10+ Best Science Fiction Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect bedtime stories that whisk your little ones off to outer space or unexplored planets? Look no further! Our list of Science Fiction Books for 5-Year-Olds is packed with exciting reads that are sure to ignite their imaginations. Keep reading to discover our top picks that make exploring new worlds an enchanting experience for your young adventurers.

Fun Science Fiction Books for 5-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space! by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this engaging book, the Cat in the Hat takes young readers on a fascinating trip into space, teaching them about the planets, stars, and the solar system.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic astronomical concepts in a fun and accessible way, sparking curiosity about science and the universe.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds interested in space and science.

• Boy and Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Friendship
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a boy and his robot friend, exploring their adventures and the true meaning of friendship when Bot's power goes off.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet tale that highlights friendship, empathy, and understanding technology through a child's eyes.
  • Perfect for: Children who love robots and stories about friendships.

• Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Doug is a robot who decides to unplug from technology and explore the outside world, learning about the city and making new friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to explore the world around them and highlights the importance of experiences over electronic engagement.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by robots and adventures.

• Baloney and Friends: Going Up! by Greg Pizzoli
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow the whimsical adventures of Baloney the pig and his quirky group of friends, including a daring trip into space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with humor and fun, making reading enjoyable and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy laughter, friendship, and imaginative stories.

• Hello, World! Solar System by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces children to the solar system, featuring simple, clear explanations about the planets and other celestial bodies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the solar system accessible and enjoyable, perfect for sparking an early interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers beginning to explore the wonders of space.

Educational Science Fiction Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Dr. Brainchild & Radar: A Popcorn Discovery by Cole W. Williams, illustrated by Laura Acosta
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Join Dr. Brainchild and his dog, Radar, as they discover the science behind popcorn popping in their microwave invention.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, understanding of basic physics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun storytelling with educational content, making science exciting and relatable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and scientists eager to learn how everyday objects work.

• Moustronaut by Mark Kelly, illustrated by C.F. Payne
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A small mouse becomes part of a space mission, showing that even the smallest creatures can achieve big dreams.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, courage, space exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: Written by a real astronaut, it provides an authentic glimpse into space travel, inspiring children to dream big.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and children who dream of space adventures.

• Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A boy discovers a secret recipe to turn himself and everything around him into robots.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, imagination, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wildly creative and funny story that encourages kids to think outside the box and laugh along the way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love robots and enjoy a good laugh.

• If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a trip to the moon, detailing the journey and what one would experience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of space, understanding of astronaut experiences, patience and preparation
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed, imaginative journey to the moon, blending scientific facts with engaging storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers interested in space travel and the moon.

• Astro Kittens: Cosmic Machines by Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Discover how machines work in space through the adventures of the Astro Kittens.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic engineering concepts, curiosity about how things work, introduction to space technology
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces complex concepts in a simple, accessible way, appealing to young children’s sense of wonder about space.
  • Perfect for: Little learners fascinated by space and technology.

Challenging Science Fiction Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Professor Astro Cat and his team embark on a journey through the cosmos, exploring galaxies, stars, and the mysteries of space.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces advanced scientific concepts about space and the universe in a detailed manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deeper understanding of the universe, sparking curiosity and a love for science in young minds.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and budding astronomers.

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, the book tells the story of a young boy who dreams of flying into space, overcoming his fear of the dark.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like fear and dreams, and integrates real-life astronaut experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspirational story that encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who have big dreams and those interested in real-life heroes.

• Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Two brothers find themselves lost in the outer space adventure of an old board game, which they must win to return home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a sophisticated narrative structure and advanced vocabulary for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines imagination with a thrilling adventure, engaging young readers in a high-stakes outer space journey.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy adventures and games, and those who like stories about sibling dynamics.

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book narrates the journey of Curiosity, a robot sent to explore Mars to discover its secrets and search for signs of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed scientific and technological concepts related to space exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an in-depth look at space technology and the spirit of exploration, encouraging scientific learning.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and explorers fascinated by robots and space missions.

• Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: In this futuristic retelling, Cinderella is a talented mechanic who dreams of fixing fancy rockets and uses her skills to save the day.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex twist on a classic tale with advanced themes of independence and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empowerment and creativity, showing young readers that they can achieve their dreams through skill and determination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love classic stories with a modern, imaginative twist.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of science fiction books with your 5-year-old, you're embarking on an exciting journey of imagination and wonder. To make the most of this experience, it's great to incorporate some fun reading exercises that not only enhance the joy of reading but also help develop strong reading habits early on. Here are a few exercises tailored for young sci-fi enthusiasts:

• Picture Story Match
  • What it is: Match pictures from the story to text excerpts.
  • How it helps: Reinforces comprehension and helps children connect visual elements with textual content.
  • Tips: Use colorful pictures and simple, short text excerpts to keep your child engaged.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the character's motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Keep props handy that are relevant to the story to make the role play more exciting.

• Story Prediction Box
  • What it is: Before reading, have your child guess what might happen in the story and discuss why.
  • How it helps: Encourages imaginative thinking and prediction skills.
  • Tips: Write down each prediction and compare with the actual events after reading to see which guesses were close.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to draw a scene or a new invention from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with retention and gives a creative outlet to express their understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies like crayons, markers, and paper to make this activity more enticing.

• Daily Book Talk
  • What it is: Set aside a few minutes each day to discuss what you've read together.
  • How it helps: Builds communication skills and helps your child articulate thoughts and feelings about the story.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the story and its characters.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make reading time more interactive but also deepen your child's love for literature, especially the rich and imaginative world of science fiction. Have fun exploring the universe of books together!