Are you looking for some Space themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Space can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Space books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Space by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. My First Book of Planets by Bruce Betts
My First Book of Planets for kids will get even the smallest astronomer excited for the big universe of space. It discusses the bright and burning sun to our own blue Earth. The ice-capped Pluto and every planet in between.
Kids can rocket across our unique solar system with incredible photos and easy-to-follow entries. The author tells us what makes each planet so special, covering their size, distance from the sun, what the surface is like, how many moons they have, and more. Grab a space suit, there’s so much to discover!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Space”
- “I See Space” Student Booklet
- Paper Plate Earth Art Project
- Space Numbers & Number Word Counting Game
2. There’s No Place Like Space by Tish Rabe
Au revoir, Pluto! In this newly revised, bestselling backlist title, beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched on a wild trip to visit the now eight planets in our solar system.
Come along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Dick, and Sally for this space adventure. Reading that’s out of this world!
Literacy Extensions:
- “If I Went Into Space” Classroom Book
- Space Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer
- UFO Art Project
- Space Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly
Mousetronaut tells the story of a small mouse that wants nothing more than to travel to outer space. The little mouse works as hard as the bigger mice to show readiness for the mission and is chosen for the flight!
While in space, the astronauts are busy with their mission when disaster strikes and only the smallest member of the crew can save the day. This story is beautifully written by a retired NASA astronaut.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Space”
- Space Story Parts Worksheet
- Earth Person Art Project
- Space Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Smart Kids Space by Roger Piddy
Open your eyes to a world of discovery with this amazing fact-packed book. From the Solar System to the Milky Way, from Mars to Mercury, from UFOs to the Space Shuttle.
Space is an ideal first guide to the mysteries and wonders of our incredible universe. Written in an accessible and fun style, the informative text is perfectly complemented by visually stunning, large-sized, full-color photography. Perfect book to introduce children to the fascinating world above us.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Space”
- “Space Senses” Student Booklet
- “Space” Student Story
- Space Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Planets by Elizabeth Carney
This brilliantly illustrated book taps into children’s natural curiosity about the vast world of space. This level two reader is written in simple language that is easy for young readers to understand.
It introduces children to our solar system, including all of the planets and dwarf planets. It also includes lots of fascinating fun facts. This reader helps cultivate the explorers of tomorrow!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Went Into Space”
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Space Build a Word
- Space Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Fly Guy Presents Space by Tedd Arnold
Fly Guy and Buzz are back with another great nonfiction book! The author brings nonfiction to life in this engaging nonfiction reader! During a visit to a space museum, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about space.
They learn about space crafts, space suits, and even dirty snowballs called comets. There are straightforward fun facts and humorous illustrations of Fly Guy and Buzz. The book includes vivid photographs and a holographic foil on the cover! This book is sure to be a hit with budding astronauts everywhere!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Space
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Space Sight Word Game
- Space Numbers & Ten Frames
7. Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton
Rockets have power. They rise and roar. This rocket’s waiting, ready to soar. Rockets carry astronauts with cool, white suits oxygen helmets and gravity boots.
Blast off with more out-of-this-world couplets! This time it is machines that fly. In bright and bold illustrations that are as witty as the text, the animal crew roars and whizzes into outer space.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Space Story” Classroom Book
- Space Student Story
- Space Letter & Sound Match
- Space Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scholastic is re-releasing the ten original Magic School Bus titles in paperback. With updated scientific information, the bestselling science series ever is back!
The field trip to the planetarium is foiled when the museum turns out to be closed, but Ms. Frizzle saves the day. The Magic School Bus turns into a spaceship and takes the class on a trip zooming through the atmosphere, to the Moon, and beyond!
Literacy Extensions:
- Space Writing Station Words
- Space Make a Word Family
- Space Art Project
- Space Roll & Bump Math Game
Finally, there are so many Space children’s books you can choose from. From Space fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
