10+ Best Solar System Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of space to your little astronomer? Look no further! Our curated list of Solar System books for 5-year-olds is packed with captivating stories and facts that make learning about the cosmos fun and engaging. Whether your child is a budding astronaut or a curious stargazer, these books are sure to ignite their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will help your child embark on an interstellar adventure from the comfort of your reading nook!

Fun Solar System Books 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, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: Join the Cat in the Hat as he takes young readers on a whimsical journey through the solar system, introducing planets, stars, and the basics of space science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses fun rhymes and engaging illustrations to simplify complex concepts, making it easier for young children to grasp and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds fascinated by space and eager to learn about the universe in a playful way.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Educational, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This colorful book provides an exciting introduction to the wonders of space, from the sun and the moon to the distant stars and galaxies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features large, vibrant photos and simple, understandable text ideal for young readers, fostering an early interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Little explorers who enjoy vivid illustrations and are ready to embark on a cosmic adventure.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on a wild ride through the solar system, where they explore planets, asteroids, and the sun up close.
  • Why we recommend this book: The blend of factual information with a thrilling storyline makes learning about the solar system an adventurous delight.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love a good story mixed with real-world science.

• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: An engaging board book that teaches toddlers about the solar system with simple text and bright, cheerful illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to captivate the attention of very young readers with its bold, graphic illustrations and clear, simple language.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers taking their first steps in learning about the planets and stars.

• 8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Featuring cute planetary characters, this book explores the unique features of each planet in the solar system in a fun and educational way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful rhymes and adorable illustrations to spark interest in the solar system while keeping the learning process fun.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories with charming characters and those beginning to learn about space.

Educational Solar System Books for 5-Year-Olds

• My Very First Space Book by Emily Bone, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove
  • Genre(s): Educational, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the wonders of space, covering topics like stars, planets, and astronauts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy, vocabulary related to space, understanding of the universe
  • Why we recommend this book: It's written in simple language with colorful illustrations that make the concept of space accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to show interest in stars and planets.

• Space for Kids: Story of the Universe! by Speedy Publishing
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: From the Big Bang to black holes, this book covers essential space topics with easy-to-understand explanations and vivid illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: General knowledge of the universe, scientific curiosity, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents complex topics in a straightforward manner that is perfect for young minds, encouraging a deeper interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have questions about the universe and enjoy learning through pictures and stories.

• A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade, illustrated by Melanie Demmer
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Follow Pluto as he goes on a journey through the solar system, looking for his place after being told he's not a planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, identity, planetary science
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual space information with a touching story about acceptance and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with emotional depth and those curious about why Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: Professor Astro Cat takes children on a journey through the solar system, exploring the sun, the planets, and beyond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Detailed knowledge of the solar system, critical thinking, scientific inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers in-depth information on space in a way that is both educational and visually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to dive deeper into the details of the solar system and enjoy visually rich illustrations.

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biographical, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield and his dreams of flying into space, this book explores the themes of fear and dreams.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, following dreams, introduction to space travel
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future astronauts who might need a little courage to reach for the stars.

Challenging Solar System Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities by Mary Kay Carson
  • Genre(s): Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the history of space exploration with engaging narratives and 22 hands-on activities to help children understand complex concepts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a historical perspective that requires comprehension of sequential events and scientific concepts, which are typically advanced for a 5-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive learning experience that enhances understanding through doing, which solidifies complicated ideas in a fun way.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who enjoy interactive projects and are keen to learn about the history and science of space.

• Our Solar System by Seymour Simon
  • Genre(s): Science, Children's Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: An in-depth look at our solar system, including detailed descriptions of each planet, the sun, and other celestial bodies.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a higher level of vocabulary and scientific detail that is not typically expected at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book's vivid photographic illustrations and clear, informative text make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who have a strong interest in science and enjoy detailed, factual descriptions of the solar system.

• The Planet Gods: Myths and Facts About the Solar System by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the planets of our solar system through the lens of mythology and modern science, providing a blend of stories and facts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires children to differentiate between mythological stories and scientific facts, which is a complex cognitive skill.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enriches the reader's understanding of how ancient cultures saw the planets and how modern science views them now.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are fascinated by both the mythical stories and the scientific realities of the planets.

• The Solar System Through Infographics by Nadia Higgins
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book uses innovative infographics to explain the solar system, making complex information about space easier to understand through visual data.
  • Why this book is challenging: The interpretation of data and infographics involves analytical skills that are advanced for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps visualize space information in a highly digestible format, which can accelerate learning and retention.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners who thrive on graphics and data to understand new concepts.

• Stars and Planets: The Most Complete Guide to the Stars, Planets, Galaxies, and the Solar System by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion
  • Genre(s): Reference, Guidebook
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, complete with maps and charts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed scientific content and astronomical data that are typically designed for older children or adults.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an extensive amount of information that can satisfy and nurture a young reader's curiosity about the universe at an advanced level.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronomers and children who are deeply interested in a thorough exploration of space beyond just the basics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young kids to the wonders of our Solar System can be an exciting adventure, especially with the right books. To make the most out of these reading experiences, here are some engaging exercises designed for 5-year-olds that not only enhance their reading skills but also deepen their understanding of the cosmos.

• Create a Solar System Mobile
  • What it is: Craft a mobile of the Solar System using materials like paper, string, and beads.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the order and characteristics of each planet as they create.
  • Tips: Read about each planet before adding it to the mobile to connect the activity with learning.

• Planet Match-Up Game
  • What it is: A matching card game where kids match planet names to their images and characteristics.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and helps kids recognize and retain planetary features and names.
  • Tips: Play the game after reading the book to reinforce the newly learned information.

• Story Time Under the Stars
  • What it is: Read solar system books under the night sky or in a dark room with space-themed lights.
  • How it helps: Creates a thematic reading environment that makes the learning experience magical.
  • Tips: Use a flashlight or a star projector to make the setting more exciting and engaging.

• Draw Your Favorite Planet
  • What it is: Encourage kids to draw and color their favorite planet after reading about it.
  • How it helps: Helps with recall and understanding of specific details about the planets.
  • Tips: Discuss each planet's features as they draw to reinforce their knowledge.

• Solar System Scavenger Hunt
  • What it is: Set up clues around your home related to facts about the Solar System, leading them to a 'treasure.'
  • How it helps: Encourages active learning and problem-solving.
  • Tips: Use simple clues from the book to make it educational yet fun.

These exercises are designed to make reading about the Solar System an interactive and enjoyable experience for 5-year-olds. By engaging in these activities, children will not only improve their reading skills but also develop a deeper interest in science and exploration. So, grab your favorite solar system book, and let's make learning about space fun and educational!