Under 5 magazine

BOOK NOOK

Blast off to space

Settle among the stars with a range of space-themed reads to share with little ones for World Space Week

Space is fascinating. And even more so to children, for whom it represents ‘imaginary’ unknown worlds, excitement and exploration.

It’s easy as adults to get bogged down in the science of space and feel uncertain because we worry that we don’t know enough, but that’s what’s wonderful about it – it’s a vast expanse of darkness that we know very little about, and what we do know is beyond mind-boggling! Aside from the dry facts we have in our armouries about space as a whole and the planets in our solar system, there’s huge scope for imaginative stories that ask pertinent questions and reel children in.

We’ve got a selection of space-themed books for under-fives for you to check out that will spark the imagination while also imparting fun facts, stimulating questions, and engaging children!

What is the moon?

by Katie Daynes

What shape is the moon? Has anyone been to the moon? What’s the moon made of? Curious little ones can blast off into the night sky to take a closer look in this fascinating book, with flaps to lift, simple explanations and gorgeous illustrations on every page.

8 little planets

by Chris Ferrie

Travel around the solar system and celebrate what makes each planet unique! From Neptune to Mercury and all the planets in between, each one is different and each one is happy to be what they are.

Zoom to the moon!

by Pat-a-cake

Zoom to the Moon introduces big ideas to little ones! This first book about space will delight young babies. With shiny foil to focus on and bright colour to capture and keep their attention, this book will be revisited time and time again - and also be interesting to older toddlers.

The way back home

by Oliver Jeffers

Once there as a boy, and one day, he found an aeroplane in his cupboard... He didn’t remember leaving it in there, but he thought he’d take it out for a go right away.

How to be on the moon

by Vivian Schwarz

Anna and Crocodile are going on another intrepid adventure – this time, to the moon! But flying to space isn’t easy and there’s no simple matter of building a rocket. But when Anna and Crocodile set their sights on something, nothing can stand in their way. This is a story that celebrates curiosity and imagination.

Look up!

by Nathan Byron

Rocket wants to be the greatest astronaut and the first African-American woman in space. Her older brother Jamal prefers to be looking down at his phone most of the time and not up at the stars. And when Jamal gets too into his gaming to take Rocket to the park to watch the meteor shower, what will she do? Fortunately, a knock at the door provides a joyous solution...