore books by Oliver Jeffers—so it’s no surprise this star-themed book is on the list. It follows a boy determined to catch his very own star. As his plans don’t quite go as expected, he discovers that the best surprises often come when you least expect them. It’s an imaginative, whimsical story about dreaming big.

Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly

Kids love books about space—but what about one written by a real astronaut? In this inspiring story, inspired by a real NASA mission, a small mouse proves that size doesn’t matter. As the tiniest member of the crew, he shows courage and determination, and highlights how important even the smallest helpers can be. It’s fun and inspiring—perfect for readers who love underdog stories.

Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly

Once you finish Mousetronaut, you’ll need to jump into the sequel. Meteor the mousetronaut is back for another out-of-this-world adventure, heading even farther into space. When challenges arise, the smallest crew member once again proves how important bravery and quick thinking can be. After finishing this one, kids will immediately want to read the third and final book, Mousetronaut Saves the World.

Oh No, Astro! by Matt Roeser

A grumpy asteroid gets the adventure of a lifetime in this playful space story. When Astro is knocked out of orbit, he’s sent on an unexpected journey across the galaxy, encountering new sights and challenges along the way. Packed with humour and fun space facts, it’s a great pick for kids who enjoy quirky characters and out-of-this-world adventures.

Out There by Tom Sullivan

If you have a young reader with big questions or a curiosity about aliens, you’ll want to try Out There. It’s a wonderful journey through space and imagination that invites readers to consider what and who might exist beyond our world. With thoughtful questions and beautiful illustrations, it’s an exploration of empathy that readers of all ages will love.

Pete the Cat: Out of This World by James Dean

Who doesn’t love Pete the Cat? Readers blast off to space camp in this adorable adventure. From floating in zero gravity to building rockets and heading out on a stellar mission, there’s plenty to keep young readers engaged. With playful storytelling, it’s the perfect choice for fans of Pete and space-themed fun!

Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon

Rocket is on a mission to get everyone to look up and witness an incredible meteor shower in this vibrant, inspiring story. Her enthusiasm for space and science brings her whole community together in a meaningful way. Rocket Says Look Up! is full of curiosity, heart, and big dreams, making it perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist.

Snail in Space by Rachel Bright

I absolutely love Rachel Bright’s books. In Snail in Space, Gail the snail is determined to pursue her dream of going to space. It’s a charming, uplifting story that celebrates perseverance as she works hard to prove that even the smallest creatures can achieve big things. The writing and adorable illustrations will keep every reader entertained!

The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield

Inspired by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s childhood, this beautifully illustrated story by The Fan Brothers blends a love of space with the courage to overcome fear. As Chris dreams of rockets and planets yet struggles with the dark, a historic moon landing helps him see them in a whole new light. Paired with the stunning atmospheric illustrations, it’s a meaningful and inspiring story about courage and big dreams.

The Space Walk by Brian Biggs

If you’re looking for a funny, playful twist on parent-child dynamics for a kid who loves space, look no further! Astronaut Randolph Witherspoon just wants to go for a spacewalk—but first, there are rules to follow. When his mission doesn’t go quite as planned, he ends up on a hilarious adventure that leads to an unexpected friendship.

Tractors in Space by Ross MacKay

This hilarious adventure follows a group of farmyard machines on an out-of-this-world journey filled with chaos, laughs, and cosmic fun. As they navigate black holes and zero gravity, kids will love the silly storyline and energetic illustrations. It’s a wildly fun pick for young readers who enjoy humour, space, and a little bit of the unexpected.

5-Minute Space Stories by Gabby Dawnay

If you’re looking for short stories, you’ll love these 5-Minute Space Stories. Each story introduces a different part of the solar system, from planets to comets, making big topics easy and fun to explore. With bonus fact pages, it’s a great choice for curious kids and perfect for those quick read-aloud moments—especially before bed!

Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy

Do you know a reader who wonders what it takes to become an astronaut? They’ll want to read Astronaut Handbook! It’s an engaging non-fiction picture book that takes readers inside astronaut training—from experiencing weightlessness to preparing for life in space. It’s perfect for aspiring astronauts or kids who dream big and are curious about what it’s like to blast off into space!

Birthday on Mars! by Sara Schonfeld

Readers curious about Mars won’t want to miss this one! It’s a charming story about NASA’s Mars rover, Curiosity. As young readers explore the red planet alongside this hardworking little robot, they’ll discover what makes Mars so fascinating. With a fresh, unique perspective, it’s a delightful choice for space-loving kids.

Bok’s Giant Leap: One Moon Rock’s Journey Through Time and Space by Neil Armstrong

This picture book by Neil Armstrong is a must-read! Told from the perspective of a moon rock named Bok, the story explores the history of Earth and the Moon in a creative and memorable way. It blends science, storytelling, and real-life experience as it follows Bok’s journey from Earth to space and back.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker

Counting on Katherine is one of my favourite books on this list! It’s a powerful and inspiring biography that introduces young readers to Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician who helped make space travel possible. From her childhood love of numbers to her groundbreaking work at NASA, her journey is both fascinating and empowering.

Goodnight, Astronaut by Scott Kelly

This blend of fiction and non-fiction is perfect for space fans! It’s an adventurous story that follows astronaut Scott Kelly as he drifts off to sleep in unforgettable places—from deep beneath the ocean to outer space. If you know a reader who dreams of adventure and space, this is the story for them!

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

Another must-read on this list, in my opinion! Hidden Figures tells the true story of four brilliant women who helped NASA reach for the stars. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden used their mathematical skills to break barriers and change history. It’s a powerful read that encourages kids to dream big and believe in themselves.

I Am Neil Armstrong by Brad Meltzer

In this engaging and accessible picture-book biography, readers will follow Neil Armstrong’s journey from a curious kid to the first person to walk on the moon. With a friendly, conversational style, the book highlights the small steps, challenges, and determination that led to his historic achievement. With NASA’s Artemis mission recently orbiting the moon, this is a great choice for readers who love space.

Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda

Inspired by a true story, this uplifting picture book follows a girl and a tiny ladybug. When an all-girls class designs a NASA experiment, their big dreams take flight in an unexpected and exciting way. Perfect for fans of Mae Among the Stars and What Miss Mitchell Saw, it’s a hopeful, empowering read about curiosity and perseverance.

Look Up with Me: Neil DeGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars by Jennifer Berne

Born curious, Neil deGrasse Tyson’s journey to the stars begins with simply looking up in this inspiring picture-book biography. It captures his love of space, science, and sharing the wonders of the universe with others. Paired with engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, it’s a great pick for kids fascinated by astronomy and the big questions about the cosmos.

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

For the girls in your life who love outer space, you won’t want to miss Mae Among the Stars. Dreaming of dancing among the stars, young Mae sets her sights on becoming an astronaut in this inspiring true story. With encouragement, determination, and a big imagination, she grows up to achieve something extraordinary.

Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saves the First Lunar Landing by Dean Robbins

From a young girl who loved numbers to a pioneer in computer science, this inspiring biography tells the story of Margaret Hamilton and her crucial role in the Apollo missions. Her code helped astronauts reach the moon—and return safely home—demonstrating the power of problem-solving. It’s the perfect empowering story for kids who love STEM and reading.

Mars! Earthlings Welcome by Stacy McAnulty

If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that the Our Universe series is a great introduction to all things space for kids. In this funny, fact-filled picture book told from the planet’s own point of view, readers will meet Mars. With humour and personality, Mars shares what makes him unique—from giant volcanoes to his not-so-distant relationship with Earth.

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty

Told from the Moon’s own perspective, this funny and informative picture book brings its story to life with plenty of personality. As Moon shares her history and close bond with Earth, readers will pick up fascinating space facts along the way. A playful and engaging read, perfect for kids who enjoy learning with humour and charm.

My Journey to the Stars by Scott Kelly

Another great book on this list by Astronaut Scott Kelly! From an ordinary kid unsure of his path to a record-breaking astronaut, Scott Kelly’s journey is both inspiring and fascinating. This picture-book memoir traces his path to space, including his historic year aboard the International Space Station. My Journey to the Stars is a motivating read for kids who love real-life stories of perseverance, discovery, and reaching for the stars.

Neil Armstrong by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

From a young boy fascinated by flight to the first person to walk on the moon, this inspiring biography brings Neil Armstrong’s story to life for young readers. With simple, engaging text and charming illustrations, it highlights the determination and curiosity that led to his historic achievement. It’s a great introduction to a real-life hero, perfect for kids who love space and big dreams.

Our Solar System! A Stellar Neighborhood by Stacy McAnulty

Young readers will take a journey through the solar system with Comet as their guide in this fun addition to the Our Universe series. As they travel from planet to planet, readers will meet stars, moons, and more, all brought to life with humour and personality. Trust me when I say this book and the entire series are not to be missed!

Pluto! Not a Planet? Not a Problem by Stacy McAnulty

Meet Pluto in this playful non-fiction picture book that tells its story from Pluto’s own perspective. From its discovery to its reclassification as a dwarf planet, Pluto brings humour and personality to real space science. Readers will love this underdog story!

Ray’s Big Day: A Journey at the Speed of Light by Josh Lewis

If you’re looking for a story that blends imagination and learning, you’ll want to pick up Ray’s Big Day. Readers will follow a little ray of light on her journey through the solar system. As Ray travels through the vastness of space, she discovers ways to stay curious and make the most of the adventure.

Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty

Meet the Sun in this fun book, told from his own larger-than-life perspective. As he shares how he formed and why he’s so important to life on Earth, readers will learn many fascinating facts about space along the way. Another great story in the Our Universe series, this book is sure to keep young astronauts engaged and entertained throughout.

The First Moon Landing by Chip Lovitt

In The First Moon Landing, readers will step back in time to the Apollo 11 mission. It introduces the astronauts, spacecraft, and key moments that led to the first moon landing in a clear, exciting way for kids. It’s a great introduction to space history and is perfect for kids who are curious about the first time humans reached the moon.

The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney by Alice B. McGinty

When a newly discovered planet needs a name, an eleven-year-old girl has the perfect idea in this inspiring true story. Blending science, history, and a touch of mythology, it shows how one small suggestion made a lasting impact. The Girl Who Named Pluto is a thoughtful and empowering read, perfect for kids who are curious, creative, and full of big ideas.

The Solar System by Dennis R. Shealy

The Solar System is another great introduction to the wonders of space. From planets and constellations to spacecraft and beyond, it’s a simple yet informative look at space. With wonderful illustrations throughout, it’s a great first read for kids who are beginning to explore the universe.