Spark Curiosity with These Space-Themed Book Recommendations for Your Classroom!

Space is a topic that never fails to ignite a child’s imagination. Whether you’re introducing Key Stage 1 pupils to the stars or helping older students explore the vast universe, the right books can take their learning to new heights. To celebrate Space Week, we’ve gathered our top space-themed book recommendations, perfect for different age groups, to help teachers inspire their pupils.

Why Teach Space?

Space isn't just about science; it’s about exploration, discovery, and thinking beyond the limits. Books that explore space allow children to engage with imaginative stories, learn about real-life space missions, and dive into the mysteries of the universe. From non-fiction books that offer a deep dive into space science to exciting adventures set in the cosmos, these reads will captivate students of all ages.

Our Favourite Space-Themed Books:

1. "There's No Place Like Space" by Tish Rabe (Recommended for Year 1 and 2)

   • A fun, rhyming introduction to the planets with the beloved Cat in the Hat guiding children through the solar system.

   • Why It’s Great: Simple, engaging, and packed with colourful illustrations, it’s a fantastic way to introduce younger children to space concepts.

2. "How to Catch a Star" by Oliver Jeffers (Year 1 and 2)

   • This beautifully illustrated story follows a young boy who dreams of catching a star. It’s a sweet tale about determination and wonder.

   • Why It’s Great: Inspires creative thinking and wonder about the night sky, perfect for encouraging early learners.

3. "Cosmic" by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Year 5 and 6)

   • In this humorous adventure, 12-year-old Liam gets mistaken for an adult and ends up on a space mission. It’s a thrilling and funny story that sparks curiosity about space travel.

   • Why It’s Great: The mix of humour, adventure, and space travel makes this a fantastic read for older students.

4. "The Universe: The Definitive Visual Guide" by DK (Year 5 and 6)

   • A comprehensive, visual journey through the universe. This book is packed with amazing photos, diagrams, and facts about galaxies, stars, and planets.

   • Why It’s Great: It’s a visually engaging way for children to explore space science in-depth, helping them to understand the bigger picture of the cosmos.

5. "The Amazing Edible Solar System" (Interactive for all ages)

   • A hands-on activity book that teaches children how to create an edible model of the solar system. Great for sparking creativity while learning about planets.

   • Why It’s Great: It combines science with creativity, making space learning tangible and fun, perfect for a classroom activity.

     
     

Why These Books Are a Must-Have for Your Classroom:

Each of these books has been carefully selected to engage pupils at various stages of learning. From fiction that inspires dreams to non-fiction that grounds them in reality, these titles provide the perfect mix of learning and fun. Whether you’re guiding Year 1 students through their first exploration of the stars or helping Year 6 pupils understand space travel and the wider universe, there’s something for every class.

Discover the full lists of books and see how you can integrate these fantastic titles into your lessons by visiting Popcorn Education's Space Week Resources.

Inspire your class, expand their horizons, and take them on a journey to the stars!