Books about space

If you've been inspired by Nasa's successful landing of the rover Curiosity on Mars, then why not take a look at our favourite children's books about space? These 10 great intergalactic adventures for all ages will take you on exciting interstellar journeys through the cosmos...

The Man on the Moon!

by Simon Bartram

Templar Publishing

Bob knows almost everything there is to know about the moon - but there's something going on behind his back that he hasn't spotted...

Read about 'The Man on the Moon!'
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket

by John Boyne

Doubleday

Barnaby Brocket has an unusual gift: he defies the law of gravity and floats. Embarassed by their child's 'abnormality', his parents set out to keep his feet on the ground.

Read about 'The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket'
Space School: Crash Course

by Tony Bradman and Tom Bradman

A & C Black Publishers Ltd

The first in the Space School series starring Luke Riley, whose mum is the captain of the Buzz Aldrin, a spaceship cruising the universe following a pollution-related disaster on Earth.

Read about 'Space School: Crash Course'
Cosmic

by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Macmillan Children's Books

Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space. Is Liam the best boy for the job?

Read about 'Cosmic'
Aliens Love Underpants

by Claire Freedman

Simon and Schuster Children's Books

Underpants are a source of humour whatever your reading age, even, it appears, when it comes to aliens!

Read about 'Aliens Love Underpants'
Toys in Space

by Mini Grey

Jonathan Cape

The toys have been left outside in the garden one summer night. To help to pass the time till morning, Wonderdoll begins to tell a story about the arrival of a mysterious alien spaceship...

Read about 'Toys in Space'
Wanda's Space Party

by Sue Hendra

Red Fox

For a birthday treat, Wanda the rabbit is invited to her friend’s house. But in fact, her friend is an alien and he’s taking Wanda home to his amazing planet.

Read about 'Wanda's Space Party'
A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L'engle

Puffin Classics

When Charles Wallace Murry goes searching through a 'wrinkle in time' for his lost father, he finds himself on an evil planet where all life is enslaved by a huge pulsating brain known as 'It'.

Read about 'A Wrinkle in Time'
Larklight

by Philip Reeve

Bloomsbury Childrens Books

Award-winning Reeve indulges his love of historical technology in a new novel for younger readers, which is as captivating as the Mortal Engines quartet was for an older audience.

Read about 'Larklight'
Elephant Joe is a Spaceman!

by David Wojtowycz

Alison Green books

This delightful and vibrantly colourful picture book encourages imaginative play

Read about 'Elephant Joe is a Spaceman!'