Bookmarks: Book on Space for Children

This year our family has been studying astronomy with Apologia's Young Explorers Astronomy book. It has been a fascinating study and, of course, we have searched the library to find more books on the topic. Here some of the books we collected about space and some of the early astronomers. Note: Some of these books contain brief mention of evolution – i.e. millions of years.

Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Michael Rex

Why is it cold part of the year and hot at other times? This book will explain how the sun and the axis of the earth affects the seasons.

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth Is a Planet by Dennis B. Fradin, illustrated by Cynthia Von Buhler

Without even the help of a telescope, Copernicus made discoveries that changed the way people thought of the earth's place in the universe. An excellent children's biography with richly painted illustrations about an important man from the 1400's.

What's So Special About Planet Earth? written and illustrated by Robert E. Wells

How about a trip to the other planets to find the best place to live? After reading this book, you'll be glad to stay on planet earth. The perfect first book to learn about our solar system.

I, Galileo, written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

Bright paintings share the story of Galileo's life in the 1500's in a way younger readers can enjoy. Learn about Galileo's many contributions to science and astronomy.

One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer

Rich illustrations and active prose tell the details of the day the first man stepped on the moon. We know the end of the story, but imagine how nervous you would be if you didn't know if the men would return to earth safely.



Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 written and illustrated by Brian Floca
Poetic text combines with amazing watercolors to replay the historic journey of the Apollo 11 to the moon. This book is loaded with details and shouldn't be missed.

Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor

Telling his own story, Buzz, the second man to walk on the moon, remembers the steps that took him all the way to the moon and back. Rich oil paintings bring color to the historic trip.

If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

This fun book explains everything you'll need to know to visit the moon in your own rocket ship. Fun illustrations take you on this journey of a lifetime.

You Wouldn't Want to Be on Apollo 13! by Ian Graham, illustrated by David Antram

The dangers of a moon landing are no laughing matter, but this book is guaranteed to make you smile. Comic-style illustrations and wry humor made this informative book one of my son's favorites.

Look at the Stars by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor

Travel with an Apollo astronaut on a whirlwind trip through the history of man's fascination with space. Richly illustrated with brilliant paintings.

The next three are slightly longer books suitable for upper elementary students.

Mission Control, This Is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages tothe Moon by Andrew Chaikin, illustrated by Alan Bean

This fascinating book combines detailed accounts of each of the Apollo missions with the incredible paintings by one of the few men who actually walked on the moon.

A Black Hole Is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano

Answering questions about the mysterious black holes in an entertaining way, this is a book for any young astronomer to learn about their universe.

Cars on Mars: Roving the Red Planet by Alexandra Siy
Travel to Mars and learn about the Mars rovers who enhanced our knowledge of our closest planet.

Destination: Moon by James Irwin
This book was a family favorite because, not only does it show real photographs of the Apollo 15's trip to the moon, but Irwin, the 8th man to walk on the moon, gives God the glory for creation.

This post contains affiliate links.