10+ Best Space Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to launch your little astronaut on an interstellar adventure right from their reading nook? Look no further! Our curated selection of space books for 3-year-olds is tailored to captivate the minds of young explorers with colorful illustrations and engaging stories. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to spark a love for the stars in your tiny space enthusiast!

Fun Space Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on an adventurous journey into space with animal astronauts. They learn about rockets and space travel in a fun, engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines playful rhymes and colorful illustrations to make the concept of space travel accessible and exciting for toddlers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are fascinated by rockets and outer space.

• There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: Guided by the Cat in the Hat, readers explore our solar system, learning about each planet and discovering fun facts about space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an excellent introduction to the solar system for young children, using familiar characters to spark curiosity about science and space.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy Dr. Seuss's characters and are curious about the planets and stars.

• Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story by Mark Kelly, illustrated by C.F. Payne
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Biographical, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: A small mouse becomes a hero when he travels to space on the Space Shuttle. The story is inspired by a real-life space mission.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring tale that highlights courage and the importance of teamwork, with a fun space adventure that captivates young minds.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young astronauts and any child who loves stories of adventure and heroism.

• 8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
  • Genre(s): Educational, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: This charming board book features eight little planets each with its own unique identity and characteristics, presented in a catchy rhyming format.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about the solar system in a simple, memorable way, perfect for early learners to grasp and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers beginning to explore basic concepts of astronomy and those who enjoy rhythmic, rhyming texts.

• Goodnight Spaceman: The Perfect Bedtime Book! by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Nick East
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Story, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Inspired by astronaut Tim Peake and his sons, this story involves two little boys as they imagine traveling through space and saying goodnight to the universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a soothing bedtime read that combines dreams of space with the comforting routine of saying goodnight, ideal for settling down at bedtime.
  • Perfect for: Children who love bedtime stories and have a fascination with astronauts and space.

Educational Space Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Educational, Board Book
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces toddlers to the solar system, featuring bright, simple illustrations and clear, engaging text about each planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy concepts, vocabulary development
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple language and colorful pictures to make learning about the solar system accessible and fun for very young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers just beginning to learn about space and the planets.

• Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering! by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explains the basics of flight, from birds, to planes, to rockets, in a way that’s understandable for babies and toddlers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early science concepts, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex ideas in a simple, engaging way that sparks curiosity about how things fly.
  • Perfect for: Very young children with a budding interest in how things work, especially flying objects.

• Space Walk by Salina Yoon
  • Genre(s): Lift-the-Flap, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this interactive book, little ones can lift the flaps to explore the wonders of space, including stars, planets, and astronauts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Motor skills, basic space knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of space exploration with interactive flaps that enhance engagement and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy interactive reading experiences and are curious about space.

• 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 colorful book introduces young children to the mysteries of space, covering topics from the Earth and moon to the deeper solar system.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy, understanding of the solar system, reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with stunning illustrations and facts that are perfect for little learners to absorb and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who show a keen interest in learning more detailed information about space.

Challenging Space Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Follow Professor Astro Cat and his team as they embark on a journey through the cosmos, exploring the universe's greatest wonders and mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex topics such as black holes, galaxies, and the Big Bang with rich, detailed illustrations that go beyond simple explanations.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a visually stimulating exploration of space science that can ignite a lifelong interest in astronomy and physics.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready for a deeper dive into the science of space.

• The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Educational, Informative
  • Synopsis: This expansive fold-out book takes children on a journey from the ground to the edges of the atmosphere, exploring everything above them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The continuous, accordion-style pages stretch over two meters in length, providing a detailed vertical exploration of space that requires attention and curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages spatial thinking and understanding of the earth's place in the universe with engaging, detailed illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy unique and interactive reading experiences.

• Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall
  • Genre(s): Biography, Art, Surrealism
  • Synopsis: This picture book biography explores the life of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, who created fascinating, dreamlike paintings inspired by her own imaginative tales.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the concept of surrealism and biography through complex, imaginative storytelling and sophisticated artwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends art history with storytelling, inspiring creativity and a love for art that transcends the ordinary.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and dreamers who are fascinated by stories and paintings that challenge reality.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book features detailed illustrations and lift-the-flap pages that explore the insides of space stations and spacecraft, showing how astronauts live and work in space.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers a detailed look at the technology and daily life aboard spacecraft, which are typically complex topics for toddlers.
  • Why we recommend this book: Interactive flaps and detailed illustrations help demystify advanced concepts, making them accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who have an interest in technology and how things work in space.

• Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
  • Genre(s): Educational, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book uses peek-through pages to reveal the phases of the moon, accompanied by poetic text that captures the celestial beauty of our natural satellite.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of poetic language and abstract concepts like moon phases provides a more sophisticated reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines stunning visuals with educational content in a format that captivates and educates simultaneously.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate the beauty of nature and are intrigued by the night sky.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your little astronaut to the vast universe of reading through space books, here are some fun and engaging exercises. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for books in 3-year-olds, all while making reading a magical journey through the stars.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read space-themed books with your child.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and makes reading a shared, enjoyable experience.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for reading so it becomes a predictable, comforting part of your toddler's day.

• Create a Space Corner
  • What it is: Dedicate a cozy corner of your home to reading, filled with space-themed decorations and books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading an exciting adventure and creates a special space for books in your child’s world.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the space to increase their interest and excitement.

• Storytelling with Props
  • What it is: Use toys like rockets, astronauts, and planets as props while you read or tell space stories.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention by bringing stories to life.
  • tips: Encourage your child to use the props to act out parts of the story as you read.

• Picture Walks Before Reading
  • What it is: Go through the book looking at and talking about the pictures before starting to read the text.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and comprehension skills by letting the child guess and interpret the story from images.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to stimulate your child’s imagination and verbal skills.

• Sing Space Songs
  • What it is: Integrate space-themed songs or rhymes that complement the books you are reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading fun and enhances memorization and phonetic awareness.
  • Tips: You can find or create simple space-themed tunes that match the rhythm of nursery rhymes.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make learning about space exciting but also help develop a lifelong love for reading in your toddler. Blast off into a universe of books and watch your little one’s imagination and reading skills soar to new heights!