Women in space has become a popular topic in children’s books and I love it! It combines girl power, problem solving, and outerspace. Often they are highly readable, fun picture books as well – which is the case for the ones I’m including here.
Fun fictional characters like Sadie Sprocket help girls (and boys too!) feel like they can do anything. Engaging nonfiction books about impressive women like Mae Jemison inspire us to reach for the stars.
So let’s jump in! Below are some options of picture books about women in space to read aloud. I also included outerspace songs to sing and activities for moving your body. Then after the Women in Space storytime there are further extension ideas along with some bonus ideas about Mars.
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Children’s Books to Read Aloud
Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket
by Sue Fliess
illustrated by Annabel Tempest
A rhyming, fun, girl power story about Sadie Sprocket. Sadie has decided she is going to go to Mars so with the help of some adorable friends she makes just that happen. Spirited text and bright illustrations, this is a fun read aloud for preschoolers and up.
Find Online
Interstellar Cinderella
by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by Meg Hunt
This is another fun fiction story that is fun to read aloud. It’s a creative take on the Cinderella story that is all about engineering and girl power. It’s also an interesting look at what life in space might look like which could lend itself to some interesting conversation or writing prompts.
Mae Among the Stars
by Roda Ahmed
illustrated by Stasia Burrington
I like that this story focuses just on the childhood story about Mae wanting to become an astronaut and learning to believe in herself even when others didn’t. Mae Jemison is an impressive person and certainly many books could be written about her life and career, but I think this is a story that kids need to hear regardless of what they hope to become some day.
To The Stars! The First American Woman in Space
by Carmella Van Vleet
This is the story of Kathy Sullivan and how she became the first American woman astronaut in space. Kathy is an inspiring, energetic woman and her journey bursts off the pages. This is my daughter’s favorite book about outer space. PS. The back has a brief history of women in space that makes me want to learn even more!
You May Also Like:
Picture Books about Astronauts and Rocket Ships for Kids Who Are Fascinated by Space
Songs about Outerspace
Planets, Planets from Music With Nancy
My kids still sing this song all the time and it is absolutely how they learned the names of the planets. Such a simple and fun song. Watch on Youtube
If You’re Going to the Moon
This is such a cute song for story time. I learned it from the Jbrary librarians. My kids love this one too. Watch on YouTube
Gross Motor Movement Activities
Rocketing Space Gross Motor Game
find the details on 3 Dinosaurs
Outer Space Yoga
find routine on Kid Yoga Stories
Women in Space Extensions
- Mae Jemison inspired rocket STEM challenge from Carly & Adam
- More information about Mae Jemison and related booklist on Crafty Moms Share.
- Hidden Figures inspired coding activity from Carly & Adam.
- Printable space themed word search inspired by the Luciana Vega doll.
- I love this dramatic play idea from Little Bookham Preschool. It would work for a women in space unit, Mars unit or any space related unit.
- AND just in case you happen to have an older child interested in women in outer space, I have to mention that the non-fiction graphic novel ASTRONAUTS: WOMEN ON THE FINAL FRONTIER captures the humor and drive of the first NASA women to go into space. This is definitely a story of perseverance and trailblazing. I’d recommend it for third grade and up due to the density and complexity of text.
Mars Extensions
I chose to focus on women in space, but another big jumping off point from Sadie Sprocket is Mars. My kids loved this part of her story. If you wanted to explore that angle further, here are some books and activities:
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars
by Astronaut Mark Kelly
illustrated by C. F. Payne
This is a fun read aloud, the second in the Mousetronaut series. Find Online
Hey-Ho, To Mars We’ll Go!by Susan Lendroth
illustrated by Bob Kolar
A book you can sing about space. This is kind of preschool read aloud perfection. Find Online
Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars
by Richard Ho
illustrated by Katerine Roy
This one sets you down on the red planet. The illustrations feel immersive and bring Mars and all of it’s texture and grit and redness to life. Find Online
Mars Activities
- Loads of fun hands-on activities about Mars. From kinetic sand to a lego challenge and more, this post on Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers has lots of ideas for after a Mars storytime.
- Mars Facts for Kids with a printable from Itsy Bitsy Fun
- DIY Mars Rover from Rainy Day Mum.
- Alka-Seltzer Rockets, cute snack ideas and more space themed fun on The Crafting Chicks
- More about Mars with a book and author interview on Crafty Moms Share.
