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FOR ALL AGES
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Space books spark the imagination, from the youngest of minds to the oldest.
They give an insight into the world around us, a greater awareness of our world and, let's be honest, have inspired many a child to dream about becoming an astronaut. Take a look at our best 15 kids space books about the outer realms of reality.
These books will help you learn about space from different perspectives, and remind the kids that anything truly is possible. Get ready to laugh, and be inspired to make, too!
Image © Usborne
What it's about: Look Inside Space by Rob Lloyd Jones is about the history and technology of space flight, in an easy-to-understand way that will inspire a lot of 'wow's. It also introduces planets, stars and other exciting objects.
Why it's great: This prize-winning book is wonderfully illustrated. It also features some lovely flaps on the inside, for special surprises for the young kids to discover.
Suitable For: 3-4 year olds.
Image ©Philomel Books
What it's about: Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers is a welcome introduction to planet earth. Written to the author's newborn, this lovely book delicately introduces the planet and space for kids to grasp. Toddler and young-child-friendly, needless to say. This lovely picture book will have their attention snatched while learning about space, but also humankind.
Why it's great: Illustrated, detailed and captivating, this lovely book teaches about the world around us, and gets kids thinking about the person within.
Suitable For: 3-4 year olds.
Image © Shwartz & Wade
What it's about: The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney by Alice B. McGinty is a lesson in science from the perspective of an 11-year-old girl. Venetia loves mythology and science and has done from a young age. Set in the '30s, the book about space is illustrated with a vintage feel, offering visual information that will captivate in a different way from the usual cartoons seen nowadays.
Why it's great: The main character is a young girl, making big moves in the area of science. The author wants to inspire young girls with this children's book, and we think it's one of the best to do so. But this book is for boys too, as it helps them see and appreciate the significance of girls in science.
Suitable For: Ages 4+
Image © Little, Brown and Co.
What it's about: Many of us dreamt of being astronauts as children, and the fourth of our books on space was actually written by one. How fascinating! The Darkest Dark is a story of the author's younger self, afraid of the dark but fascinated by the moon. We observe how he develops the courage to face his fears, to do more than face the dark, but venture into it. It's a lovely story and even features aliens.
Why it's great: This book depicts a lesson in overcoming fear, and also recounts at the end how retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was able to become an astronaut. So, your budding astronauts can be informed, entertained and inspired.
Suitable For: 4-5 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141286302/in/photostream/
Image © Knopf Books for Young Readers
What it's about: Margaret And The Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved The First Lunar Landing by Dean Robbins is about the life of the inspiring and ground-breaking Margaret Hamilton, a software engineer at a time where women were expected to stay at home, not work and look after children. An amazing story about a curious woman who enjoyed solving problems. Ultimately, she ended up helping to land the first men on the moon.
Why it's great: It's an unconventional story of a woman in STEM who used her courage and creativity to be a true hero.
Suitable For: 4-5 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141286332/in/photostream/
Image © Greenwillow Books
What it's about: The sixth of our space books for kids is factual and fascinating. It portrays very large numbers in very comprehensible ways, from very understandable contexts.
Why it's great: It's delightfully illustrated and incredibly educational. The facts will captivate the kids and have them wondering more about the solar system and astronomy, no doubt.
Suitable For: 4-5 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141045271/in/photostream/
Image © Simon Spotlight
What it's about: Looking Up!: The Science Of Stargazing by Joe Rao is about looking into space, what you see, what's there and why some things out there work the way they do. It's an engaging chapter book for early readers, full of facts and answers for those curious kids bursting with questions and constantly wondering.
Why it's great: There's a special section on solar eclipses, with tips on how to observe them safely. Good to know!
Suitable For: 6-7 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50140505728/in/photostream/
Image © Crown Books for Young Readers
What it's about: Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer is about the journey of a young boy obsessed with the stars, whose curiosity eventually leads to his appointment to the position of director of the Hayden Planetarium, in the United States. A children's book that is relatable for star-seekers and those who wonder what they could become.
Why it's great: This is a realistic and honest depiction of a young boy with an interest in space that never left him. Relatable? We think so. With humour and personality, prepare to be impressed by the complex knowledge gained from this book.
Suitable For: 6-7 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141045351/in/photostream/
Image © Abrams Books for Young Readers
What it's about: Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery is an illustrated factual book all about Pluto - a planet no longer, but remembered nonetheless. From its first human sighting to its reclassification as a dwarf planet, there's much to be learned from this wonderful book.
Why it's great: It's insightful, detailed and highly informative. Curious children aged six and up will love this delightful spotlight book on Pluto.
Suitable For: 6-7 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50140505758/in/photostream/
Image © Big Kid Science
What it's about: A follow on book in a series, about Max, the grandpuppy of his namesake in Max Goes To The Moon and Max Goes To Mars. If you've enjoyed these, this new book about Max (though a different Max) will be a treat. Max is a lovely pup following in his grandfather's steps, going along with his crew to Jupiter, this time.
Why it's great: It's great for kids to have an appreciation of outer space, and this book does so, making it all seem less distant. Expect greater insight about space concepts, in an engaging and entertaining way.
Suitable For: 8-9 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50140505833/in/photostream/
Image © Little, Brown and Co.
What it's about: Some fascinating felines who venture out to explore the world beyond Earth. With many illustrations to captivate, this series will take you on a journey with the adorable cats, teaching along the way.
Why it's great: It's a graphic novel series, with hours upon hours of fun to be had while reading. Perfect for those who love to stare at the images, there is plenty to see.
Suitable For: 8-9 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141286607/in/photostream/
Image © Harper Collins Publishers
What it's about: An unusual and striking account of an astronaut's journey to becoming one of the lucky few to venture outside planet Earth. Melvin started off as a football player, before an injury led to his change of career. Passionate about helping young women and minorities to consider STEM careers, Melvin is still inspiring today.
Why it's great: This is a unique, real-life story, and this version is especially adapted for our younger readers to understand. What's more, it features activities for the young ones to get involved in, and many epic pictures to look at.
Suitable For: 8-9 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50140505978/in/photostream/
Image © Wiley
What it's about: A User's Guide To The Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes and Quantum Uncertainty is a great introduction to those more complex space topics, with an excellent balance of education and entertainment. It's got jokes, cartoons and does a very good job of presenting mind-blowing science in a light-hearted way. Bravo.
Why it's great: With excellent explanations and humour, it's one of the best science books to thrill kids and enthral adults too.
Suitable For: 10-11 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141286662/in/photostream/
Image © National Geographic Children's Books
What it's about: Welcome To Mars: Making A Home On The Red Planet is all about Earth's red planet, Mars, written by the famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin and physicist Marianne Dyson. It even features activities to reinforce knowledge and make this kids feel part of the expedition themselves.
Why it's great: It's a detailed account of the first Mars expedition, and gives an insight into an astronaut's preparation and experiences during transportation to the planet! Young space-enthusiasts and budding astronauts aged eight and older will love.
Suitable For: 10-11 year olds.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149086312@N06/50141286682/in/photostream/
Image © Macmillan
What it's about: Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman In Space is a visual narrative of an amazing woman's life. Young tennis star, science writer, STEM campaigner and, most notably, the first American woman to fly in space. Need we say more?
Why it's great: A wonderful book to inspire young girls and space fans. It's personal and special, as the astronaut's life was otherwise very private. An excellent addition to the library of empowering books for young girls to learn from.
Suitable For: 10-11 year olds.
<p>Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.</p>
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
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