10+ Best Books About Planets for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of the solar system to your little one? Look no further! Our curated selection of books about planets for 4-year-olds is designed to captivate their imagination and fuel their curiosity about the cosmos. Whether you're reading together at bedtime or encouraging independent exploration, these books are just the ticket. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to engage and educate your eager young astronaut.

Fun Books About Planets for 4-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a fun journey through the solar system with the Cat in the Hat as their guide, introducing them to each planet and important space concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses rhymes and colorful illustrations to make learning about the solar system engaging and memorable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Dr. Seuss's style and are curious about space and planets.

• The Planets in Our Solar System by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Kevin O'Malley
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This informative book explores the characteristics of each planet in our solar system, providing fascinating facts that are easy for young children to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's part of the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science" series, which is known for making complex scientific ideas accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who show an interest in science and the mysteries of space.

• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces little ones to the solar system, featuring simple language and colorful, bold illustrations that highlight basic facts about each planet.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its sturdy pages and engaging design are ideal for toddlers, making it a perfect first book about the planets.
  • Perfect for: Very young children just beginning to explore books and learn about the world around them.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book provides an expansive look at space, from the Earth and the moon to the other planets in our solar system, and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features large, colorful photographs and illustrations that captivate young readers, alongside facts presented in a kid-friendly manner.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are ready for a more comprehensive look at space and enjoy visually rich educational books.

• Pop-Up Peekaboo! Space by DK
  • Genre(s): Pop-up Book, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive pop-up book surprises and delights young readers with fun pop-up scenes involving space themes, including astronauts and planets.
  • Why we recommend this book: The pop-up elements add an element of surprise and engagement that can help maintain the attention of very young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy interactive reading experiences and are fascinated by astronauts and outer space.

Educational Books About Planets for 4-Year-Olds

• My Very First Space Book by Emily Bone, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove
  • Genre(s): Educational, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This introductory book for preschoolers explains the basics of space, stars, planets, and more, using simple language and colorful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy concepts, vocabulary related to space, understanding of the universe
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to be a child's first guide to the cosmos, making complex subjects understandable and fascinating for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to show interest in stars and planets.

• Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and factual look at what it takes to become an astronaut, covering everything from the training required to the experience of living in space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of astronaut training and space missions, teamwork, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet informative peek into the life of astronauts, encouraging curiosity and ambition.
  • Perfect for: Kids fascinated by astronauts and dreaming of space travel.

• Planet Name Game by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Tom Brannon
  • Genre(s): Science, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat takes young readers on a whimsical trip to each of the planets, teaching them fun facts through rhymes and playful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, memory retention, planetary facts
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends educational content with the engaging rhyming style of Dr. Seuss, making learning about the planets fun and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy rhythmic narratives and are curious about the solar system.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Educational, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an adventurous field trip through the solar system, exploring planets and other celestial phenomena.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science literacy, understanding of the solar system, adventurous and explorative spirit
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with education, engaging children's imaginations while teaching them about space.
  • Perfect for: Young students who love stories of adventure and are eager to learn about science in a fun way.

• 8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Featuring cute planetary characters, this board book introduces young readers to the unique traits of each planet in the solar system.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting skills, basic planetary characteristics, early science education
  • Why we recommend this book: Its charming illustrations and simple, catchy text make it easy for toddlers to learn about the planets.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers beginning to explore educational concepts through books.

Challenging Books About Planets for 4-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows Professor Astro Cat as he journeys through the cosmos exploring the science of space, from black holes to the Big Bang.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces complex scientific concepts and vocabulary that are typically beyond the standard preschool curriculum.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides detailed explanations that satisfy curious young minds, fostering a deeper understanding of space science.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who show an advanced interest in science and space.

• The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Discover the wonders of the universe, from planets and stars to galaxies and beyond, illustrated with stunning photography and artwork.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a comprehensive exploration of space that includes not only basic planetary information but also advanced astronomical phenomena.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book encourages a deeper appreciation and understanding of the vastness and complexity of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready for more detailed and challenging content about space.

• See Inside Space by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Peter Allen
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book allows children to lift flaps to uncover facts about the universe, exploring everything from stars to space stations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lift-the-flap format requires and encourages active participation, and the information provided is more detailed than typical for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages children physically and intellectually, making the learning experience more dynamic and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive reading and are curious about the mechanics of the universe.

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Curiosity, the Mars rover, narrated from its own perspective, detailing its journey from conception to its adventures on Mars.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes technical details about space exploration and the engineering behind the Mars rover, which are advanced topics for preschoolers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on space exploration, encouraging interest in science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are fascinated by robots and space exploration.

• Outer Space Bedtime Race by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Brian Won
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A whimsical story about a group of alien children who race around the planets getting ready for bed.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful use of imaginary scenarios involving the solar system introduces young readers to space in a creative and abstract way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun storytelling with educational elements, making learning about the planets enjoyable and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories with imaginative plots and a space setting.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your little one to the wonders of the cosmos through books about planets, it's a great idea to pair that reading with some fun exercises to enhance their learning and reading habits. Here are some easy and effective exercises tailored for 4-year-olds that can make reading about planets even more engaging and beneficial.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read the book aloud to your child, or take turns if they are starting to recognize words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and helps children grasp pronunciation and sentence structure.
  • Tips: Change your tone to match different characters or themes to make the reading session more entertaining.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading the text, discussing what might be happening in each scene.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and prediction skills, setting a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to encourage your child to express their thoughts.

• Match the Planets
  • What it is: After reading, use planet cards or stickers and have your child match them with their names or characteristics mentioned in the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and helps with recognition of words and their meanings.
  • Tips: Praise efforts rather than correctness initially to build confidence.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell the story or a part of the book in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and narrative skills.
  • Tips: Use prompts like "What happened after...?" to guide the retelling.

• Create a Planet Book
  • What it is: Together with your child, create a small booklet about the planets using drawings and simple words.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps in synthesizing information learned from the book.
  • Tips: Let your child lead in choosing which facts or features to include about each planet.

These exercises are not only fun but are also stepping stones to building strong reading habits and a love for learning about space and beyond. Enjoy exploring the universe through books with your little astronomer!