10+ Best Books About Planets for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of our solar system to your little explorer? Look no further! Our curated selection of books about planets for 5-year-olds is designed to captivate young minds and spark a lifelong fascination with space. From vibrant illustrations to simple, engaging narratives, these books are tailor-made for curious young readers. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will take your child on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos!

Fun Books About Planets for 5-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book takes young readers on a journey through the solar system with the Cat in the Hat as their guide, exploring each planet and other celestial wonders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces planetary science in a fun and memorable way, using rhymes and colorful illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Dr. Seuss and are curious about space and the planets.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a captivating glimpse into the universe, tailored for young minds, with simple text and striking illustrations about planets, stars, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: The large pictures and child-friendly explanations make complex concepts accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about the vastness of space in a clear, fun manner.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Science
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an adventurous field trip through the solar system, visiting planets and encountering surprises along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education, making learning about the planets an exciting quest.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy storytelling mixed with science and those who are fans of the Magic School Bus series.

• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: An introduction to the solar system for toddlers and young children, featuring simple language and colorful, clear illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to catch the eye of the youngest readers and give them a basic understanding of space.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers taking their first steps in learning about the planets.

• A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade, illustrated by Melanie Demmer
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Pluto feels left out when it’s no longer considered a planet. This story follows his journey to find where he truly belongs in the solar system.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching tale that teaches about acceptance and the solar system, with a focus on Pluto's new classification.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with feelings of exclusion or those interested in learning more about Pluto.

Educational Books About Planets for 5-Year-Olds

• My Very First Space Book by Emily Bone, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young children to the wonders of space, covering topics from stars and planets to astronauts and space travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy, understanding of space travel, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple text combined with vibrant illustrations to make the concept of space exciting and understandable for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners curious about the universe.

• Planets by Ellen Hasbrouck, illustrated by Scott McDougall
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a fun and factual exploration of the planets in our solar system, designed specifically for young children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of the solar system, reading skills, curiosity about science
  • Why we recommend this book: With its clear, engaging narrative and playful illustrations, it makes learning about each planet enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Young children who show an early interest in science and outer space.

• Pop-Up Peekaboo! Space by DK
  • Genre(s): Pop-up Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book features fun pop-up surprises that introduce little ones to the concepts of space, planets, and astronauts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory skills, basic space vocabulary, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: The pop-up elements make discovery playful and engaging, perfect for keeping young readers entertained.
  • Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who enjoy interactive reading experiences.

• Space for Kids: Story of the Universe! by Speedy Publishing
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book offers an exciting visual journey through the cosmos, from the Big Bang to the present day, tailored for young minds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cosmic events, timeline comprehension, curiosity about the universe
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex concepts into digestible bits that are easy for kids to understand.
  • Perfect for: Kids aged 4 to 6 who are fascinated by the story of the universe and enjoy vibrant visuals.

• The Planets in Our Solar System by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Kevin O'Malley
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the characteristics of each planet in our solar system, providing young readers with fascinating facts and information.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Planetary science, reading comprehension, fact retention
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed yet accessible introduction to each planet, supported by engaging illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Elementary school children interested in learning more about the details of each planet in our solar system.

Challenging Books About Planets for 5-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey through the cosmos with Professor Astro Cat as the guide, covering topics from the Big Bang to the modern space exploration.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific concepts and the latest advancements in space technology that are usually not covered in typical children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deeper understanding of space science through engaging illustrations and child-friendly explanations that inspire curiosity and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are keen on science and space exploration beyond the basic planetary facts.

• The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Discover stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe with beautiful illustrations and fascinating facts that capture the mystery and wonder of space.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into more intricate details about the universe, including constellations, celestial phenomena, and theories of space, which are typically advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deeper appreciation and wonder for the vastness and beauty of the cosmos, fostering a lifelong interest in astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a profound interest in the stars and the mysteries of the universe.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the technology behind space travel, focusing on space stations and spacecraft, with interactive flaps to lift and discover more about life in space.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers technical aspects of space exploration, including the engineering of spacecraft and the daily life of astronauts, which are complex for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive and engaging way to learn about the technological advancements in space exploration, making it fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring astronauts and engineers who are curious about how space travel works.

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
  • Genre(s): Science, Narrative Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated from the perspective of Curiosity, the Mars Rover, this book tells the story of the rover's journey from conception to its tasks on Mars.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed scientific and engineering concepts involved in space missions through a narrative style, which requires comprehension beyond simple factual information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It personalizes a complex scientific mission, making it accessible and engaging while educating about space exploration's challenges and achievements.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in robotics and space missions, offering a narrative that fosters empathy and interest in science.

• Dr. Maggie's Grand Tour of the Solar System by Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a tour of our solar system guided by space scientist Dr. Maggie, covering detailed aspects of each planet and space phenomena.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes into detailed scientific explanations about the solar system, including lesser-known facts and theories, which are typically challenging for the age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides comprehensive insights into our solar system from a scientist's perspective, making complex information accessible and fascinating.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a serious interest in astronomy and those who enjoy a thorough scientific exploration of space.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your little one to the fascinating world of planets through books, it's also a great opportunity to build some solid reading habits. Here are a few fun exercises that can help your 5-year-old get the most out of their reading time:

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read a book about planets together.
  • How it helps: Encourages routine and fosters a love for reading.
  • Tips: Let your child choose the book to increase their interest.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: After reading, talk about the story and ask questions about the planets.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage more thought and discussion.

• Create a Planet Collage
  • What it is: Make a collage from cut-outs and drawings related to the planets in the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces information learned during reading through creative activity.
  • Tips: Use a mix of magazine cut-outs, drawings, and printed images.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Pretend to be characters or planets from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the book’s content through play.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the activity more engaging.

• Planet Fact Files
  • What it is: Create a "fact file" for each planet mentioned in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with information recall and organizational skills.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to draw each planet and write one interesting fact beside it.

These exercises aren't just educational—they're a lot of fun, too! By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you're not only helping your child learn about planets but also instilling a lifelong love for reading. So, grab those books, get comfy, and blast off into a universe of reading fun!