Best Children's Exploration Books of 2025

The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library presents "There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System," a nonfiction picture book that takes young readers on a fun and educational journey through the galaxy. With rhymed couplets and cartoonish illustrations, the book introduces basic concepts about the solar system, planets, constellations, and astronauts. It's an ideal read for kids aged 5-8 who are curious about space exploration. Written in an easy-to-read style, the book provides a wealth of information about the universe, making it a must-have addition to any young stargazer's library.

This I Know: Seeing God in the World He Made is a delightful children's book that explores the beauty and power of God's creation. The book takes readers on a road trip, showcasing how nature reveals the character of God. The illustrations are stunning, and the rhyming text is engaging for both children and adults. The book also includes hidden Bible verses and the text of the beloved hymn, Jesus Loves Me. Overall, this book is a wonderful addition to any family's library, and a great way to introduce children to the wonder and majesty of God's creation.

The Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up is a visually stunning and informative book that takes readers on a journey through the world of dinosaurs. With beautifully designed pop-up constructions and fascinating facts, this book offers a comprehensive overview of these extinct creatures. Readers will learn about popular dinosaurs such as the T.Rex and Triceratops as well as lesser-known varieties. The book also includes amusing tidbits on the history of paleontology. The paper engineering and creativity displayed in this book are truly remarkable, making it a must-have for any dinosaur enthusiast.

Timelines of Everything (DK Children's Timelines) is an excellent visual encyclopedia for children, covering over 13 billion years of history from the Big Bang to the digital age. With more than 130 stunning timelines, informative text, and fun facts, this educational book is an imaginative way of illustrating world history for children aged 8 and over. It covers everything from the rise and fall of empires to groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs and inventions that changed our lives. The book is a fantastic resource for young readers with a natural curiosity about history around the world and is guaranteed to keep them engaged and interested for hours on end.

I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids is an excellent educational book for preschoolers and kindergarteners to learn about the planet they live on. The book introduces basic concepts of Earth science, including space science and astronomy, while also promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Through imaginative illustrations and easy-to-follow facts, children will learn about the importance of taking care of our planet to keep it a healthy home for everyone. This book is an excellent addition to the Children's Astronomy Books category, and it stands out for its engaging content and emphasis on environmental responsibility.

I Am the Solar System is a fun and engaging book that introduces the Solar System to children ages 3-5. With imaginative illustrations and easy-to-follow information, kids will learn about the planets, belts, and interstellar space. The book's characters, including the Sun and planets, make learning enjoyable and help build a love of learning. It's a great early astronomy book for kids with age-appropriate amounts of information on each page. This book is an excellent addition to any young child's library and is highly recommended for parents and teachers looking to introduce basic space concepts to young learners.

"What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?" by Judith St. George is an exciting children's exploration book that tells the true-life adventure tale of the two-year journey of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the "Corp of Discovery" to explore the vast, unknown territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Although the travelers didn't find the waterway that crossed the western half of the United States, their journey finally brought them to the Pacific Ocean. The book is well-written and engaging, making it a great educational read for young readers.

Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters is a fascinating pop-up book that explores the prehistoric underwater world. It introduces readers to a variety of ancient sea creatures, from toothy reptiles to mammoth mammals. The book features over 35 breathtaking pop-ups that are sure to astonish and amaze children and adults alike. The authors provide brief sketches of the changing environment and its inhabitants, making it an enjoyable read for budding marine biologists and confirmed landlubbers. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any children's dinosaur book collection, and its unique pop-up illustrations make it stand out from the rest.

Be Mindful of Monsters is a children's book that teaches kids the importance of accepting their emotions, even the uncomfortable ones. Written by Lauren Stockly, a practicing play therapist, the story follows a gender-neutral nine-year-old named Ezzy, whose emotions have grown into monsters. The book includes therapeutic metaphors and activities, making it useful in a therapy setting or as part of Social Emotional Learning. Additionally, a free feelings chart is available for download on BumbleBLS.com/Shop, and a Mindful Monsters Therapeutic Workbook with over 100 pages of activities, coloring pages, crafts, and more is also available. The book is illustrated by Ellen Surrey, who uses color in her whimsical illustrations, inspired by children's books of the 50s and 60s.

The Planets and the Solar System book by Cottage Door Press is an excellent resource for curious toddlers. With special embossing, bright and detailed photos, and facts from Smithsonian Kids, this book engages both verbal and tactile learning skills. It is a great way to teach preschool and kindergarten skills as well as educate and entertain your child. The book offers a simple guide for parents to help their children on their reading journey. Overall, this book is a must-read for parents who want to introduce their children to the wonders of space and the universe.