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

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to launch your little astronaut into a universe of discovery? Look no further! Our curated selection of space books for 5-year-olds is packed with exciting adventures and fascinating facts that will spark their curiosity and fuel their imagination. Keep reading to explore our stellar lists of space books designed just for your young explorer!

Fun Space 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, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join the Cat in the Hat as he takes young readers on a whimsical tour of the solar system, introducing planets, stars, and the fun of space exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses rhymes and colorful illustrations to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy fun rhymes and colorful illustrations while learning.

• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book features amazing rockets traveling through space, complete with astronauts and exciting adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic text and bright illustrations captivate young readers, making the wonders of space travel exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and children who dream of flying rockets.

• 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 book introduces young children to the mysteries of space, explaining basic concepts of astronomy and the solar system in a kid-friendly way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers large, colorful pictures and simple, understandable explanations to spark interest in science from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about the universe.

• Moon! Earth's Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of the Moon itself, this story explores the special friendship between the Moon and the Earth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It personalizes celestial bodies to help kids relate to and understand astronomical concepts better.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love storytelling mixed with science, fostering a personal connection with our natural satellite.

• If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
  • Genre(s): Science, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on an imaginative journey to the Moon, detailing the preparation, the trip, and what it would be like to explore the lunar surface.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual space science with the thrill of adventure, encouraging imagination and curiosity about space travel.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future space travelers who love a good adventure story.

Educational Space Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Science, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, the story follows a young boy who dreams of flying into space, overcoming his fear of the dark.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of space, overcoming fears, inspiration from real-life achievements
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated tale that encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears, with the added appeal of being based on the experiences of a real astronaut.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future astronauts who may need a little courage.

• Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and factual look at what it takes to become an astronaut, from training to takeoff.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge about astronaut training, space missions, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet informative peek into the life of astronauts, making the rigorous training process accessible and engaging for kids.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about the day-to-day life of astronauts and space travel.

• Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story centers around Rocket, a science-obsessed girl who wants everyone to look up from their phones and see the meteor shower, just like her hero Mae Jemison.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interest in astronomy, technology use, role models in science
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an energetic and uplifting story that encourages interest in science and teaches the importance of experiencing the world directly, not just through screens.
  • Perfect for: Young tech-savvy kids who also have a keen interest in outer space.

• Field Trip to the Moon by John Hare
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: It's a wordless picture book about a school trip to the moon where one student gets separated from the group and encounters the lunar inhabitants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, imagination, understanding of space environments
  • Why we recommend this book: The lack of text encourages children to create their own narratives, enhancing creativity and observation skills.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and creative thinkers who enjoy letting their imaginations roam free.

Challenging Space Books 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 dives into complex topics like the universe, planets, and space technology through the adventures of Professor Astro Cat and his team.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced scientific concepts and vocabulary that are usually not covered in typical children's books about space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents detailed scientific facts through engaging and visually stimulating illustrations, making challenging concepts accessible to young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who are ready to explore deeper and more complex topics about space.

• The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This expansive fold-out book takes readers on a journey from the ground to the edges of the known universe, passing everything from birds, planes, and weather phenomena to satellites, planets, and stars.
  • Why this book is challenging: The continuous fold-out design and the depth of information provide a unique and detailed perspective of space, layering more information than typical space books for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a visually engaging way to learn about the layers of the sky and beyond, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who appreciate a visual journey through space and the skies.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book features detailed illustrations and flaps to lift, exploring the ins and outs of various spacecraft and space stations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a detailed look at the technology and engineering behind space travel, which is a more complex aspect of space science.
  • Why we recommend this book: Interactive flaps and detailed illustrations make the technical aspects of spacecraft both understandable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who have an interest in technology and how things work.

• 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 to its journey on Mars, exploring the red planet's surface.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative includes technical details about space exploration and the engineering of a rover, paired with concepts about space science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It personifies the Mars rover, making the scientific mission relatable and inspiring while providing factual space science education.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers fascinated by robots and the exploration of other planets.

• Outer Space Bedtime Race by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Brian Won
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Humorous
  • Synopsis: A humorous story about a group of alien children racing to bed, set against the backdrop of a quirky, colorful universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The playful use of language and integration of space-themed puns introduce young readers to linguistic creativity and humor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun storytelling with a space theme, encouraging a love for reading and a playful interest in the cosmos.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a good laugh with their bedtime stories and have an interest in space.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young kids to the vastness of space through books can be an exciting adventure. To make the most out of this experience and foster good reading habits, here are some fun exercises tailored for 5-year-olds. These activities are designed to engage their curiosity and enhance their understanding while keeping them entertained.

• Create a Starry Storyboard
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the space book they are currently reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages visual memory and helps children recall story details.
  • Tips: Use a large piece of paper and colorful markers to make the activity more engaging.

• Space Vocabulary Box
  • What it is: Collect new words from the space book in a special box or container.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and aids in language development.
  • Tips: Decorate the box with space-themed stickers to make it exciting and personal.

• Read and Role Play
  • What it is: After reading a book, act out a scene from the story.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps in retaining story details.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role play more fun and realistic.

• Question Comet
  • What it is: Write down curious questions about space while or after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and active engagement with the content.
  • Tips: Keep a special "Question Comet" notebook just for these inquiries.

• Match the Planets
  • What it is: Create a matching game with cards that have pictures of planets and their names.
  • How it helps: Helps with memory and recognition of planetary features and names.
  • Tips: Play the matching game together after reading sessions to reinforce learning.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about creating a whole universe of learning and fun. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you'll help your child develop a love for books and a curiosity about the cosmos. Keep it light, keep it fun, and watch their interest in space—and reading—soar to new heights!