My oldest kid has said for the last few years that she wants to be an astronaut. As a result, we’ve accumulated some fun and special books about space and astronauts, and we’re thrilled to share them with you!
Once Upon a Star t James Carter and Mar Hernández is a dynamic book about the start of the universe- from nothing to a planet to creates, to the reader themself. My kids really love reading about how the world was created and the ending- that they are made from stars- makes them feel special.
I expected my youngest to like the peek-through Moon by Britta Teekentrup most, but it’s really a toss up between them! Each page the reader turns reveals a waxing and then waning moon in different natural environments. My kids love to see the animals under the light of the moon.
Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Meg Hunt is a really fun twist on a Cinderella tale- set in outer space. Cinderella dreams of fixing rockets, and gets her chance when the Prince’s spaceship needs to be fixed. He’s so thrilled with the repair, he searches the galaxy to find her, and proposes when he finds her. To my absolute delight, Cinderella turns him down but offers to become a mechanic for his fleet!
Small World by Ishta Mercurio and images by Jen Corace is a beautiful and subtle story about Nanda, who sees the world expanding as she grows bigger and older, from the safe circle of her mother’s arms to realizing her dream of traveling to outer space. The images and text all show the stunning geometry of the world as Nanda sees it- which we love noticing as well.
Astronaut Annie by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell is about a kid named Annie whose school is putting on a career day where the students dress up as the career they’d like to have. Annie is really excited and keeps her costume a secret, taking pieces of each of her family’s suggestions and incorporating them into her costume. Her family is so proud of her at the career day!
Oh No, Astro! by Matt Roeser and illustrated by Brad Woodard is the hilarious story of Astro, an asteroid who collides with a satellite and is sent hurtling towards Earth. He’s very scared as he flies through space, but finds a friend right away on Earth and looks forward to his next adventure there.