I am a reader. I love discovering a new book that captivates my mind and lets me plunge into a new world. But sometimes, books fall short. We are left wanting more. That very thing happened to me when looking for good kid books about space. But after much persistence, I have found a list of space books for toddlers that help teach them all about outer space, but in a fun way that can be understood by 3-year-olds. Here are my top 5 space books for preschoolers:
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Space Lesson plans
Our Stars
By Anne Rockwell
We started off by reading Our Stars by Anne Rockwell, which introduces so much more than just our stars. This book talks about stars, our solar system, constellations, comets, meteors, and more. I love how this author introduces complex topics in a way that children – even our preschoolers – can understand.
Questions:
- Did you know the sun is actually a star?
- Raise your hand if you've seen pictures, or constellations, in the stars?
- What is one fact that you learned about space? Share it with your neighbor.
Astronaut Handbook
By Meghan McCarthy
Next up we learned a little bit more about astronauts with Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy. This book explains exactly what it will take to become an astronaut: from school to swimming in a spacesuit and riding on the “Vomit Comet.” I loved learning about space food (which is why we made some for our dramatic play) and the spacesuit.
Questions:
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What sort of astronaut training sounds like the most fun to you?
- Why would you need foot restraints and thigh holds to use the restroom in outer space?
- When do the astronauts wear the orange jumpsuits? When do they wear the white spacesuits?
Hello, World! Solar System
By Jill McDonald
Oh, I cannot say enough good things about this book: Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald. This book was written with the toddler in mind. All of the facts are super simple, which makes this complicated topic easy for our little ones to take in. Also, I love the bold and bright illustrations that accompany this book.
Questions:
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- "Where would you like to travel to first?" This is actually a question on the last page of the book that will get the kiddos talking about the planets.
- "Where would you like to travel to first?" This is actually a question on the last page of the book that will get the kiddos talking about the planets.
Mousetronaut
By Mark Kelly
Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly is the story of a mouse named Meteor who is chosen, despite his small size, to accompany the astronauts in space. Not only is this a huge accomplishment for such a small creature, but he ends up helping the astronauts in a big way! Love the message!
Questions:
- Do you have to be big to do great things?
- What is the problem in the story?
- How does Meteor feel at the end of the story?
Moon! Earth's Best Friend
By Stacy McAnulty
There is someone who is always by Earth’s side. Earth’s best friend, you could say. And that person is the moon, always shining bright and smiling down on Earth. The book Moon! Earth’s Best Friend explains some fun facts about the moon in such an interesting way! The author’s voice is marvelous, something I’m always looking for in children’s books. I would definitely check this one out!
Questions:
- What object is always by Earth?
- Have humans set foot on the moon?
- What else did you learn about the moon?
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I hope this helps you find quality space books for preschoolers that can help them learn about our vast universe. Let me know if there is anything you need. Just contact me here.
