10+ Best Space Books for 4-6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to launch your little astronaut's imagination into the cosmos? Look no further! Our curated list of space books for 4-6-year-olds is packed with exciting adventures that are just right for young explorers. Whether your child dreams of flying rockets or meeting aliens, these books are sure to captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our favorite space-themed reads that will inspire a love of the stars in your preschooler!

Fun Space Books for 4-6-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space! by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join the Cat in the Hat as he takes young readers on a whimsical journey through our solar system, introducing them to the planets, the Sun, and other celestial phenomena.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes and engaging illustrations to spark curiosity about space in young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Dr. Seuss's style and are curious about the universe.

• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Science, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: This book follows a group of animal astronauts as they blast off into space in their rocket, exploring the wonders beyond our planet.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, rhyming text makes learning about space fun and accessible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories with animals and adventures.

• Moon! Earth's Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Told from the Moon’s perspective, this charming story shares the special relationship between the Moon and the Earth, covering facts about the lunar cycle and its effects on Earth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative perspective that helps children understand complex scientific concepts in a friendly way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy storytelling through unique perspectives and learning about Earth's natural satellite.

• Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a detailed look at the life of astronauts, including their training and the exciting tasks they perform in space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fun facts and detailed drawings that capture the thrill of space exploration.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young astronauts and children interested in space travel.

• If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The book takes readers on an imaginative trip to the Moon, detailing the journey and what one might encounter while there.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends poetic language with scientific details, making the concept of space travel captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future space explorers.

Educational Space Books for 4-6-Year-Olds

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Science, Biography
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, the story explores the dreams of a young boy who is afraid of the dark, yet fascinated by the beauty of space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of space, overcoming fears, inspiration through real-life role models
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends a personal story with the grandeur of space exploration, encouraging kids to dream big and face their fears.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in space and stories of personal courage.

• Field Trip to the Moon by John Hare
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This picture book depicts a school trip to the moon, where one student gets left behind and has a unique adventure with alien creatures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a fun and imaginative approach to introduce children to lunar landscapes and the concept of space travel.
  • Perfect for: Children who love adventures and the idea of exploring new, unknown places.

• Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly, illustrated by C. F. Payne
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a partially true story, a small mouse becomes a hero when he travels to space on the Space Shuttle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, problem-solving, introduction to space exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale that shows even the smallest can achieve great things, with a unique insight into space travel from a mouse's perspective.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of adventure and heroism.

• Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery by Margaret Weitekamp with David DeVorkin, illustrated by Diane Kidd
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book personifies Pluto, telling the story of how this celestial body was discovered and later reclassified as a dwarf planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Astronomy, history of science, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a playful yet informative narrative that helps children understand complex astronomical concepts and the dynamic nature of science.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are fascinated by planets and the stories behind their discoveries.

• Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Rocket, a science-loving girl who wants everyone to look up from their screens and enjoy the spectacular comet show that’s about to happen.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interest in astronomy, technology balance, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages outdoor activities and a love for astronomy, wrapped in a fun and lively story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are enthusiastic about stars and the sky, and those needing a little nudge to disconnect from tech and explore the world around them.

Challenging Space Books for 4-6-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, exploring everything from the Big Bang to the solar system, and even the possibilities of life on other planets.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex topics like black holes, quantum physics, and the vastness of the universe in a way that's accessible but still detailed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stimulating exploration of space that feeds curiosity with scientifically accurate facts, making it perfect for young minds ready to learn about the universe in depth.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any kid who has ever wondered about the stars and beyond.

• The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This expansive fold-out book takes readers from the ground to the edges of the atmosphere and beyond, showing everything that happens in the skies above.
  • Why this book is challenging: The fold-out design and detailed illustrations provide a rich layer of information that goes beyond simple space facts, encouraging detailed observation and prolonged engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique visual experience that enhances understanding of the vertical layers of space, fostering a different perspective on astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and kids who appreciate a hands-on approach to learning.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Science, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book features detailed illustrations and flaps to lift, exploring the insides of various spacecraft and space stations, and how astronauts live and work in space.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed technical information and interactive elements that require fine motor skills and cognitive engagement beyond simple reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and informative, perfect for engaging curious minds with the mechanics and daily life of astronauts in space.
  • Perfect for: Kids fascinated by astronauts and how they live in space.

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
  • Genre(s): Science, Narrative Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Curiosity, a Mars rover, from its conception through its journey to Mars and the discoveries it made.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines complex scientific and engineering concepts with a story format, which requires synthesis of narrative and factual understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It personalizes a piece of modern space technology, making the science of space exploration relatable and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: Future engineers and storytellers who dream of space.

• On the Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Derrick Alderman and Denise Shea
  • Genre(s): Science, Counting
  • Synopsis: This book counts down from twelve to one as a rocket prepares for lift-off, incorporating various elements of the launch process.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates learning numbers with the detailed stages of a rocket launch, requiring cognitive linking of numerical skills with scientific concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mathematics and science in a fun, accessible way that prepares kids for more complex educational concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young mathematicians and future astronauts.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring the universe of space books with your little astronaut, here are some fun and educational exercises to enhance their reading experience. These activities are designed to engage 4-6-year-olds and help develop their reading habits, making the journey through stars and planets even more exciting!

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that follows the storyline of the space book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps children visualize the story.
  • Tips: Use bright colors and stickers to mark important story events.

• Space Vocabulary Box
  • What it is: Collect new words found in the space book and store them in a special box.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and aids in learning new concepts about space.
  • Tips: Review the box regularly and use the words in sentences to reinforce learning.

• Star Gazing Story Time
  • What it is: Read the space book under the night sky.
  • How it helps: Connects reading with real-world experiences and sparks curiosity about astronomy.
  • Tips: Choose a clear night and bring a blanket and a flashlight for a cozy reading session.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the space book.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props and costumes to make the activity more engaging.

• Draw Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Illustrate a favorite scene or character from the space book.
  • How it helps: Encourages artistic expression and deeper connection with the story.
  • Tips: Display the artwork at home to celebrate your child's effort and creativity.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the stories about space more interactive but also enhance your child's reading skills and love for books. So, grab your favorite space book, pick an exercise, and blast off into a universe of learning and fun!