Books About Astronautics

The Best Astronautics Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about astronautics? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

A Rover's Story
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Astronautics

Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Good Night, Oppy!

By James McGowan, Graham Carter (Illustrator)

A rover's 15-year Mars mission uncovers secrets and faces cosmic challenges.

30 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 203 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Join Oppy, the Mars Opportunity Rover, on a thrilling 15-year mission across the red planet. As an interplanetary detective, Oppy captures stunning images and makes groundbreaking discoveries. From joyrides on Olympus Mons to daring escapes from dust storms, Oppy's journey is filled with humor, grit, and perseverance. Will Oppy's findings change our understanding of Mars forever? Dive into this captivating tale of exploration and adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Rover's Story

A Mars rover faces perilous challenges and unexpected emotions on a mission to survive.

320 pages· 45,248 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,087 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Resilience, a Mars rover, embarks on a daring mission to explore the Red Planet. Built without emotions, Res begins to feel humanlike sensations, questioning his programming. Accompanied by Fly, a drone helicopter, Res navigates Mars's treacherous terrain, confronting dust storms and cliffs. As millions watch from Earth, can Res find the courage and determination to overcome these trials and fulfill his mission?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2019

What Is NASA?

The story of NASA's history and its mission to explore space.

112 pages· 8,137 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 396 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Dive into NASA's thrilling history, from its 1958 inception to the Apollo moon landing. Discover how this pioneering agency continues to unlock the universe's secrets. Will NASA's legacy shape our future in space?
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2017

Curiosity

Join a rover's journey to Mars, uncovering secrets of the red planet.

56 pages· 2,076 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 785 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Summary: Meet Curiosity, the rover that traveled over 350 million miles to Mars. Discover her mission to explore the red planet and search for signs of life. How did she get her name, and what tools does she use? Experience her story firsthand as she navigates the dusty Martian landscape, revealing the mysteries of a world no human has ever visited. This vibrant tale brings Curiosity's adventure to life, capturing the imagination of space enthusiasts and inviting readers to explore the unknown.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Red Rover

By Richard Ho, Katherine Roy (Illustrator)

A rover explores Mars, seeking secrets and signs of life.

44 pages· 257 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 213 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: On the desolate plains of Mars, a lone rover embarks on a quest. Curiosity roams the red planet, crossing craters and climbing hills, searching for water and life. As it measures and collects, it wonders about the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. What secrets will it uncover, and who will follow in its tracks? Join Curiosity on its daring journey across the Martian landscape, where every discovery could change our understanding of the universe. This is a tale of exploration, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge on a distant world.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

American Moonshot

Discover the high-stakes journey behind the historic moon landing.

272 pages· 42,375 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,542 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Journey back to July 20, 1969, when two astronauts made history by landing on the moon. Uncover the intense race and the monumental stakes that defined this pivotal moment in space exploration. What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them to achieve one of the 20th century's greatest feats? This gripping account reveals the bravery and determination that fueled America's quest to conquer the moon.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2018

Rockets: Defying Gravity

Explore 2,000 years of rocket history and their future impact.

130 pages· 13,015 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 180 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Summary: Embark on a thrilling journey through 2,000 years of rocket history. Dive into Newton's Laws of Motion and discover how gravity, force, and acceleration have shaped the rockets of the past and those yet to come. This action-packed graphic novel offers a captivating look at the science behind rockets, perfect for curious minds eager to explore the cosmos. Will the rockets of tomorrow change our world forever? Uncover the secrets of space travel in this engaging and educational adventure.
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2019

Where's the Astronaut?

Lift flaps to uncover hidden space friends and a surprise mirror.

10 pages
5.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 191 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Join a playful journey celebrating the moon landing's 50th anniversary. Lift felt flaps to reveal four hidden space-themed friends, culminating in a delightful mirror surprise. Perfect for little explorers!
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2016

Rocket Science for Babies

Discover how lift and thrust make things fly in this playful introduction to rocket science for little ones.

24 pages
4.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 884 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Introduce your little scientist to the wonders of flight with 'Rocket Science for Babies.' This engaging board book simplifies aerospace engineering concepts, teaching babies about lift and thrust—the forces that make things soar. With vibrant illustrations and a playful tone, this book is perfect for sparking curiosity in young minds. As part of the Baby University series, it sets the stage for a lifelong love of science. Will your baby become the next rocket scientist? Dive into this delightful journey and find out!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

When Sparks Fly

By Kristen Fulton, Diego Funck (Illustrator)

A young dreamer in the 1880s aims to make rockets fly. Will his experiments succeed?

32 pages· 756 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 142 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In the 1880s, young Robert Goddard dreams of reaching the stars from Worcester, Massachusetts. With relentless experiments and explosive trials, he strives to make his rockets soar. Can his passion and persistence ignite a revolution in rocketry? Discover the thrilling journey of a boy whose curiosity and determination might just change the world.
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Astronautics Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about astronautics for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Mars' First Friends

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Mars longs for a playmate in a busy solar system. Will Earth send help?

Birthday on Mars!

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Celebrate a Mars rover's birthday and explore the Red Planet's mysteries.

I Want to Be an Astronaut

Ages 4–8 · 1988

Join astronauts as they explore space, experience zero gravity, and fix satellites before returning to Earth.

Kit and Kaboodle Blast Off to Space

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Two friends attend space camp and participate in various activities, including walking on the moon, building a rocket, and going on a space walk.

Hello, Opportunity

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A rover named Opportunity explores Mars, uncovering secrets and surprises on a groundbreaking mission.

Diggersaurs Mission to Mars
Sale price
$1899

Diggersaurs Mission to Mars

Ages 3–7 · 2023

Dinosaurs and trucks unite on Mars for an epic space adventure.

Look to the Stars

Ages 6–8 · 2009

Explore the stars and the history of space exploration through a moonwalker's eyes.

Adventures in Space

Ages 7–10 · 2018

Explore the mysteries of space, from expanding suns to cosmic phenomena.

Peppa in Space
Sale price
$499

Peppa in Space

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Join a family museum trip exploring outer space and beyond.

The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet!

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A hungry dinosaur devours their space rocket. Can they find a way home?

View all astronautics picture books
Browse by age

Astronautics Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about astronautics for developing and independent readers.

Dangerous
Sale price
$1799

Dangerous

Ages 13–18 · 2014

A girl uncovers a conspiracy and must save the world from annihilation.

The Race to the Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Choose your path in the space race; will it lead to triumph or disaster?

Mars Exploration Rovers

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Guide Mars exploration and uncover its secrets.

The Space Race

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Uncover the secrets of the Space Race and its surprising twists.

Space Disasters

Ages 8–11 · 2007

Explore the causes and impact of space disasters.

Who Is Neil deGrasse Tyson?

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young boy's visit to a planetarium sparks a journey to become a renowned astrophysicist.

The Stellar Story of Space Travel

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Discover the wonders of space travel and amaze your friends with fascinating facts.

Above and Beyond

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Explore NASA's journey from its origins to future discoveries, tackling urgent challenges for humanity's survival.

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