Top 5 books all about the wonders of space

Published on: 26 April 2022

Author of 24 Hours in Space, Rob Lloyd Jones, shares top five books about space.

1. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth – Col. Chris Hadfield

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield spent 166 days on board the ISS, but in this book he reveals secrets from his time before his space mission. Discover how astronauts train for life in low gravity, and how they mentally prepare for their journey.

2. Dr Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System – Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock

A great fun and beautifully illustrated tour of our Solar System, by a real space scientist. Highlights include a snowboarding on Pluto and a diamond rainstorm on Uranus.

3. The Usborne Astronaut’s Guidebook – Louie Stowell

Ever dreamed of going into space? This excellent little book tells you everything you need to know to make it as an astronaut. It’s fun and funny but also very educational, written in association with the UK Space Agency and with a foreword by Tim Peake – the UK’s first astronaut to visit the ISS.

4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

Okay, this is fiction but how could I not include it on this list? One of the funniest novels ever written, and sure to inspire anyone with a lifelong love of space. 

5. Look inside Space - Rob Lloyd Jones, illustrated by Benedetta Giaufret and Enrica Rusina 

A bit cheeky to list one of my own, but the illustrations here are so bright and captivating. With fold out pages and flaps to lift, it’s a great introduction for young minds to the wonders of our Solar System.