Celebrate World Space Week with the best space books for kids

Every year from 4–10 October, World Space Week celebrates the incredible achievements of space science and inspires the next generation to explore the universe. It's the perfect opportunity to encourage children to look up at the night sky, ask big questions and discover the wonders of space through books.

Whether they're fascinated by rockets, dream of becoming an astronaut or love learning amazing facts about planets and stars, there's a Usborne space book to spark every child's imagination. From interactive books for little learners to fascinating guides, creative activities and inspiring stories about space exploration, we've rounded up our favourite space books for every age.

New space books to discover

Looking for something new? These recent additions are perfect for celebrating World Space Week and inspiring curious young astronomers.

Children who love surprising facts will enjoy Amazing Space Facts, packed with incredible discoveries, record-breaking space missions and fascinating facts to amaze friends and family.

For bedtime reading with a magical twist, Glow in the Dark Space introduces planets, constellations and spacecraft with glowing pages that bring the night sky to life.

If your child enjoys looking up at the stars, The Book of the Telescope explains how telescopes work, how they've transformed our understanding of the universe and what you might spot in the night sky yourself.

Young space enthusiasts can discover what life is really like beyond Earth in Beginners: Astronauts, an accessible introduction to how astronauts train, live and work in space. Together, these new books are perfect for inspiring children to ask big questions, discover amazing facts and celebrate World Space Week.

First discoveries (ages 3–5)

For children taking their very first journey into space, interactive books are the perfect place to begin.

Peep Inside Space invites little readers to look through holes and peek beneath flaps as they discover rockets, astronauts and the International Space Station. It's an engaging introduction that's perfect for sharing together.

My Very First Space Book introduces planets, stars, gravity and space travel with bright illustrations and simple explanations that make big ideas easy to understand.

Children who enjoy hands-on learning will love decorating scenes in First Sticker Book Space, while Wipe-Clean Space Activities lets them practise drawing, counting and problem-solving again and again.

For a truly memorable storytime, Pop-up Space brings rockets, planets and astronauts spectacularly to life with stunning pop-up scenes.

Big questions for curious minds (ages 5–8)

As children become more curious about the universe, these books answer the questions they're most likely to ask.

First Questions and Answers: What's it like in Space? explains everything from how astronauts sleep to why they float in space using sturdy flaps and child-friendly language.

For even more fascinating discoveries, Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Space explores black holes, stars, planets and the vastness of the universe through hundreds of lift-up flaps.

Look Inside Space takes readers inside rockets, space stations and planets with beautifully illustrated cross-sections that reveal how everything works.

Explore the universe (ages 7+)

Once children have discovered the basics, they're often eager to learn even more about the incredible universe beyond our planet.

Astronomy for Beginners introduces budding astronomers to the Solar System, stars, galaxies and constellations with clear explanations and engaging illustrations. It's an excellent first guide for children who want to understand more about what they can see in the night sky.

For readers who enjoy diving deeper into space science, How it Works: The Universe explores the forces that shape our universe, from gravity and black holes to the life cycle of stars. Complex ideas are broken down into accessible explanations, making it ideal for curious minds.

Children fascinated by enormous stars, distant planets and incredible cosmic discoveries will love Big Book of Big Stars and Planets. Packed with vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts, it's perfect for browsing again and again.

For children who can't get enough amazing facts, 100 Things to Know About Space is full of surprising discoveries, from powerful rockets to mysterious exoplanets. Pair it with Lots of Things to Know About Space, which answers even more fascinating questions in bite-sized chunks that are perfect for dipping into whenever curiosity strikes.

Learn about astronauts and space exploration

World Space Week celebrates not only the wonders of the universe but also the people who explore it. These books introduce children to life beyond Earth and the exciting world of space travel.

Beginners: Astronauts is an ideal introduction for newly confident readers, explaining how astronauts train, live and work in space.

For readers ready for a more immersive adventure, 24 Hours on the Moon follows a lunar mission from launch to landing, showing what it's really like to travel to and explore the Moon.

Children who love asking questions can continue their journey with First Questions and Answers: What's it like in Space? and Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Space, making them excellent companions to books about real-life space missions.

Discover the night sky

One of the best ways to celebrate World Space Week is to head outside after dark and see what you can spot overhead.

The Book of the Telescope explains how telescopes have helped us discover distant planets, galaxies and nebulae, while introducing children to the history of astronomy and the scientists who have transformed our understanding of space.

Take your discoveries outdoors with the Usborne Stargazing Book, a practical guide to identifying stars, constellations and planets throughout the year. It's a wonderful companion for family stargazing evenings or school astronomy projects.

For younger children, Glow in the Dark Space offers a magical introduction to the night sky, with glowing illustrations that encourage children to recognise familiar space objects while inspiring conversations about the universe around us.