Books About Space Exploration · 117 titles considered

The Best Space Exploration Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Space, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about space exploration? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Space Exploration

See You in the Cosmos
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2017

See You in the Cosmos

By Jack Cheng

A boy's quest to launch his iPod into space uncovers family secrets.

Golden Kite Award (2018)
320 pages· 64,375 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 13,387 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Alex Petroski, an 11-year-old space enthusiast, dreams of launching his golden iPod into space, mirroring his hero Carl Sagan's Golden Record. As he travels from Colorado to L.A., Alex records his journey, hoping to show extraterrestrial life what Earth is like. Along the way, he meets quirky characters and uncovers family secrets, including truths about his deceased father and a newfound extended family. With a troubled mom and an absent brother, Alex's adventure is filled with unexpected revelations and heartwarming discoveries, challenging his understanding of family and belonging.
Midnight on the Moon
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1996

Midnight on the Moon

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel through time and space to find four special things to free a magical librarian from a spell

80 pages· 5,940 words· Est. 1 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 18,358 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jack and Annie are whisked to a futuristic moon base by the Magic Tree House. Their mission: find the final item to break a spell and save their friend Morgan. With oxygen running low and a mysterious moon man lurking, time is against them. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late, and why is their mouse companion acting so strangely? Join their thrilling lunar adventure and uncover the secrets of the moon.
Space Mice
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Space Mice

By Lori Haskins Houran, Priscilla Alpaugh (Illustrator)

Two mice build a rocket to reach the cheese moon.

32 pages· 116 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Two adventurous mice, driven by hunger, spot a giant cheese-like moon in the sky. Determined to feast, they construct a rocketship and embark on a celestial journey. Will their dream of a cheesy banquet come true, or will they face unexpected challenges among the stars? This whimsical tale invites young readers to imagine the possibilities of space travel and the lengths one might go for a taste of the moon.
Moongarden
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2022

Moongarden

By Michelle A. Barry · Book #1 in the Plotting the Stars series

A secret garden on the Moon holds the key to an intergalactic conspiracy.

368 pages· 69,482 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 850 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Myra Hodger, struggling at a lunar academy, stumbles upon a secret garden filled with toxic plants. As she uncovers its mysteries, she questions her own abilities and the government's hidden truths. Can she harness her dormant magic to spark a revolution and solve the food crisis? Discover a world where science and magic intertwine, and one girl's courage could alter the fate of humanity.
Cosmo to the Rescue (Volume 2)
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Cosmo to the Rescue (Volume 2)

By Courtney Sheinmel · My Pet Slime series

A girl and her living slime race to find her missing grandma.

160 pages· 9,523 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 155 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Piper's world turns upside down when her slime, Cosmo, comes to life. But the real challenge begins when her grandma vanishes. With her friend Claire, Piper and Cosmo embark on a thrilling quest to rescue Grandma Sadie. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late?
To Boldly Go
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

To Boldly Go

By Angela Dalton, Lauren Semmer (Illustrator)

A TV icon inspires a new generation of diverse astronauts and dreamers.

40 pages· 1,218 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 428 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the 1960s, Nichelle Nichols broke barriers as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, becoming the first Black female astronaut on-screen. Her role inspired countless individuals, including real-life pioneers like Sally Ride and Dr. Mae Jemison, to pursue their dreams in space and STEM fields. This powerful story celebrates her legacy and the transformative power of representation. Will you be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has gone before?
Little Kids First Big Book of Space
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 3–5 · 2012

Little Kids First Big Book of Space

By Catherine D. Hughes · National Geographic Kids: Little Kids First Big Book series

Explore the universe from Earth to black holes in a vibrant space adventure for young minds.

128 pages· 5,582 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.5 Goodreads · 1,006 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on a cosmic journey with vibrant illustrations and simple text, perfect for young explorers. Discover Earth's relationship with the moon and sun, venture through our solar system, and unravel the mysteries of galaxies and black holes. Dive into the wonders of space exploration, from moon landings to the International Space Station. This engaging book ignites curiosity and expands young minds beyond the stars.
Neil Armstrong
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Neil Armstrong

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Christophe Jacques (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

A child's dream leads to a historic moonwalk.

32 pages· 572 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 321 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Neil Armstrong's journey from a young dreamer to the first person on the moon unfolds in this inspiring tale. From his first airplane ride to leading Apollo 11, Neil's story is one of courage and exploration. With his team, he ventured into the unknown, taking a monumental step for humanity. Discover how a child's dream can change the world in this beautifully illustrated book, complete with fascinating facts and a timeline of Neil's extraordinary life. Will his story inspire the next generation of dreamers to reach for the stars?
A Rover's Story
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Rover's Story

By Jasmine Warga

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 Goodreads · 10,329 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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?
Space Explorers
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2000

Space Explorers

By Eva Moore, Ted Enik (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the The Magic School Bus Chapter Book series

Join a cosmic journey to uncover the mysteries of the solar system.

76 pages· 7,384 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,442 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Carlos and his classmates embark on an extraordinary space adventure with Ms. Frizzle. As the Magic School Bus rockets through the solar system, they explore planets and uncover their unique secrets. What wonders and challenges await them in the vastness of space? This field trip promises to be out of this world!
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Space Exploration Picture Books

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

I am Neil Armstrong
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

I am Neil Armstrong

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Discover how small steps led Neil Armstrong to the moon.

Counting on Katherine
Sale price
$1899

Counting on Katherine

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A mathematician's calculations save Apollo 13. Discover her untold story.

Curiosity
Sale price
$2299

Curiosity

Ages 5–9 · 2017

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

A Kite for Moon
Sale price
$1799

A Kite for Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy's promise to the moon leads him on a journey to become an astronaut.

Journey to Juno
#2 in Series
Sale price
$699

Journey to Juno

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A young boy named Zack Nelson explores the planet Juno with his school's Explorers Club and makes a groundbreaking discovery

The Moon Over Star
Sale price
$1799

The Moon Over Star

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A moon landing inspires a young girl to dream big and explore endless possibilities.

Moonshot
Sale price
$1999

Moonshot

Ages 4–10 · 2009

Three astronauts embark on a historic mission to land on the Moon.

Look Up with Me
Sale price
$1899

Look Up with Me

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A curious boy gazes at the stars, uncovering cosmic mysteries and inspiring future explorers.

Penguinaut!
Sale price
$1799

Penguinaut!

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A penguin dreams of reaching the moon alone. Can he succeed?

Mooncake
#3 in Series
Sale price
$899

Mooncake

Ages 4–8 · 1983

A bear's curiosity leads to a moonlit adventure.

View all space exploration picture books
Browse by age

Space Exploration Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about space exploration for developing and independent readers.

What Is NASA?
Series
Sale price
$799

What Is NASA?

Ages 8–11 · 2019

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

Alien Escape
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

Alien Escape

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A group of spacemice must stop an alien blob from taking over their spaceship.

MiNRS 2
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1799

MiNRS 2

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A group of kids must survive on a distant planet after their colony is attacked by unknown forces.

Spaced Out
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Spaced Out

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A moon base commander vanishes. Can a young detective solve the mystery before it's too late?

How We Got to the Moon
Sale price
$2999

How We Got to the Moon

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Discover the untold stories behind the moon landing's triumph.

The Golden Lion
#4 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

The Golden Lion

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A young hero races to stop a cosmic weapon from falling into enemy hands.

Katherine Johnson
Series
Sale price
$1799

Katherine Johnson

Ages 6–8 · 2017

Discover the mathematician whose calculations launched NASA's early missions.

Waste of Space
#3 in Series
Sale price
$899

Waste of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A poisoned billionaire on the moon. Can Dash uncover the truth before it's too late?

View all space exploration chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about cheeseBooks about family problemsBooks about journeys and voyagesBooks about making friendsBooks about outer spaceBooks about the moon