Out-of-This-World Stories That Spark Imagination, Curiosity, and Cosmic Adventure
From flying saucers to friendly visitors from another galaxy, aliens have captured kids’ imaginations for generations. Whether they’re silly, sweet, or mysterious, alien characters help children explore the unknown and ask big questions about our universe—and what might be beyond it.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite alien books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun space-themed activities and questions to get kids thinking creatively. Let me know which alien book becomes your little explorer’s new favorite!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Aliens?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Aliens
- 11 Alien Books For Children
- What Alien Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Aliens?
Alien books invite children to dream big, explore new ideas, and think creatively about life beyond Earth.
These stories introduce themes like curiosity, acceptance, friendship, and even bravery when faced with the unfamiliar. Whether aliens crash into the backyard or visit Earth in peace, they help kids explore feelings of otherness and the power of connection.
Reading about aliens blends science fiction with heart, humor, and discovery.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Aliens
Books about aliens provide a fun way to explore imagination, storytelling, and sometimes even science!
Kids can stretch their thinking as they imagine what alien life might look like, how they might communicate, and what kind of worlds they come from. These stories also introduce valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and seeing beyond differences.
Alien books encourage creativity while promoting inclusive thinking and wonder.
How to Use Books about Aliens with Children
Here are some cosmic ways to make the most of alien stories:
- 👽 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would you do if you met an alien? or What do you think aliens would find strange about Earth? Turn and Talk can lead to some hilarious and thoughtful answers.
- 🎨 Engage in Alien-Themed Activities: Design your own alien with playdough, create an alien language or spaceship blueprint, or write a letter to an alien describing Earth. Even better—act out a day in the life of an alien visitor!
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When exploring topics like outer space, communication, or diversity, refer to alien stories. Say: Remember when the alien tried to understand Earth customs? That’s just like learning something new at school!
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share alien books with families for giggly bedtime stories or space-themed storytime. Suggest watching the stars together and imagining what kind of aliens might live beyond them.
11 Alien Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Alien Baby! by Elias Barks
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A giggly board book that celebrates quirky cosmic cuteness with a baby alien at the center.
Activity Idea: Design your own alien family with googly eyes and pipe cleaners.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Alien Baby different?
- How do you take care of a baby from space?
- What do you think their favorite food is?
#2 You’re Out of This World by Bay Clarkson
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An uplifting space-themed book full of affirmations and kindness—great for bedtime or classrooms.
Activity Idea: Make a “galaxy compliment jar.”
Discussion Questions:
- What makes you feel special?
- How can you lift others up?
- What’s your favorite part of the universe?
#3 Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
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Hilarious rhymes and silly illustrations show that aliens come to Earth for one reason—underpants!
Activity Idea: Decorate paper “underpants” with alien designs.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think aliens love underpants?
- Would you share your underpants with an alien?
- What was the funniest part?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Jay’s First Day of Alien School by Prima Jenkins
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A young alien faces new experiences on his first day of school in this relatable, heartwarming read.
Activity Idea: Draw your perfect alien school.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Jay feel on his first day?
- What helped Jay feel better?
- What do you do when you feel nervous?
#5 There’s an Alien in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
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An interactive and playful read-aloud where the reader helps guide a mischievous alien through the story.
Activity Idea: Make a cardboard alien puppet to act out the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What did the alien do in your book?
- What would you say to a visitor from space?
- How would you help an alien learn Earth rules?
#6 Your Alien by Tammi Sauer
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A gentle and sweet tale of an alien who crash-lands and becomes fast friends with a boy on Earth.
Activity Idea: Create a “Welcome to Earth” kit for alien visitors.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes a good friend?
- How did the alien feel being far from home?
- Would you want to visit their planet?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
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A silly, laugh-out-loud story about aliens trying (and failing) to blend in on Earth.
Activity Idea: Write your own alien “how-to-blend-in” guide.
Discussion Questions:
- What did the aliens get wrong?
- What would you tell them about being human?
- Would you help them hide?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara
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A spacey twist on the Three Little Pigs—with aliens, planets, and a BIG robot!
Activity Idea: Build alien homes out of straws, blocks, or recyclables.
Discussion Questions:
- Which house was the strongest?
- Why was the robot scary?
- How do you solve problems like the aliens did?
#9 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by Kim Smith
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A picture book retelling of the classic movie—sweet, emotional, and full of connection.
Activity Idea: Make a bike craft or “glow finger” alien.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Elliot and E.T. become friends?
- What was the saddest moment?
- What would you do if you found E.T.?
#10 The Alien Next Door 1: The New Kid by A.I. Newton
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Zeke might look human, but he’s got a few cosmic secrets in this early chapter book!
Activity Idea: Create a comic strip about your own alien neighbor.
Discussion Questions:
- What clues made Zeke seem different?
- Would you keep your friend’s secret?
- What does it mean to be a good neighbor?
#11 Alien Worlds: Your Guide to Extraterrestrial Life by David A. Aguilar
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Packed with science and imagination, this book explores what life could be like on distant planets.
Activity Idea: Design your own alien species and planet.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes a planet livable?
- What would aliens need to survive?
- Do you think aliens really exist?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Alien Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Alien books for kids are a blast—full of creativity, curiosity, and adventure. Whether your reader dreams of visiting other planets or making a new alien friend, these stories show that the unknown doesn’t have to be scary—it can be exciting and full of possibility.
Which alien adventure will you blast off with next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite alien reads, crafts, or out-of-this-world ideas!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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