10+ Best Solar System Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to launch your 7-year-old into a universe of learning and fun? Look no further! Our curated list of Solar System books for 7-year-olds is packed with exciting reads that are sure to ignite a love for astronomy in your little explorer. Whether they're dreaming of rockets, planets, or distant galaxies, these books provide the perfect blend of education and entertainment. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will take their curiosity to new heights!

Fun Solar System Books for 7-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a fun adventure through the solar system with the Cat in the Hat as their guide, exploring each planet and learning fascinating space facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines engaging rhymes and colorful illustrations, making complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Dr. Seuss's style 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): Educational, Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book introduces young readers to the wonders of 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 photos and simple texts that are ideal for children's understanding and engagement.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are eager to learn more about the universe in a visually engaging way.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an adventurous field trip through the solar system, where they explore planets, asteroids, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: The blend of fantasy and education provides an exciting way for kids to learn about space while enjoying a fun story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that mix learning with whimsical adventures.

• A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations by Michael Driscoll, illustrated by Meredith Hamilton
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers everything from stargazing to understanding the planets in our solar system, along with the mythology behind constellations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive guide to the night sky that is both informative and easy to digest for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by stars and constellations and enjoy stories behind what they see in the night sky.

Educational Solar System Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Planet Gods by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit
  • Genre(s): Mythology, Science
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the planets of our solar system through the lens of mythology, each represented as a different god with its own unique story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mythological literacy, basic astronomy, understanding of planetary characteristics
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines mythology with science, making it a captivating and educational read for children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in both mythology and space.

• 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This updated book provides the latest information on our solar system, including the reclassification of Pluto and the addition of new celestial bodies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Current scientific understanding, critical thinking, knowledge of solar system
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers the most recent scientific insights in a kid-friendly format, ensuring that young readers have the latest information.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who want to stay up-to-date with the latest in space science.

• The Solar System Through Infographics by Nadia Higgins, illustrated by Lisa Waananen
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Informational
  • Synopsis: This book uses innovative infographics to explain complex information about the solar system in a simple and visually engaging way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Data interpretation, visual learning, factual knowledge of the solar system
  • Why we recommend this book: The use of infographics makes learning about space both fun and educational, appealing to visual learners.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy visuals and are keen to learn about space through innovative formats.

• Planets, Stars, and Galaxies: A Visual Encyclopedia of Our Universe by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive guide to celestial bodies and phenomena in our universe, beautifully illustrated to captivate young readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of astronomy, understanding of celestial phenomena, scientific curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides detailed, visually stunning information that can inspire a lifelong interest in astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and anyone who dreams of exploring the stars.

• Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This encyclopedia offers a detailed exploration of our solar system and the wider universe, including the latest discoveries and missions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Research skills, in-depth knowledge of space, scientific literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive resource that provides thorough and up-to-date information on space and beyond.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are serious about space and want a go-to reference book.

Challenging Solar System Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities by Mary Kay Carson
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the history of space exploration and includes 22 hands-on activities to engage young readers in learning about the solar system.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a complex history of space exploration and requires readers to engage with scientific concepts through practical activities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only provides historical context but also encourages interactive learning, which enhances understanding and retention of information.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a hands-on approach to learning and have an interest in history as well as science.

• The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity by Elizabeth Rusch
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story of the Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and their missions to explore Mars, providing insights into the planet's geology and climate.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced scientific and technological concepts related to space exploration and robotics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines real-world science adventure with detailed explanations, making complex topics accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by robots and space missions, and those who appreciate real-life science stories.

• Older Than The Stars by Karen C. Fox, illustrated by Nancy Davis
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science, Big Bang Theory
  • Synopsis: This book explains the complex concepts of the Big Bang and the origins of the universe in a way that is accessible to young readers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with abstract and complex scientific theories about the origins of everything.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down difficult scientific concepts into understandable segments through catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds interested in the beginnings of the universe and the fundamental questions of science.

• Beyond the Solar System: Exploring Galaxies, Black Holes, Alien Planets, and More; A History with 21 Activities by Mary Kay Carson
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers beyond our solar system to explore galaxies, black holes, and the possibility of alien life, complemented by 21 engaging activities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It extends beyond basic planetary science to more complex astronomical concepts and theories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at the universe, encouraging deeper understanding through activities that reinforce the material.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronomers and children who are ready to explore complex topics in a hands-on manner.

• Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations by Sara Gillingham
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Guide, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed look at all 88 constellations, including their stories, locations, and how to spot them in the night sky.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires understanding of star patterns and navigation of the night sky, which are complex spatial skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is an educational guide that enhances knowledge of astronomy and navigation, enriched with beautiful illustrations and star maps.
  • Perfect for: Young stargazers who are eager to learn more about the constellations and how to find them in the night sky.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the fascinating world of solar system books with your 7-year-old, enhancing their reading experience can be both fun and educational. Here are some engaging exercises that can help your young reader develop great reading habits while exploring the stars and planets:

• Create a Planet Fact File
  • What it is: A dedicated notebook or digital document where your child can write down interesting facts about each planet they read about.
  • How it helps: Encourages active reading and retention of information.
  • Tips: Use colorful pens or markers to categorize facts by planet, making it visually appealing and easier to remember.

• Design a Storyboard
  • What it is: Drawing a sequence of pictures that narrate the story or facts from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in visualizing textual content.
  • Tips: Provide them with plain paper, colored pencils, and encourage them to express the book’s content creatively.

• Space Vocabulary Builder
  • What it is: Make a list of new and interesting words found in their solar system books.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and understanding of space-related terminology.
  • Tips: Encourage them to use these new words in sentences or to explain them to you.

• Question and Answer Game
  • What it is: After each reading session, have a mini-quiz or discussion about what was read.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Keep the questions light and fun; praise correct answers to boost confidence.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw a scene or concept from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Strengthens comprehension and recall; allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show how much you value their efforts and creativity.

• Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book, with your child taking on the role of a planet, star, or astronaut.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and enhances engagement with the content.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and memorable.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only make learning about the solar system more engaging for your child but also foster a deeper love for reading. Have fun exploring the cosmos through books and beyond!