Inspiring Young Astronauts: Books and Activities for World Space Day
- Popcorn Education
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
World Space Day is the perfect opportunity to spark children’s curiosity about the universe. From the Moon to Mars, rockets to robots, space captures the imagination like nothing else. For primary schools, it’s also a brilliant way to combine science, literacy, and creativity in one exciting theme.
Here are some book recommendations and simple activities you can use across the primary age range to celebrate World Space Day in your classroom.
Space Books for Key Stage 1
Look Inside Space by Usborne – A lift-the-flap adventure that introduces young readers to planets, astronauts, and rockets.
The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield – A beautiful story from astronaut Chris Hadfield, showing children that even big dreams can grow from small fears.
Activity idea: Create “dream astronaut helmets” out of cardboard and foil. Children can decorate theirs with stars and planets, then write one thing they’d love to discover in space.
Space Books for Lower Key Stage 2
The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge – A brilliant mix of family drama and futuristic space science.
The Skies Above My Eyes by Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer – A stunning large-format book that takes readers on a journey from the ground right up into outer space.
Activity idea: Try a “design a planet” challenge. Children can invent their own world, thinking about size, atmosphere, and who (or what!) might live there. Pair this with a short descriptive writing task.
Space Books for Upper Key Stage 2
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce – A hilarious adventure where a boy ends up on a space mission by accident.
Phoenix by S.F. Said – A gripping space fantasy about a boy who discovers his destiny among the stars.
Activity idea: Use one of our Space-themed reading comprehensions to explore a fiction or non-fiction passage, then hold a class debate on whether humans should settle on other planets.
Bring Space to Life in School
Alongside books and activities, a hands-on experience can make World Space Day truly unforgettable. Our Space Gadget Shop is a fantastic way to raise funds and let children take home their own mini space experiments, from rockets to planet dig kits. It’s science, fundraising, and fun rolled into one.
Final Thought
World Space Day isn’t just about looking up at the stars — it’s about helping children imagine a future where they could be part of the journey. With the right books, engaging activities, and a few sparks of imagination, you can inspire the next generation of explorers, astronauts, and scientists.
