25 Space Books for Kids: Stargazing, Constellations

As an elementary school librarian, I’m thrilled to introduce a collection of books about space for kids that will ignite a child’s curiosity about the night sky! These engaging stargazing books are packed with fascinating constellation facts and colorful illustrations that make exploring the universe fun and accessible for young learners. Whether your child or pupil is a budding astronomer or simply loves to gaze at the stars, these books about stargazing are perfect for elementary students eager to discover the wonders above. Let’s embark on a starlit adventure together!

---

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Please read my Policies page for more information.

---

My Space Books and Stargazing Books for Kids Backstory

I often get sent books to review, then I like to choose one school library (I work at five) to receive the book for its collection. When I was sent the book Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky by John A. Read (cool name for an author), I was inspired to take a look similarly engaging works. Some are already in the school library collections where I work, others I would like to add. After investigating, here are my findings, listed for you and conveniently divided between younger and older elementary students. Have fun perusing the list!

Space Books for Kids in Preschool, Kindergarten, First or Second Grade

Usborne Stargazing Book by Smith, Sam 

Introduce your students to the wonders of the night sky with this engaging, illustrated guide to astronomy! From planets and constellations to star clusters, this book makes it easy for kids to explore what’s out there. They’ll learn all about stars, how to “star hop,” when to look for different celestial sights, and even how telescopes work. Plus, the included seasonal star charts for both hemispheres make stargazing even more exciting!

Telescopes for kids : a junior scientist’s guide to stargazing, constellations, and discovering far-off galaxies (Junior Scientists (Rockridge)) by Thomas, Vanessa

Get your students excited about exploring the night sky with this hands-on guide to using a telescope, perfect for young scientists! This book walks kids through how to choose and set up a telescope, and then takes them on an adventure to discover 40 amazing sights in the Northern Hemisphere, like the Big Dipper and the Whirlpool Galaxy. It’s a fantastic resource to spark curiosity and inspire a love of astronomy in your class!

Looking Up! : The Science of Stargazing (Ready-To-Read: Level 3-Science Of Fun Stuff) by Rao, Joe 

Your students will discover fun facts and so much more as they dive into this fascinating book about the objects in the sky. Plus, there’s a special section at the back all about the August 2017 total solar eclipse, which was visible across most of the United States—perfect for sparking their curiosity about space!

Stargazing (Out of this World (Super SandCastle) by Kuskowski, Alex

Stargazing takes your students on a journey through the science behind the night sky! They’ll learn about famous astronomers, discover the difference between meteors and meteorites, and explore constellations. With engaging photos, cool graphics, and a fun quiz at the end of each chapter, this book will keep kids excited and eager to learn more about the stars! Perfect for adding some extra excitement to your classroom’s space lessons.

Constellations (Pogo Books: Amazing Sights in the Sky) by Gardner, Jane P.

Early fluent readers will dive into the fascinating science of stars and how their patterns have been mapped over time. With vibrant, full-color photos and easy-to-read text, this book will keep young learners engaged as they explore outer space. It also includes fun extras like infographics, sidebars, and activities to spark curiosity and deepen their understanding. Plus, kids can safely explore more about stars and constellations using the book’s recommended websites. With helpful reading tips for teachers and parents, along with a glossary and index, this is a great resource for your classroom!

Constellations for Kids : An Easy Guide to Discovering the Stars by Johnson, Kelsey 

For thousands of years, stargazers have spotted shapes in the stars—constellations! Different cultures have imagined mythical animals, heroes, and stories within these patterns, and travelers have even used the stars to guide their journeys. Constellations for Kids, written by astronomy professor Kelsey Johnson, introduces your students to more than 25 unique constellations while teaching them all about the wonders of outer space. It’s a fun, easy-to-understand way to help kids learn how to read the night sky and explore the solar system! Perfect for your classroom’s space lessons.

Constellations (Deep In Space) by Erlic, Lily

Did you know constellations are groups of stars that form shapes in the sky? There are 88 different constellations, each with its own unique pattern! This engaging book is the perfect way to introduce your students to these fascinating star formations and get them excited about exploring the night sky!

Constellations (Abdo Kids Jumbo: Sky Lights) by Hansen, Grace

This book introduces readers to what constellations are, who discovered and named them long ago, the constellations of the Zodiac, and more! It features clear, labeled images, simple text, and plenty of fun facts to keep students engaged. Plus, it’s aligned with Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards, making it a great addition to your curriculum!

Constellations (Universe) by Zappa, Marcia

With simple, easy-to-read text and vibrant photos, this book teaches kids about different constellations and how Earth’s tilt and orbit affect them. They’ll also discover how constellations were named in both ancient and modern times, and learn about the tools scientists use to study them. Students will learn about famous constellations like Orion the Hunter. The book also features a table of contents, fun facts, a glossary with phonetics, and an index—making it a great classroom resource!

Once Upon a Starry Night : A Book of Constellations by Mitton, Jacqueline

Take your students on a magical journey through the night sky and explore how Greek and Roman mythology is reflected in the stars! This book introduces kids to ten legendary figures whose stories are told across the heavens. With star-studded illustrations and beautifully written, poetic text, this book is a captivating way to bring both mythology and astronomy to life in your classroom!

Zoo in the Sky : A Book of Animal Constellations by Mitton, Jacqueline

Embark on a captivating journey through the night sky with National Geographic’s Zoo in the Sky! Your students will meet Little Bear and the Great Bear in the Northern Sky, spot the scaly dragon winding its long tail, and see the Great Dog chasing the Hare in the Southern Sky. Filled with vibrant illustrations and engaging text, this book is a fantastic addition to your classroom for teaching about constellations and storytelling!

Professor Astro Cat’s Stargazing (Professor Astro Cat) by Walliman, Dominic

In this exciting new installment of the bestselling science series, young readers will explore the wonders of the stars in our universe, including our very own sun! Guided by the adventurous and knowledgeable Professor Astro Cat, students will uncover fascinating facts about scientific discoveries and the constellations imagined by people long ago. It’s a fun and engaging way for budding astronomers to learn all about the stars above!

Glow in the Dark Night Sky Book by Hatchett, Clint

Dim the lights and watch as 34 constellations come to life in the dark! This handy guide to the night sky features star maps that glow after being exposed to light. Organized by season, these maps focus on the constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere. You’ll find easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the book, along with an appendix that delves into the fascinating mythology behind each constellation. It’s a perfect resource for sparking interest in astronomy in your classroom! My students love this book. A classic!

Space Books for Kids in Third, Fourth or Fifth Grade

Stargazing for Kids : An Introduction to Astronomy (Simple Introductions to Science) by Poppele, Jonathan

Discover the wonders of outer space with Jonathan Poppele’s engaging introduction to the night sky, perfect for early and middle-grade readers. This children’s book offers a fun and accessible way for students to learn about stars, the solar system, and distant celestial objects, sparking curiosity in young astronomers.

Stargazing with Jack Horkheimer : Cosmic Comics for the Skywatcher by Horkheimer, Jack

Stargazing with Jack Horkheimer: Cosmic Comics for the Sky Watcher is a fun and educational journey into the night sky, perfect for young readers. Based on Jack’s popular Odyssey Magazine cartoon, this book uses engaging illustrations and quirky characters to teach kids about the moon, planets, constellations, and more. With over 50 comics, star charts, seasonal activities, and helpful tips, it introduces the basics of stargazing in an entertaining way. Plus, there’s an astronomy glossary to help kids dive deeper into space exploration.

Spotting Stars and Constellations with Velma (Scooby-Doo Space Discoveries) by Collins, Ailynn

Perfect for fans of Scooby Doo! Explore the fascinating world of stars with Velma and the Mystery Inc. gang! In this fun and informative book, students will discover that our Sun is just a medium-sized star and learn about super giant stars that can be 1,500 times bigger. Velma guides readers through the formation of stars, the constellations, and the dramatic ways stars can end in explosions. Perfect for young stargazers, this book brings the night sky to life with fun facts and cool science!

Mysteries of the Constellations (Solving Space’s Mysteries) by Nargi, Lela 

Introduce your students to the fascinating world of constellations! This book explores the history of constellations, how they were named, and their importance to ancient cultures for navigation and farming. Young astronomers will also learn how constellations continue to guide modern-day astronomers in understanding the night sky. Perfect for sparking curiosity about the stars!

Where are the Constellations? (Where Is…?) by Sabol, Stephanie

In this captivating book, Stephanie Sabol, author of Where Is Our Solar System?, shares the fascinating stories behind the constellations from various cultures—Greek, Roman, Meso-American, and Arab. Students will discover how ancient people connected the stars like a “dot-to-dot” puzzle to create myths and legends that still intrigue us today. Sabol also explains what stars really are, how they form, why they die, and how they are grouped into constellation families, making it a great addition to any classroom!

Sky Gazing : A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, Constellations by Thacher, Meg

This visually engaging guide invites middle grade and middle school kids to explore the wonders of the night sky with just their eyes! Perfect for young stargazers, the book explains the science behind phenomena like eclipses, northern lights, and meteor showers, while offering a tour of our solar system and beyond. With helpful star charts and tips on spotting constellations and planets in any season or hemisphere, this book makes sky-watching fun and easy—no binoculars needed!

Constellations (All About Space Science) by Goldsworthy, Steve

In this book, part of the All About Space Science series, students will explore how the International Astronomical Union established today’s 88 official constellations, building on Ptolemy’s earlier list of 48. This book dives into the history and science of space exploration while highlighting the careers and technological advancements that make studying the stars so exciting. Perfect for budding astronomers!

Andromeda (Library Of Constellations) by Peters, Stephanie True

Introduce your students to the captivating myth of the starry princess Andromeda and her place in the night sky! This beautifully illustrated book also reveals the secrets of the Andromeda Galaxy, similar to our Milky Way, and introduces both ancient and modern star names, along with notable astronomers. A perfect blend of myth and science for curious young readers!

The Little Dipper (Library Of Constellations) by Peters, Stephanie True

Take your students on a cosmic adventure with this book! It explores the Little Dipper, part of the Ursa Minor constellation, and shares the ancient Greek myth behind it. Readers will also learn about the seasonal movement of Ursa Minor and the modern tools astronomers use to study the stars. Bold illustrations and vivid photos bring the night sky to life!

Orion (Library Of Constellations) by Peters, Stephanie True

In this engaging book, students will discover why Orion is known as the mighty Hunter and why it’s the brightest constellation in the winter sky. They’ll learn fascinating facts about star brightness, size, and how stars age, just like us! Fun fact boxes and stunning photos make this a star-filled journey students won’t forget!

Pisces (Library Of Constellations) by Peters, Stephanie True

Students will discover the celestial equator that runs through the constellation Pisces, marking the first day of spring. This large constellation features double stars, twinkling starlight, and the stunning spiral galaxy M74. With detailed illustrations and vibrant photographs, this book invites kids to explore the wonders of Pisces right from Earth!

Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky by Read, John A.

This user-friendly stargazing guide for kids introduces popular constellations, the brightest stars, and our solar system. Readers will learn step-by-step how to spot exciting sights in the night sky while discovering how the sky transforms with each season. They’ll also find out when to catch meteor showers, how to view the Milky Way, and more!

Play Space Bingo

Help students learn star names, constellation names, and vocabulary terms by playing space bingo. This free virtual bingo template may be played using Google Slides. Make your own copy, then replace the free images and words with space images and vocabulary, then reuse the template as many times as you like.

It’s fully customizable when you make your own copy and includes a teacher page, too!

Get my free virtual bingo board!

More Resources for Readers

The best way to encourage a love of reading is to provide kids with many opportunities to engage with a wide variety of books that are of interest to them. At Book and Tech Tips I want to make it easy for you to find great books kids will love. Over the years I’ve also discovered some helpful tools for connecting kids and books.

Online digital libraries are one very handy way to do this. Epic! is one of our favorite online libraries. It’s full of over 25,000 books, learning videos, quizzes and more for kids 12 and under…and it’s free for educators. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Another great free digital library is ReadingIQ. It’s also free for educators and has a wide selection of titles.

If you download the free Libby app, you can access many digital audiobooks from your public library. Audiobooks are perfect for car trips!

Looking for a book that is out of print? Try searching Thriftbooks online. There are over 13 million titles available.

Looking for More Book Ideas?

If you enjoyed this list of space books for kids, you might like these book lists as well:

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy reading space books along with learning about stargazing!

 

 

Lisa Mitchell is a former classroom teacher, now a school librarian, who likes to use her job as an excuse to stay up far too late reading books and noodling around with tech tools. To learn more about what this website has to offer, click on over to the About page.