Best Space Exploration Encyclopedias: 3 Books to Explore Space
Best Planet Encyclopedias for Kids: 5 Picks Compared
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Choosing a space encyclopedia for a child can be tricky when age ranges, formats, and content vary.
These books cover space in different ways, with some featuring planet profiles, photographs, quizzes, or at-home activities.
This time, we’ll round up five planet and space encyclopedias for kids.
Quick-reference table of recommended products
| Product name | Format | Publisher age range | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Geographic Kids Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition | Hardcover | 8–12 years | 208 |
 Children’s Encyclopedia of the Solar System | Hardcover | 8–12 years | 128 |
 First Space Encyclopedia | Hardcover | 6–9 years | 136 |
 Space | Paperback | 9–12 years | 256 |
 Children’s First Space Encyclopedia | Hardcover | 5–8 years | 96 |
National Geographic Kids Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition
For children ages 8–12 who want to explore the planets and topics beyond our solar system, National Geographic Kids Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition is recommended. This 208-page hardcover covers the Sun and planets, dwarf planets, the formation of the universe, space travel, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
National Geographic Kids Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition
Children’s Encyclopedia of the Solar System
For children ages 8–12 who want planet-by-planet profiles with key stats and facts, Children’s Encyclopedia of the Solar System is recommended. It also covers Earth and the Moon, space exploration, and solar system science, including topics such as solar eclipses and solar radiation. Full-color photography, annotations, and profile boxes accompany the information.
Children’s Encyclopedia of the Solar System
First Space Encyclopedia
For children ages 6–9 looking for a first reference on space, First Space Encyclopedia is recommended. It introduces planets and nearby galaxies, with quizzes and at-home space activities, and also covers finding constellations and the phases of the Moon.
First Space Encyclopedia
Space
For readers ages 9–12 who want an encyclopedia spanning the solar system and wider space topics, Space is recommended. It covers the Moon, Sun, and planets as well as space exploration, black holes, and dark matter. Images from agencies such as NASA and ESA accompany info panels, timelines, interviews, diagrams, and activities for home.
Space
Children’s First Space Encyclopedia
For children ages 5–8 who are starting with a visual introduction to space, Children’s First Space Encyclopedia is recommended. This full-color book introduces concepts about the solar system, distant stars, and black holes, with fact boxes and sections on the universe, watching the sky, and missions to space.
Children’s First Space Encyclopedia
Choosing by reader and interests
- For readers ages 9–12 interested in space topics beyond the planets
- For ages 8–12 readers who want profiles of every solar system planet with key stats and facts
- For younger readers ages 6–8 seeking a visual introduction to space
