10+ Best Space Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to launch your little astronaut's imagination into the cosmos? Look no further! Our curated list of space books for 4-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that are sure to spark a love for the stars and beyond. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will take you and your preschooler on an unforgettable journey through the universe!

Fun Space Books for 4-Year-Olds

• There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: Join the Cat in the Hat as he takes young readers on a whimsical and informative journey through our solar system, teaching them about planets, stars, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses rhymes and colorful illustrations to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who show an early interest in science and space.

• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book follows a group of animal astronauts as they blast off into space in their rocket, exploring the wonders beyond our planet.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, rhyming text and bright illustrations captivate young minds, making the adventure of space travel exciting.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love stories about adventure and exploration.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by David A. Aguilar
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book introduces young readers to the basics of space, from the sun and the moon to the planets and space exploration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and amazing photographs that are sure to spark a love for astronomy.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are eager to learn more about the world beyond our planet.

• Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly, illustrated by C.F. Payne
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this charming tale follows a small mouse that becomes a hero on a space shuttle mission.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that teaches the value of courage and determination, no matter your size.
  • Perfect for: Little dreamers who love stories of adventure and heroism.

• 8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie, illustrated by Lizzy Doyle
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Featuring catchy rhymes and colorful artwork, this book introduces the planets of our solar system to very young readers in a fun and engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple concepts of astronomy with playful illustrations to capture the imaginations of toddlers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers beginning to explore the concept of space and the solar system.

Educational Space Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Biography
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield's childhood, this book tells the story of a young boy who dreams of flying into space, despite his fear of the dark.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Overcoming fears, space exploration, biography, courage
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully illustrated story that encourages children to dream big and overcome their fears, with the inspiring example of an astronaut who once had the same fears as they might.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and future astronauts who may need a little courage to chase their dreams.

• Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and factual look at what it takes to become an astronaut, from training to takeoff.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of astronaut training, space missions, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a detailed and kid-friendly peek into the life of astronauts, making the profession accessible and exciting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by astronauts and space missions and want to know what it takes to reach the stars.

• If You Decide To Go To The Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on an imaginative journey to the moon, detailing what they would need to do to get there and what they might experience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, basic space science, moon exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual space science with imaginative scenarios, making it a captivating read for young minds curious about lunar exploration.
  • Perfect for: Children with a keen interest in the moon and imaginative space travel.

• Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this creatively illustrated book, a father goes to great lengths to get the moon for his daughter, teaching about the phases of the moon in a touching story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of moon phases, creativity, parent-child relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a simple but heartfelt story combined with Eric Carle's signature collage illustrations to explain the lunar cycle in a way that resonates with young children.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy sweet stories and learning about the natural world through imaginative tales.

• Moon! Earth's Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Told from the perspective of the moon itself, this book offers a unique look at the relationship between the Earth and its satellite.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Earth science, astronomy, perspective-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It personifies the moon in a charming way, making complex scientific concepts about space and Earth's relationship with the moon accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are curious about astronomy and enjoy stories that give voice to inanimate objects.

Challenging Space Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Professor Astro Cat's Frontiers of Space by Dr. Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman
  • Genre(s): Educational, Science
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a journey through the cosmos with Professor Astro Cat as the guide, exploring everything from the Big Bang to the solar system, and even venturing into the vastness of outer space.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers advanced scientific concepts, including physics and astronomy, in a depth that is unusual for children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex space science into digestible parts with fun illustrations, making learning both enjoyable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts who are ready for a deeper understanding of the universe.

• The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Yuval Zommer
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated, large-format lift-the-flap book encourages kids to look up and discover what lies beyond the skies, from skyscrapers and birds to planes and satellites, all the way to the outer reaches of the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features detailed, layered information about the atmosphere and space, presented in a unique vertical format that unfolds to two meters in length.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a visually stunning exploration of the skies and space, encouraging curiosity and a sense of wonder.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to explore and learn about the world above them in a tactile, interactive way.

• See Inside Space Stations and Other Spacecraft by Rosie Dickins, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive book features flaps to lift and explore, providing a detailed look inside various spacecraft and space stations where astronauts live and work.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the technical aspects of space travel and the engineering of spacecraft, which are complex topics for preschoolers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives a behind-the-scenes look at space technology, fostering an understanding of science and engineering from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and future engineers interested in how things work in space.

• Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall
  • Genre(s): Biography, Art, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Leonora Carrington, a famous surrealist painter, and her imaginative renditions of fantastical worlds, including themes of space and the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the concept of surrealism and abstract art, which are complex for young minds to grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It exposes children to the world of art and creativity, showing how imagination can transform how we see the world around us.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and dreamers who are interested in painting and the stories behind the artworks.

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book narrates the journey of Curiosity, a Mars rover, from its conception and construction to its tasks on the Martian surface.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides detailed insights into space technology and the Mars mission, which involve complex scientific and technological concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a detailed look at a cutting-edge topic in space exploration, inspiring curiosity and a deeper understanding of space science.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and explorers who have a keen interest in robots and space missions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the vast universe of space can be a thrilling adventure for your little one, especially with books that light up their imagination about the stars, planets, and astronauts. To make the most out of these space-themed books, here are some engaging exercises that will not only enhance your 4-year-old's reading experience but also help develop good reading habits early on.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading, flip through the book and look at all the pictures.
  • How it helps: Helps children make predictions and connect visuals to words they will read.
  • Tips: Ask your child to describe what they see and guess what the story might be about.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and memory skills.
  • Tips: Use prompts like "What happened first?" or "Who was in the story?"

• Match the Facts
  • What it is: Create simple fact cards from the book and have your child match them to pictures.
  • How it helps: Enhances recognition and understanding of basic space facts.
  • Tips: Keep the facts short and use clear images that directly relate to the facts.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and helps with understanding narrative structure.
  • Tips: Let your child choose their favorite character and help them improvise scenes from the book.

• Star Words
  • What it is: Identify new or challenging words in the book and list them as 'Star Words'.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and aids in word recognition.
  • Tips: Make a fun poster or chart that you can add new words to each time you read.

These exercises are not just fun but are stepping stones for your little astronaut to blast off into the world of reading with confidence and curiosity. Whether it's acting out their favorite space missions or hunting for star words, each activity is designed to make reading a dynamic and educational experience. Enjoy your journey through the stars!