The best space books that will launch your kids into orbit

Evonne Blanchard Author Of Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon: Book Three: Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures
By Evonne Blanchard

Who am I?

I’m a science fiction and fantasy children’s book author, who loves everything about space and science fiction. I’ve been fascinated by space ever since I was little; mesmerized by clips of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon. As a teenager, War of the Worlds by H.G Wells was my favorite book! My daughter’s complete lack of interest in space inspired me to write a space adventure series. How could I make space entertaining? When it comes to children, I’m a big fan of mixing space facts with a dollop of space fiction, so I hope you will enjoy the collection of books on this list!

I wrote...

Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon: Book Three: Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures

By Evonne Blanchard

Book cover of Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon: Book Three: Amelia's Amazing Space Adventures

What is my book about?

One winter’s day I showed my daughter a map of the solar system. Her eyes glazed over… How could I make this fun for her? Hmmm. An alien from Pluto called Uglesnoo. Now, what would Uglesnoo be doing on Earth? He’s here on a quest to save his sister! And this quest will take him and Amelia to the moon, sun, and all the planets in the solar system! Amelia, the Merballs, and the Emerald Cannon is the third book in Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures. In this crazy adventure, Amelia and Uglesnoo must travel to Mercury to pick up flying shoes. The Merballs of Mercury are friendly⎯ until an asteroid hits the planet.  Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in trouble⎯ once again!

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The Books I Picked & Why

There's No Place Like Space: All about Our Solar System

By Tish Rabe, Aristides Ruiz

Book cover of There's No Place Like Space: All about Our Solar System

Why this book?

This is a great book to start your little ones on their very first space adventure. Tish Rabe takes the Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat character on a journey to teach children about the planets, the moon, and the sun. But it doesn’t stop there! The book also touches on famous constellations, the moon landing, and lots of cool and wacky facts about the solar system. Neptune’s bright blue color and Saturn’s incredible lightness are just a few of the fun snippets of space knowledge scattered throughout the book. Wonderful illustrations combined with whimsical prose will keep young readers turning the pages. 

“But there’s a lot to discover, and it might be you who looks up in the sky and finds something that’s new!”

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Otter in Space

By Sam Garton

Book cover of Otter in Space

Why this book?

I’m a big fan of mixing books about space facts with space fiction. So, after reading all about space facts little ones can read about Otter’s fictional space adventure. Have you ever dreamed of flying to the moon? Well after a trip to the museum, where Otter does not get the space rock he so desperately covets, Otter does! An elaborate moon-landing plot evolves. Otter will build his own rocket, fly to the moon and get his own moon rock! Teddy and Giraffe are tasked with special missions, although Otter feels like he ends up doing most of the work. Kids will love Otter’s adventurous spirit, whilst adults may well sympathize with the Otter Keeper, responsible for such a mischievous creature!

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Reaching for the Moon

By Buzz Aldrin, Wendell Minor

Book cover of Reaching for the Moon

Why this book?

If there’s any book that deserves the title inspirational, it’s surely this children’s book narrated by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Here he recounts his life story, beginning with his childhood and how he acquired the name Buzz⎯such a cute story! This is followed by the significant events that led him to become an astronaut, then eventually to his epic moon landing. Buzz believed in education, discipline and he felt strongly that any goal was possible. He certainly lived up to those ideals! On July 20, 1969, after blasting off in the Apollo 11, he and Neil Armstrong became the first people ever to set foot on the moon. An incredible achievement! Children will love Wendell Minor’s gorgeous paintings and enjoy reading about the personal story of a great American hero.

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Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse

By K.J. Kruk

Book cover of Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse

Why this book?

The year is 2113 and Leo Gray is like any other normal science-loving boy. Except for his incredibly embarrassing family of course, who weirdly insists on living and dressing like it’s still 2013! Poor Leo has to wear century-old outfits and live in a house full of ancient clocks and TVs. Meanwhile everyone else zips around on flying cars and wears the latest electronic clothes. Leo is desperate to win a science competition so that he can attend the lunar academy on the moon, but his Dad is equally determined to keep him here on earth. Twists and turns abound. Why are the trees disappearing? What about those mysterious aliens the Lunalings? Leo will uncover the truth. But will he have enough time to save Earth from destruction?

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A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations--And How You Can Find Them in the Sky

By Michael Driscoll, Meredith Hamilton

Book cover of A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations--And How You Can Find Them in the Sky

Why this book?

This is a jam-packed full of information space book, best suited for children ages 8 and above. It explores the solar system, the history of astronomy, and the great discoveries, made by seriously brainy scientists! The book also teaches kids about comets, meteoroids, and asteroids. And there is even a basic introduction to some of the most famous constellations, as well as the zodiac constellations: our star signs! A handy star guide accompanies the book, so kids can learn to identify their favorite constellations. Children will enjoy the author’s chatty narrative. There are charming color illustrations by Meredith Hamilton, and useful definitions of complicated space words. This is a great book to really develop a child's interest in the endless and utterly fascinating night sky!

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