These space themed read-a-loud books get kids engaged. Here are the best space books to enhancing your space themed lessons and activities.
The Darkest Dark by Astronaut Chris Hadfield
Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield and brought to life by Terry and Eric Fan’s lush, evocative illustrations, The Darkest Dark will encourage readers to dream the impossible. Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he’s a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem—at night, Chris doesn’t feel so brave. He’s afraid of the dark. But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest dark there is—and the dark is beautiful and exciting, especially when you have big dreams to keep you company.
Mousetronaut: A Partially True Story by Mark Kelly, C. F. Payne
Astronaut Mark Kelly flew with “mice-tronauts” on his first spaceflight aboard space shuttle Endeavour in 2001. Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission . . . and is chosen for the flight! While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes—and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. With lively illustrations by award-winning artist C. F. Payne, Mousetronaut is a charming tale of perseverance, courage, and the importance of the small!
Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
With an appealing text and funny, brightly colored illustrations, Meghan McCarthy transports aspiring space travelers to astronaut school in her young nonfiction picture book. Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Try a bite of astronaut food, such as delicious freeze-dried ice cream. Have your measurements taken—100 of your hand alone—for your very own space suit. Get ready for liftoff!
Simon and the Solar System by Derek Taylor Kent, Mary Gutfleisch
The perfect book for young STEM students, young Simon Beck is terrified of his upcoming astronomy test… that is until a friendly alien named Neil Newton shows up and takes him a tour of the Solar System that he will never forget. But zipping around space isn’t as easy as it seems when they have to dodge ice rocks in Saturn’s rings and escape a dust storm on Mars. In the end, Simon becomes an expert on all the planets and even the Sun, but his teacher has a surprise for him at the end!
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark Kelly, C. F. Payne
3-2-1…blast off! The smallest member of the team, a mouse named Meteor, is back on board and ready to come to the rescue on an interplanetary adventure! With lively illustrations by award-winning artist C.F. Payne, this charming new mousetronaut adventure will inspire imaginations of all sizes!
My Journey to the Stars by Scott Kelly, Andre Ceolin
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly was the first to spend an entire year in space! Discover his awe-inspiring journey in this fascinating picture book memoir that takes readers from Scott’s childhood as an average student to his record-breaking year among the stars.
Good Night Galaxy by Adam Gamble, Mark Jasper, Cooper Kelly
Good Night Galaxy explores the Milky Way planets, the sun, the moon, asteroids, comets, black holes, constellations, binary stars, the Big Dipper, meteors, the Orion nebula, red giants, and more. Blasting into outer space, this unique and educational board book gives young astronauts a tour of our Milky Way Galaxy. No asteroid is left un-turned!
