Top 10 Children's Books About Space 

There are plenty of children's books out there that are about the wonders of space, but they are not always that easy to find. Thankfully, a lot of the ones that can be found without too much trouble are pretty amazing.

One such book, Unlocking the Universe, was written by Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy Hawking. The famed physicist and his daughter answer such questions as "Is there life on Mars" through to "what is inside a black hole". They answer slightly more 'out there' questions too, like "what should you do if robots take over the world?".

The book is brilliantly illustrated and helps to bring the various topics to life. Naturally, there are plenty of other space books for kids out there too that are just as educational.

1. Space Encyclopedia: A tour of our solar system and beyond

2. Hidden Figures (Young Reader’s Edition)

If your little readers are not so little, this story of African American women mathematicians is sure to capture their attention.

The reader will be able to learn all about these amazing scientists, that came to be known as ‘human computers’, and how they helped NASA get into space.

3. Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing stories of women in space

This amazingly illustrated book tells the tale of 50 women, from across the globe, who have been involved in space exploration in some way. From the 19th century right through to the present day, female scientists have been integral to space exploration. These are their stories.

Astrophysicists, engineers, aerospace physiologists, mathematicians… They are all here waiting for their stories to be read.

4. Chasing Space (young readers edition)

This edition has been adapted, from the memoirs of Leland Melvin. This is Melvin's incredible story,   chronicling his journey from football player to an astronaut. This story includes his recovery from an injury that very nearly left him deaf.

Young readers are going to enjoy reading how Melvin faced challenge after challenge and forged ahead and overcame them. The book includes experiments that readers can try and there is a section of full-colour photographs too.

5. Hello World! Solar System

This children’s book is perfect for you to read to your toddler, and for them to look at as you read due to the bright and fun illustrations. Hello World! Solar System introduces each planet of the solar system with an accompanying fact.

There are also details about the stars, moon and the Sun. It is an excellent introduction to space for younger would-be spacefarers.

6. Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11

Poetically and illustratively Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 tells the story of the 1969 mission that saw mankind take its first tentative steps on a world other than our own.

This is much more than a story about the mission, it is the story of the contributions made by a wide range of people. Told in a thoroughly engaging way, suitable for children and adults of all ages, it is also wonderfully illustrated.

7. Look Inside Space

An amazing and information-packed ‘flap book’ aimed at younger children, but also enjoyable for older readers, Look Inside Space was won the Royal Society Prize for a children’s science book, in 2013.

The flap book is wonderfully designed as well as well written and provides answers to questions about space that the younger might have.

8. The Everything Kids' Astronomy Book: Blast into outer space with stellar facts, intergalactic trivia, and out-of-this-world puzzles

A big book of everything space, for kids. Answering questions such as ‘how are galaxies made?’, ‘why is the surface of the Sun so hot?’ and ‘why does Earth spin?’ as well as many more – and grown-ups, some of the answers might surprise you too.

There are also projects to complete, such as building a sky-watching kit. This book is extremely comprehensive without getting complicated. Definitely one for your child’s shelf. Or yours.

9. The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Story About Edwin Hubble

Edwin Hubble, an American astronomer, changed our view of the Universe. He was able to show us that galaxies are moving away from us at a speed that is proportional to their distance.  Why? The universe is expanding.

The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars is the story of Edwin Hubble, from a young boy that was fascinated with the stars and was determined to become an astronomer, to the famed adult that did just that and so much more.

10. Margaret and the Moon

A true story about a woman from NASA, Margaret and the Moon tells the story of Margaret Hamilton. Hamilton wrote a lot of computer code for NASA that ended up being crucial for several space missions.

In a field traditionally dominated by men, this shows young readers just how important she was and how her amazing maths skills meant the space program was able to move forward in the way that it did.

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