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Wonders of the Heavens/Books about Space
One of the most fascinating topics for children is space—the stars, planets, moon, and so much
more—it's no wonder so many children long to be astronauts "when they grow up." This Showcase highlights fiction, nonfiction, and poetry books about the universe and the wonders that exist within it.
Please browse the titles below and click on those that interest you to see cover art and a full book
description. Some of the titles may also include examples of interior art that offer a clearer representation of the actual book. The titles included in the Showcase are selected by their publishers
who provide the art and descriptive information.
These books are available at your local bookstore, which we urge you to patronize. Your local
bookseller can supply these titles and offer professional, informed help in selecting other good books for children. Check the American Booksellers Association's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you.
If you do not have convenient access to any local bookstores, you can purchase these CBC Showcase books online from independent bookstores at  .
CBC Showcase is a bimonthly thematic bibliography available only online. Please visit the Showcase Archive to view previous lists, which include Poetry Titles, Math and Counting Books, Folk and Fairy
tales, The African-American Experience, Humorous Books, Holiday Titles, and much more.
The Amazing International Space Station
, written by the Editors of Yes Magazine, Canada's Science Magazine for Kids, photographs by Rose
Cowles. Ages: 9-12. Watch this Space! (Kids Can Press)
Astronomy, written by Carole Stott.
Ages: 9-14. A panoramic look at astronomy that covers every aspect of the subject from Galileo's first telescope to today's space probes. (Publisher: Kingfisher)
Can You Hear a Shout in Space?
, written by Melvin and Gilda Berger, illustrated by Vincent Di Fate.
Ages: 7-9. Developed especially for children in the second and third grades, the Scholastic Question and Answer Series combines conversational style with dramatic full-page illustrations. (Scholastic, Inc.)
Destination Space
, written by Seymour Simon. Ages: 5 & up.
Capturing fascinating and complex scientific discoveries in dramatic photographs and an easy-to-understand text, Seymour Simon offers another "attractive, informative addition to a fine series.” —ALA
Booklist. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Don't Know Much About the Solar System
, written by Kenneth C. Davis, illustrated by Pedro Martin. Ages: 6-9. In this picture book, Kenneth C.
Davis dispels many myths about the vast beyond, using his best-selling question-and-answer format, accompanied by riddles and humorous illustrations. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Don't Know Much About Space
, written by Kenneth C. Davis, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier. Ages: 8-12. With an entertaining
question-and-answer format, amusing anecdotes, and fact-filled sidebars, the best-selling author elucidates the mysteries of space. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
The Flyers, written and illustrated by Allan Drummond.
Ages: 4-8. Just in time for the 2003 centennial of the Wright brothers' historic flight. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Footprints on the Moon
, written by Alexandra Siy, illustrated with photographs. Ages: 6-11. "[This]...outstanding look at
our venture to the Moon combines a generous array
of full-color photos with lively... descriptions..." —School Library Journal. (Charlesbridge)
Home on the Moon: Living on a Space Frontier
, written by Marianne J. Dyson. Ages: 8 to 12. "Clear writing, vivid images, interesting details, and
quotes from astronauts and scientists make this a lively, fact-filled introduction." —Booklist. (National Geographic Society)
I Am A Star
, written by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Judith Moffatt.
Ages: 3-6. With poetic, easy-to-read text and bold, cut-paper illustrations, this book makes astronomy accessible to the youngest readers. (Scholastic, Inc.)
The International Space Station
, written by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by True Kelley
with an Introduction by Mercury Astronaut, Scott
Carpenter. Ages: 5-9. The International Space Station races through space at 17,500 miles per hour. How do people live there? What may they discover? An information-packed
must-have! (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Kingdom of the Sun: A Book of the Planets
, written by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit.
Ages: 6 to 9. "The most beautiful children's book on our solar system that has come along in light years." —Knoxville News-Sentinel. (National Geographic Society)
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System
, written by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen.
Ages: 6-9. "A first-class introduction to the planets." —School Library Journal, starred review. (Scholastic Press)
Magic Tree House Research Guide: Space
, written by Will and Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca.
Ages 6-9 years. A nonfiction companion to Midnight on the Moon. Its Jack and Annie's very own guide to the secrets of the universe! (Random House Children's Books)
Maria Mitchell: The Soul of an Astronomer
, written by Beatrice Gormley.
Ages: 10 & up. "Gormley successfully paints a picture of a world that failed to mold Mitchell to its standards. Inspiring and incisive." —Kirkus Reviews. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
Me and My Place in Space
, written by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable. Ages: 5-8. Me and My Place in Space takes on the simplest questions about the universe and gives answers that young children can easily understand. (Random House Children's Books)
Midnight on the Moon
, written by Will and Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Ages: 6-9. Jack and Annie are
whisked forty years forward in time and land at an international space station on the moon. (Random House Children's Books)
Our Solar System
, written by Seymour Simon. Ages: 3-8. Another in Simon's landmark series about each of the planets, the
sun, stars, and other space sights, Our Solar System introduces the amazing mysteries in the universe. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
The Secret of Old Zeb
, written by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael P. White.
Ages: 6-10. Ten-year-old Walter fears he is in for the worst summer ever until he befriends a mysterious grizzled sailor, Old Zeb. (Peachtree Publishers)
Seeing Earth from Space
, written by Patricia Lauber. Ages: 10 and up. "Well researched, clearly written, and beautifully
made, this eye-opening book represents nonfiction at its best." —Booklist, starred review. (Orchard Books)
Stanley in Space
, written by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Scott Nash. Ages: 7-10.
Another terrific chapter book adventure starring Stanley Lambchop, as he becomes one of the first humans to fly in Star Scout, a new top-secret spaceship. (HarperTrophy)
Stars, written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa. Ages: 4 to 8.
"A sure winner for future astronomers and their stargazing parents." —Kirkus Reviews. (National Geographic Society)
There's No Place Like Space! All About Our Solar System
, written by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz.
Ages: 5-8. Blast off for educational fun! Beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched via Seussian sorcery on a wild trip to visit the nine planets in our solar system along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, and Dick and Sally. (Random House Children's Books)
Wings and Rockets: The Story of Women in Air and Space
, written by Jeannine Atkins, illustrated by Dušan Petričić.
Ages: 10 & up. Celebrating the hundredth anniversary of powered flight. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Zoom! Zoom! I'm Off to the Moon
, written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Ages: 4-7. Before bedtime, a little boy suits up and heads
to the moon in his red rocket ship! (Scholastic Press)
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