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Best children’s books about space

Picture books, comics and novels to fuel a space topic: rockets, planets, the moon and the wonder of looking up, from Reception to Year 8.

12 booksAges 0–13Last reviewed June 2026

Few topics light children up like space. These are our favourite stories to ride alongside it: not facts to memorise, but adventures, jokes and quiet wonder that make a child want to know more.

There are rhyming picture books about aliens and the moon for the youngest, riotous comics and chapter books for the middle of primary, and a couple of thoughtful reads about our place in a very big universe. They span Reception to Year 8, so there is something for a class topic and for the child who has decided they will be an astronaut.

Stories first, every one. The curiosity takes care of itself.

  1. Goodnight Moon

    by Margaret Wise Brown · Board Books · ages 0–3

    A definitive bedtime board book: rhythmic, hushed, and almost hypnotically good at slowing the room down. Its simplicity is exactly the point, making it one of the safest and strongest first-books for babies and toddlers.

  2. The Way Back Home

    by Oliver Jeffers · Picture Books · ages 3–7

    The boy finds an aeroplane in his wardrobe, flies it, and gets stuck on the moon, where a small alien is also stuck in his spaceship. A funny and warm story about problem-solving and the friendship that blooms from shared predicaments.

  3. The Smeds and the Smoos

    by Julia Donaldson · Picture Books · ages 3–7

    A warm, space-set Romeo-and-Juliet-style picture book about two alien families learning to move past prejudice.

  4. The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet!

    by Tom Fletcher · Picture Books · ages 3–6

    A space-set poo-comedy sequel that takes the dinosaur's appetite to ridiculous planetary scale. Especially good for dinosaur fans who also like rockets, aliens and comic disaster.

  5. Leave Me Alone!

    by Vera Brosgol · Picture Books · ages 3–7

    A Caldecott Honor picture book with a wonderfully grumpy comic premise: a grandmother just wants enough peace to knit. It is funny, stylish, and more picture book than graphic novel, despite Vera Brosgol's strong comics sensibility.

  6. The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip

    by Mac Barnett · Graphic Novels · ages 7–10

    A very funny third adventure that escalates the series with an evil paperclip, space dinosaurs and more knowingly ridiculous sci-fi stakes. It is a strong continuation for readers already invested in First Cat's oddball crew.

  7. The Return of Zita the Spacegirl

    by Ben Hatke · Graphic Novels · ages 7–11

    A satisfying trilogy finale that puts Zita under real pressure while keeping the series' warmth, humour and creature-filled wonder. Best for readers who have followed her from accidental rescuer to full-blown space hero.

  8. Hilo: Then Everything Went Wrong

    by Judd Winick · Graphic Novels · ages 7–11

    A more mythology-heavy Hilo volume that sends Hilo and D.J. towards Hilo's home planet and starts overturning what Hilo thinks he knows about himself. Still funny, but with stronger backstory and series stakes.

  9. Star Cat

    by James Turner · Graphic Novels · ages 7–10

    A brilliantly silly space-comedy graphic novel about Captain Spaceington and the crew of the SS Star Cat. Ideal for readers who like absurd sci-fi, quick visual jokes and Phoenix-style comic energy.

  10. Tales of Time and Space

    by Terry Pratchett · Anthologies · ages 6–10

    A short, newly packaged Pratchett collection for younger readers who like time travel, space, and comic speculative ideas. It is less substantial than the larger early-story anthologies but more approachable as a quick sampler.

  11. The 130-Storey Treehouse

    by Andy Griffiths · Illustrated Chapter Books · ages 7–10

    A tenth Treehouse entry that pushes the impossible-house formula into space-flavoured absurdity and even bigger late-series spectacle. It is best for children already enjoying the series' wild rhythm.

  12. Lunar Boy

    by Jes Wibowo · Graphic Novels · ages 9–13

    A gentle, emotionally direct middle-grade graphic novel about a trans boy, adoption, culture shock, and finding a home after leaving the Moon. It is a strong empathy-building choice for readers ready for identity-led science-fantasy rather than gag-driven comics.

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