10+ Best Space Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on a mission to ignite a passion for the cosmos in your young astronaut? You’ve landed in the right galaxy! Our curated selection of space books for 8-year-olds is perfect for little explorers eager to learn about stars, planets, and the mysteries of the universe. Keep reading to discover a universe of books that will launch their imagination into orbit!

Fun Space Books for 8-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 you on a fascinating journey through our solar system, exploring planets, stars, and more with his usual whimsical charm.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses fun rhymes and engaging illustrations to simplify complex concepts about space, making it a delightful read for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy learning through stories and those who are fans of Dr. Seuss's creative style.

• 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 introduces young readers to the wonders of space, from the sun and the moon to the distant stars and galaxies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with stunning visuals and tons of interesting facts that are sure to captivate young minds and inspire a love for astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are eager to learn about the universe and enjoy visually rich educational books.

• The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an adventurous trip through the solar system where they learn about planets, asteroids, and space exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with education, teaching important space facts through a fun and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love science and space, and fans of the Magic School Bus series.

• Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Astrid has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Throughout the story, she learns what it takes to achieve her dreams, inspired by her astronaut mom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children, especially girls, to dream big and work towards their goals, showing that space isn't just for boys.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers who aspire to be astronauts or explore new frontiers, and those looking for a story with strong female role models.

• A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman, illustrated by Isabel Greenberg
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a mind-boggling look at the numbers in our universe, from stars in the sky to grains of sand on Earth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fascinating for young readers, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love numbers and science, and those who are fascinated by the scale and wonder of the universe.

Educational Space Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Professor Astro Cat and his crew take young readers on a journey through the cosmos, exploring the science of the universe, from planets and stars to the physics of space travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic astronomy, understanding of physics, curiosity about space
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex scientific ideas into digestible parts for kids, with vibrant illustrations that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and budding scientists who enjoy learning through visually engaging content.

• 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 highlights young Chris's dreams of flying to space and his fear of the dark, which he overcomes by realizing that space is the darkest dark there is.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage in facing fears, inspiration to achieve dreams, introduction to space exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated story that encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have big dreams but might need a little encouragement to face their fears.

• See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: 11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his dog Carl Sagan, and his recording on an iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, curiosity, understanding of personal and family challenges
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a unique story that combines the wonder of space exploration with the heartwarming and sometimes challenging stories of personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that blend science with real human emotions 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 story shares the special relationship between the Moon and the Earth, from its formation to its role in creating tides.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of astronomy, Earth science, relational thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique narrative perspective that makes learning about the Earth and Moon fun and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories told from unusual perspectives and those interested in learning more about our closest celestial neighbor.

• Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities by Mary Kay Carson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the history of space exploration and includes 22 activities to engage kids in learning about space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History of space exploration, scientific inquiry, hands-on learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only provides information but also involves children actively through experiments and activities.
  • Perfect for: Active learners who thrive on engaging directly with the subjects they’re learning about, and history buffs interested in space exploration.

Challenging Space Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: Discover the wonders of the universe, from black holes to the Big Bang, in this detailed guide that reveals the secrets of the cosmos.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex astronomical concepts and theories that require advanced understanding and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at the universe that will expand the reader's knowledge and inspire curiosity about the cosmos.
  • Perfect for: Young astronomers and curious minds who are ready to dive deep into the mysteries of space.

• Older Than The Stars by Karen C. Fox, illustrated by Nancy Davis
  • Genre(s): Science, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This book combines vivid illustrations and poetic language to explain the Big Bang theory and the origins of the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic form mixed with complex scientific content challenges readers to think creatively about science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful fusion of art and science that makes the story of the universe's beginning accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young poets who have an interest in science and the origins of everything.

• Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: Uma feels small when she looks at the night sky and starts to ponder the concept of infinity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores abstract concepts like infinity, encouraging philosophical thinking and introspection.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book helps readers grapple with big ideas and understand their place in the vast universe.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful kids who enjoy pondering life's big questions and exploring complex ideas.

• Planetarium by Raman Prinja, illustrated by Chris Wormell
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: Part of the Welcome to the Museum series, this book acts as a virtual tour of a museum dedicated to the celestial world, featuring detailed illustrations and facts about the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It contains a wealth of information presented in a sophisticated format that mimics an adult reference book.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a treasure trove of information that will satisfy curious minds and provide a detailed insight into the workings of our universe.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love to absorb detailed facts and those who appreciate museum-like displays in book form.

• Star Talk: Everything You Ever Need to Know About Space Travel, Sci-Fi, the Human Race, the Universe, and Beyond by Neil deGrasse Tyson
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: Based on the popular podcast and National Geographic show, this book covers a wide range of topics from space travel to deep philosophical questions about the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex and diverse subjects that span across different fields of science and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fascinating read that offers insightful discussions on various aspects of the cosmos, encouraging a comprehensive understanding of space and science.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the universe and our place in it.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the world of space books with your 8-year-old, you're in for an exciting journey! To make the most out of this experience, here are some fun and educational exercises that can help develop strong reading habits. These activities are tailored to make reading both engaging and informative.

• Create a Starry Storyboard
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book on a large piece of paper.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and stickers to make the storyboard more exciting and visually appealing.

• Space Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Make a list of new and interesting words found in the space books.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and understanding of space terminology.
  • Tips: Try to use these new words in daily conversations or in creative writing.

• Fact Finder Challenge
  • What it is: Search for interesting facts in the book and verify them through research.
  • How it helps: Encourages research skills and deepens knowledge about space.
  • Tips: Use reliable sources online or in libraries to confirm these facts.

• Reading Rocket Timer
  • What it is: Set a timer for uninterrupted reading.
  • How it helps: Builds focus and the ability to read longer.
  • Tips: Start with short intervals and gradually increase the time as concentration improves.

• Cosmic Questions Hat
  • What it is: Write questions about the book on pieces of paper and put them in a hat.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and recall of the book’s content.
  • Tips: Take turns drawing questions from the hat and discussing them.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading an adventure that stretches beyond the pages of the book. Try these activities with your young reader and watch their fascination with space and reading grow!