7 Children's Books About Stars in the Sky

Please welcome my guest author, Kirsten W. Larson. She leads the picture group that I’m in called Soaring 20s. Today, she has a list of 6 Children’s Books About Stars in the Sky.

p.s. Here is one more fascinating one!

I’m A Black Hole by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiakis, illustrated by Jessica Lanan

A Black Hole describes herself in rhyming couplets! The dense (*black hole joke*) end matter goes into greater depth about what we know thus far about black holes. [nonfiction picture book, ages 7 and up]

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It’s Global Astronomy Month, the world’s largest celebration of astronomy, organized each April by Astronomers Without Borders. This month, I’m celebrating with a book list that will have young readers seeing stars – literally – as they explore the night sky beyond our solar system and become enchanted with the wonders of our universe.

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Katherine Roy

“Wrapped in a blanket of sparkling space, an unformed star waits for its bright future to begin.”

This unique, double read aloud explores both the life of astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars, and the story of star formation. The book highlights Payne’s formation as a scientist, from a girl burning with curiosity, chasing the thrilling lightning bolt of discovery, and hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe. It’s an inspiring tale that invites readers to consider what discoveries come next and who they might be. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Life of Edwin Hubble by Isabelle Marinov, illustrated by Deborah Marcero

“How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from?” These questions emerge as Edwin Hubble surveys the night sky as a young boy and propel him throughout his life. Marinov uses Hubble’s questions as a refrain in this kid-friendly book that shows how Hubble discovered that our universe is composed of many galaxies. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro

While Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin discovered hydrogen and helium composed most of the known matter in the universe, Vera Rubin discovered dark matter – matter that can’t be observed directly. This book showcases Rubin’s childhood curiosity, passion, and persistence. And it also shows that as a scientist it’s ok to be wrong. Sometimes mistakes yield something wonderful. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jessica Lanan

“When you look toward the stars, do you ever wonder if anyone is looking back?” Manley’s book encourages young readers to wonder if life exists on other planets and what it might need to survive. The book details the search for a “just right” Goldilocks planet where life could emerge in a distant solar system. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

How big is the universe? It’s so hard to fathom, but Jason Chin puts everything in perspective with kid-friendly comparisons from ostriches to trees and mountains. Kids will love learning about planets, moons, galaxies, and everything in between with lots of callouts with more detailed information. [picture book, ages 8 and up]

Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson with Gregory Mone

In this young readers’ adaptation of his best-selling book, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson takes on big topics, from the Big Bang theory to antimatter and dark energy. DeGrasse Tyson is one of this generation’s greatest scientific communicators, tackling tough topics with ease, in this short, super-readable book. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Kirsten used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. Kirsten is the author of the picture books: WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021), THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, February 2023), and THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little, Brown, 2024). She also is the author of the middle grade, graphic nonfiction, THE LIGHT OF RESISTANCE, illustrated by Barbara McClintock, (Roaring Brook, 2023), along with 25 nonfiction books for the school and library market. Kirsten lives near Los Angeles with her family. To learn more, check out her website and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.