We are all a small part of a much bigger picture. Thinking about the whole universe and our teeny tiny part in it can be mind boggling for adults, let alone for kids! To help kids get a picture of the whole big universe and the part that they play in it, I decided to gather these fun children’s books about the universe!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of some of these books in exchange for my honest review. These are marked with an *. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Books about the Universe

From the Universe to You*

Written and illustrated by Casey Harrison

This rhyming story explores the size of the universe and our place in it. From the great expanse of space to the tiniest grain of sand, the lyrical text explores the moving parts of the universe. The illustrations are bright and colorful, giving focus to the largest elements and the smallest. The book ends by focusing on the child reading the book (or being read to), and their constant motion in the great universe. This is a great bedtime story for kids, with dark and peaceful illustrations of space, and a lilting text that lulls kids into sleepy dreams full of possibilities.

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

Written by Seth Fishman and illustrated by Isabel Greenberg

This informative book explores the gigantic numbers that make up the universe. From the unfathomable number of stars, to the single person reading the book, the book takes the reader on a journey through the universe. Kids will love the vibrant illustrations, while also being amazed by the incredibly large numbers in the book.

Older than The Stars

Written by Karen C. Fox and illustrated by Nancy Davis

This book uses a repeating text style to walk readers through the beginning of the universe and the bits of matter that create everything. The text builds from page to page, which kids will enjoy, while the illustrations use vibrant colors and fun fonts to keep kids engaged.

One Day a Dot: The Story of You, The Universe, and Everything

Written by Ian Lendler and illustrated by Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb

This brightly colored book explores how the universe started with one single dot. The easy to read text walks the reader through the Big Bang, the rise of humankind, and eventually the growth of our world and the universe. The illustrations are striking, mainly using dark colors and earth tones.

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You into Space and Back Again*

Written by Allan Wolf and illustrated by Anna Raff

This anthology is full of poems both funny and factual, about the planets, the stars and the universe. With engaging and funny illustrations set against the backdrop of the dark, starry sky, the entertaining rhymes use different poetry styles and fonts to get kids interested in space. Kids will love the hilarious characters created out of the planets, sun and stars, and parents will appreciate the way the short poems weave important information into the fun.

Related Post: Moon Learning Activities

Our Place in the Universe

Stardust*

Written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Briony May Smith

This sweet story follows a young girl as she struggles with her feelings that she isn’t special. While stargazing with her grandfather, he teaches her that we are all made of stardust and we shine in different ways. While not actually teaching kids about the universe, this is a great book for introducing kids to the idea that we are all connected, and we all shine in our own way.

The Whole Wide World and Me*

Written and illustrated by Toni Yuly

This poetic story explores the many natural wonders in the world, and the concept that we are all connected. The lyrical text reminds the reader that every part of the world is part of something bigger. The illustrations use bright colors and a collage style to engage young readers.

Earth

Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years (Our Universe)*

Written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by David Litchfield

Learn all about the Earth from her own point of view. The text uses a conversational tone to introduce the reader to interesting facts and tidbits about the Earth. The illustrations are engaging and funny, showing the Earth and the other planets as smiling orbs. Kids will laugh along while they are learning important facts about the world.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

Written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

This book is a guide to the planet Earth, offering important information and a sweet message that we are all together in this life. The illustrations use deep colors and handwritten annotations to teach the reader about life on this planet.

The universe can be difficult to comprehend. These children’s books about the universe are a great way to talk to kids about the giant universe and our place in it. Do you have any favorite books about the universe? Share in the comments below!

More Posts You May Enjoy: