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

Are you on a quest to find the perfect space books for 6-year-olds that will launch their imagination to the stars? You've landed in the right galaxy! Whether your little astronaut dreams of moonwalking or voyaging across the cosmos, we've gathered a stellar collection of books that will both educate and entertain. Keep reading to discover our favorite space-themed reads for young explorers eager to learn about the universe!

Fun Space Books for 6-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 journey through the solar system, introducing planets, stars, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun rhymes and engaging illustrations to make learning about space both entertaining and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love Dr. Seuss and are curious about the universe.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This colorful book provides an informative exploration of space, planets, stars, and more, tailored for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and amazing photographs that are sure to captivate and educate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who show a keen interest in science and the natural world.

• Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Humorous
  • Synopsis: This book offers a funny yet realistic look at what it takes to become an astronaut, from the training required to the experience of space travel.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its humorous take on a serious subject matter makes the dream of becoming an astronaut feel both exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and any child who dreams of space travel.

• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of animal astronauts as they zoom through space in their rocket.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and rhythmic adventure that introduces basic space travel concepts in a fun and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about adventure and exploration.

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, the story explores a young boy's fear of the dark and his fascination with space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears, all while igniting their interest in space.
  • Perfect for: Children who have fears to conquer and dreams to nurture.

Educational Space Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book details the historic Apollo 11 mission from its preparation to the moon landing and return to Earth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of space exploration, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines detailed illustrations and engaging storytelling to bring a pivotal moment in history to life.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and history buffs.

• If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This imaginative book takes readers on a trip to the moon, detailing the journey and what one might experience there.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, basic astronomy, understanding of space travel
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a narrative style to spark curiosity about space while educating about the realities of traveling to and living on the moon.
  • Perfect for: Kids who dream of space travel and enjoy stories that fuel their imagination.

• Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Raúl Colón
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer who made crucial contributions to our understanding of the universe despite many challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, science, gender studies
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the achievements of a significant female scientist, inspiring readers with its message of perseverance and passion for science.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science and history, especially those who appreciate stories of unsung heroes.

• Stars! Stars! Stars! by Bob Barner
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this visually stimulating book, children will learn about stars, planets, and the galaxy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic concepts of astronomy, visual learning, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: With its vibrant illustrations and clear, simple text, it makes learning about the cosmos accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early elementary school students who are curious about stars and the night sky.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on a wild ride through the solar system, exploring planets and other celestial bodies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the solar system, scientific inquiry, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure and education, making complex scientific concepts engaging and understandable.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy learning through stories and those who are fans of the Magic School Bus series.

Challenging Space Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey through the cosmos, exploring complex astronomical concepts and the latest space exploration technology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into detailed scientific explanations and introduces advanced topics such as black holes and quantum physics in a child-friendly manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of space that encourages curiosity and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a deep interest in science and those who are not afraid of a challenge.

• Older Than The Stars by Karen C. Fox, illustrated by Nancy Davis
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explains the Big Bang theory and the origins of the universe in a poetic and accessible way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the complex subjects of cosmic evolution and the formation of the universe, which are not typically explored in depth at this age level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating and lyrical approach to understanding our universe's beginnings, making complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds interested in the origins of everything around them.

• The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Discover the wonders of the universe, from our solar system to distant galaxies and exotic celestial phenomena.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features detailed information and data about space, requiring readers to engage with scientific facts and theories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide to the cosmos that will inspire awe and wonder.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronomers and kids who thrive on detailed factual information about space.

• Gravity by Jason Chin
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book explains the concept of gravity and how it affects everything in the universe, from the smallest pebble to the largest sun.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces and explains a fundamental physics concept that is pivotal to understanding how the universe operates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a complex scientific concept with clear illustrations and engaging text, making it accessible and interesting.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists eager to understand the forces that shape our world and universe.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the technology behind space stations and spacecraft, including the International Space Station and the future of space travel.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers detailed technical information about spacecraft design, function, and the science of living in space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives a thorough insight into the engineering and technology of spacecraft, sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and future engineers fascinated by how things work, especially in the context of space exploration.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little astronaut into a book lover, here are some fun and engaging exercises designed specifically for 6-year-olds. These activities will not only make reading about space more exciting but also help develop good reading habits early on.

• Create a Space Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special area in your home where your child can comfortably read books about space.
  • How it helps: This creates a dedicated and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the space with posters or models of planets and stars to make it more enticing.

• Star Words
  • What it is: Identify new or difficult words in space books and make a list of them.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Use the words to create a fun word search or crossword puzzle as a supplementary activity.

• Book-Based Space Art
  • What it is: Draw or craft scenes or objects from the space books they read.
  • How it helps: Reinforces comprehension and allows expression of understanding through art.
  • Tips: Display the finished artwork near their reading corner to keep them motivated.

• Role-Play Reading
  • What it is: Take turns reading dialogues from the book, pretending to be different characters.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a fun and interactive experience, while improving reading fluency.
  • Tips: Dress up as astronauts or aliens to make the reading session even more exciting.

• Space Book Club
  • What it is: Start a mini book club with a few of your child’s friends who also enjoy space topics.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and discussion about the books, enhancing comprehension.
  • Tips: Organize a monthly meet-up where they can discuss what they've read or watch a space-themed movie.

• Read and Reward
  • What it is: Implement a reward system for every space book your child finishes.
  • How it helps: Motivates your child to read more often.
  • Tips: Rewards can be simple, like extra playtime, a special snack, or a new book.

By incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine, you’re not just helping them learn about space—you’re also launching a lifelong love of reading. Remember, the key is to keep it fun and engaging! Happy reading, young explorers!