U is for Universe – A Collection of Favorite Books

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The Universe is infinite, but the library resources on the universe is not! This year my boys have been studying astronomy, planets, stars, and everything related to the universe through our homeschool co-op. This list is our favorite books that we have used. Many on this list have been checked out multiple times from the library, and a few are likely presents for the next birthdays. I hope you enjoy learning about the universe as much as we did!

Favorite Fiction Books

The Magic School Bus Lost in The Solar System by Joanna Cole – Ms. Frizzle won’t let a closed planetarium stop her from showing her students the planets. Join the class as they travel through the milky way.

Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly – The story of a small mouse that wants to travel into space. While on his mission, disaster strikes and only the smallest member of the crew can help.

Curious George and the Rocket by H.A. Rey – What happens when a curious little monkey is asked to pilot a rocket into space? Join George on his latest adventure.

Star Wars ABC by Scholastic – This is my 3 year old’s favorite book. We have checked it out from the library no less than a dozen times! ABC books are always fun, but for reluctant readers this grown up feeling book is a nice change from the typical cartoon-ish nature of board books.

The Magic School Bus Sees Stars by Nancy White – Learn about the life cycle of stars with Ms. Frizzle and her class.

Non-Fiction Favorites

National Geographic Readers: Planets by Elizabeth Carney – The National Geographic Readers are the perfect reading level for my oldest. I have him read on his own and pick out two or three facts to tell the rest of his family. As with all National Geographic books, beautiful graphics and photography!

I, Galileo by Bonnie Christensen – A biography of Galileo told as a first person narration. Hear about his achievements and ideas in way that will inspire young readers.

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes – A beautiful book that my boys love to flip through over and over. For the graphics alone, this is a favorite resource when we study the universe.

Once Upon a Starry Night by Jacqueline Mitton – A brief retelling of the mythology that lead to the naming of many modern constellations.

Zoo in the Sky by Jacqueline Mitton – A beautifully illustrated book that shows the constellations and why they are named for particular animals.

Galileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities by Richard Panchyk – A great book of activities to introduce kids to Galileo’s revolutionary discoveries that shape the way we understand the universe.

World History Biographies: Galileo: The Genius Who Charted the Universe by Philip Steele – A biography that addresses how Galileo’s observations conflicted with the teaching of the Catholic Church of the time. Read about the changes in world view that resulted from Galileo supporting the claim that the earth revolves around the sun.

The Everything Kids’ Astronomy Book by Kathi Wagner – Never run out of activities for kids interested in learning about space. From trivia to puzzles to hands on activities, this is a favorite series in our house.

Just for Fun

Out in Space: Highlights Hidden Pictures – We LOVE hidden pictures around our house. This is a favorite book of my boys, but there is no way I can keep them from circling the hidden objects on each page. This is one we definitely buy instead of checking out from the library.