There is something about outer space that just appeals to little kids! I think all preschoolers have at least some interest in the topic! Astronauts, astroids, comets, and rocket ships...I mean what's not to love!? Add in the idea of aliens, and kids are hooked!
That's one of the reasons that our preschool subscription box, My Pre-K Box, has chosen SPACE as one of our themes! Not familiar with My Pre-K Box? We are the best subscription box for prescholers--delivering play-based, hands on learning and fun to your front door! Each month we send a fun, fresh new theme...like SPACE!
Whether you are looking for the best books about Space to read to your preschool class, your little learner at home, or to extend the learning from My Pre-K Box, we've got you covered! So let's launch right into our list of top books about Space for little learners! 3, 2, 1,...BLAST OFF!
1 Space for Kids Who Really Love Space
When selecting books to read to your little learner, be sure to introduce them to lots of nonfiction (factual, informational) books! Many children aren’t exposed to enough nonfiction books--so keep that in mind! This nonfiction space book is a great book to introduce kids aged 3 and older to outer space! You’ll find the information accessible for your child and that the informative text is perfectly paired with large, beautiful full color photography.
2 Aliens Love Underpants
Got boys, like us?! Your little boys will love this hilarious fiction space-themed book!
Did you know that there are no underpants in space!? When these aliens fly down to earth, they aren’t here to take over the world or to meet the earthlings...they want to steal everyone’s underpants! With its wacky illustrations and funny content, Aliens Love Underpants is not just a hit with the boys but with just about all of the 3-5 year olds we know! And we also love it for the rhyming text to help build those phonemic awareness skills!
3 My Best Pop-Up Space Boook
Another great nonfiction book, we love My Best Pop-up Space Book for preschool and kindergarten aged kids for its mix of realistic photos and fun illustrations...and for its simple language! It's designed specifically for this toddler age group between 3-5 years old and comes in a board book option! I6 is absolutely age-appropriate, with clear descriptions and definitions of your favorite key space subjects like Earth, the sun, the moon and stars, astronauts, and space travel! What's more is that your little learner will absolutely love the fun novelty items like glitter, sound effects, and a full-page gatefold of the solar system!
4 Pete the Cat Out of This World
Pete the Cat is a beloved favorite character for little kids! There are tons of best-selling Pete the Cat books out there. In Pete the Cat Out of This World, Pete goes to space camp! He gets to do all kinds of cool things like build rockets and float in zero gravity! He even plays an intergalactic groovy song!
5 Our Stars
Anne Rockwell is the author of hundreds of children’s books! We like Our Stars for its bright pictures and super simple text. This nonfiction book is great for curious minds without overwhelming your little learner with too much text or information. We definitely suggest this book for preschool and kindergarten aged children!
6 If You Decide to Go to the Moon
One of the main reasons we just love If You Decide to Go to the Moon is because it is written in second-person. Meaning, the author puts your child in the book. For that reason, this book is absolutely perfect for building those imaginary skills that kids love. She will take your child through every step of traveling the moon. From, “don’t forget your diary and plenty of food.,” to “at first you’ll feel heavy; don’t worry”! Oh, and you will just love the illustrations! They are by one of our favorites--Steven Kellogg!
7 On the Launch Pad
We highly recommend On the Launch Pad! It’s got simple text and illustrations--perfect for the youngest learners. A rocket ship gets ready for lift-off in this book teaching counting skills! Will your child be able to find the numbers hidden in each picture!?
8 There's No Place Like Space!
There’s No Place Like Space! Is a part of The Cat in the Hat Learning Library which introduces young children to basic nonfiction. In this book, The Cat in the Hat takes a trip to visit the sun, stars, and planets! There is a glossary and an index too where you can casually expose your child to these text features commonly found in informational books! Depending on your child’s interest and attention level, this book could be a little too much to hold attention for really young children.
9 Mousetronaut
Retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly wrote this (partly true) story about a small mouse named Meteor who is just dying to go into space! He works hard to prove himself as worthy as the bigger mice and is selected to go on the mission! When disaster strikes this mission, will Meteor be able to help? With lovely illustrations, a story of perseverance and routing for the underdog, your child will love Mousetronaut!
PS-After your kids fall in love with Meteor the mouse, they’ll be excited to learn he goes on another interplanetary trip...to Mars! be sure to check out Mousetronaut Goes to Mars next!
10 My First Book of Planets
Dr. Bruce Betts is a planetary scientist and children’s author. He wrote this informational, nonfiction book for little kids about the planets! We love the simple language along with the introduction of text features--a glossary, bold words, and diagrams! But don’t be intimidated, this book is very child friendly and a great introduction to cool facts about each of the planets for your 3-5 year old!
11 Happy Birthday, Moon
Happy Birthday, Moon is a classic in our opinion and a must-read book for young children. In this fictional story, Moonbear discovers (through talking to his echo) that he has the same birthday as the moon! He decides he should get the moon a present--but what?! This book is super sweet and great for the toddler and preschooler age group!
12 Our Stars
Anne Rockwell is the author of hundreds of children’s books! We like Our Stars for its bright pictures and super simple text. This nonfiction book is great for curious minds without overwhelming your little learner with too much text or information. We definitely suggest this book for preschool and kindergarten aged children!
13 Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me
Eric Carle is a favorite children’s book author and illustrator for good reason, but have you read his book Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me? In this tale, little Monica wants the moon to play with. So her doting father sets out to climb to the moon. He soon learns it’s quite difficult! But what’s more difficult is how to carry it home. Will Papa get Monica the moon? This beautiful tale comes in hardcover, softcover, and as a board book!
Share your fun with us
We hope your preschoolers enjoy reading from our list of best space books for little kids! We’d love to see your little one enjoying some books from the list, so why not share your photos on Facebook or Instagram with #myprekbox. Our favorite snaps could be featured on our website or newsfeed!
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