A Picture Book Library for your Future Astronaut

From weightless somersaults in outer space to making your very own footprints on the moon, there’s just so much to love about being an astronaut! If your little one can’t get enough of moon-based missions and blasting-off seems to be a regular occurrence in your house, cozy up under your glow-in-the-dark stars and get reading.

There are plenty of out-of-this-world picture books to fuel your kiddo’s curiosity!

Astronaut Handbook

By Meghan McCarthy

Does your kiddo have what it takes to be a real-live astronaut? This nonfiction picture book can help you find out!

For a true picture of what it takes, blast off to astronaut school and experience all its trials and tribulations. Join four other kids bent on becoming an astronaut for the ultimate childhood fantasy. The Vomit Comet and freeze-dried ice cream? They’re in there. So is an entire page dedicated to working the space suit . . . and another one on the mechanics of spaceship’s toilet.

Best of all, the book extolls the virtues of studying hard and doing well in school (without being preachy!) and offers up a list of fascinating facts for would-be space pioneers.

If You Decide to Go to the Moon

By Faith McNulty 

If you decide to go to the moon . . . Pack the things you need: space suit, air tanks, books, and games. And don’t forget your diary and plenty of food. This book is a poetic primer on the do’s and don’ts of space travel. From how to get to the moon to what to do when you land, McNulty offers up an imaginative adventure.

Facts about outer space are intertwined with important warnings, suggestions to pass the time, and dreamy musings. Written in the second person, mini astronauts will feel like they’re a part of the text. Best of all, the author stresses the importance of our own planet with a magnificent four-page foldout that celebrates an Earth teeming with plants, animals, and amazing people too! 

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11

By Brian Floca 

Relive the historic first mission to the moon in all its dramatic splendor and authentic detail. Click into gear, strap yourself into your seat . . . Both poetic and scientifically accurate, the book allows kids to join Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong every step of the way.

From before the first roar of the rockets to the silence of the moon, Floca’s beautifully sparse text has you on the edge of your seat. It’s the story of ground-breaking adventure. It’s the story of millions of people watching. It’s the story of a week-long journey . . . and one of home. A perfect read!

Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story

By Mark Kelly

From bestselling author and retired astronaut, this book tells the story of a small mouse fixated on travel to outer space. So what’s the runt to do? Prove that he’s fit for the mission, of course!

A fun story with an authentic look into the realities of space travel, Mousetronaut will have your kids spellbound. When disaster strikes during the mission, only the smallest member, Mousetronaut, can save the day.

Inspired by his 2001 Endeavor mission, Commander Mike Kelly’s tale is one that celebrates hard work, perseverance, courage, and even the smallest teammates. In its afterword, the real life astronaut reveals that during the flight, the research mice on board all clung to their cages, afraid of weightlessness – all the mice, that is, except for the tiniest one.

On the Moon

By Anna Milbourne

For the youngest readers, On the Moon offers up the first moon landing in simple prose. Full of interesting facts, kid-friendly illustrations, and actual photos, it captures little imaginations.

With just a sentence or two per page, the text is perfect for toddler attention spans and factual information is presented in a fun and interesting way. Where the text may be sparse, the illustrations depict with great detail what it takes to get to the moon.

This is the Way to the Moon

By Miroslav Sasek

Rocket back in time to 1960’s Cape Canaveral – the space capital of the world– for a nostalgic look at the American Space Program. Vibrant retro-futuristic illustrations will transport you all the way.

A stylish glimpse into the rise of space travel, this book marries fascinating facts with subtle humor. It’s both lovely and informative, littered with historical data on the space station as well as interesting details on a variety of rockets. Kids will love poring over the pictures and experiencing Florida at its height of cosmic cool.

At the end of the book, a “This is the space program . . . today!” section presents updated information on the lunar landing as well as quick facts about NASA.

Is your child a budding astronaut? Share your most stellar books, games, and activities with us!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.