20 Picture Books About Bugs for Kids
I recall singing a song called “I Hate Bugs” at a summer day camp I attended as a child. Except, I didn’t. I loved bugs and I loved to collect them and learn about them. Much to my mother’s dismay, I couldn’t get enough of bugs. If you have a budding entomologist in your house or classroom, you may want to invest in a few of these great kids books about bugs.
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Kids’ Fictional Books About Bugs
(For toddlers, definitely go with the board book version of these so they will last.)
- The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
- Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
- Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo by Rosetta Stone
- Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk
- In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
- The Little Squeegy Bug by Bill Martin Jr.
- Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
- The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle is a bestselling book about an ill-tempered, bad-mannered ladybug who can't be bothered to say "please" and "thank you."
If you love this one, you'll want read more of Eric Carle's preschool books, such as The Very Busy Spider, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Quiet Cricket, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. They are some of our favorite books!
This is a cute picture book series that is followed by the Diary of the Spider and the Fly. Seeing life through the eyes of an earthworm can be rather silly. No need to take a bath, no need for a dentist, because they don’t have teeth. A downfall is that no matter how hard they try, their face will will always look like their rear. Funny huh?
Be sure to check out the rest of the series with Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Fly. If you find that you like these book, definitely check out other Doreen Cronin books too. They are some of our favorites!
Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo is a charming book that playfully teaches kids about cause and effect through a small bug's sneeze that sets off a funny chain of events. Its rhyming, rhythmic text makes it perfect for reading aloud, and the whimsical illustrations will keep the little ones engaged. It's a fun read that combines giggles with learning, making it a fantastic book for your little ones to explore the big impact of tiny actions.
Miss Spider's Tea Party is a wonderful book for little bug enthusiasts, offering a heartwarming tale of kindness and acceptance. With its crayon-bright illustrations, children are drawn into a world where Miss Spider, despite her fearsome appearance, shows that she's a gentle and friendly creature.
The story helps teach important lessons about not judging others based on looks and the value of compassion, all while engaging young readers with its charming cast of insect characters. It's a sweet and memorable read that not only celebrates the world of bugs but also imparts a meaningful message that resonates with kids and adults alike.
In the Tall, Tall Grass lets kids imagine what it would be like to be a tiny caterpillar crawling through the grass. This is a beautiful book with simple text and beautiful pictures that young readers will enjoy over and over.
The Little Squeegy Bug tells the story of a bug's quest for identity and belonging, making it a great pick for young bug lovers. With its enchanting narrative and captivating illustrations, it sparks children's imaginations and invites them into a whimsical insect world. The book also imparts a message of self-discovery and the joy of finding one's unique place in the world, which is both uplifting and inspiring for young readers.
Ten Little Ladybugs is a classic picture book and the perfect way to teach counting to little readers. Kids can touch the pretty ladybugs on each page as they count down from 10 to 1.
My children loved counting along with this book as I read it to them!
This engaging picture book combines humor, suspense, and a celebration of insects in a story about a little damselfly named Dilly who saves the day during a "bugliest bug" contest. The book's rhyming text and lively illustrations by Scott Nash captivate young readers, making it a joy to read aloud.
It's a great pick for kids who love bugs, as it showcases a variety of insects with a fun, adventurous plot that also subtly teaches about bravery and being true to oneself. It's also loaded with bug vocabulary that kids will love to learn!
Many of these items are available with Amazon Prime’s fast free shipping (often arriving in just one or two days!). If you’re not already a Prime member, you can get a 30-day FREE trial of Amazon Prime here!
Non-Fiction Books About Bugs for Kids
This non-fiction book list has insect books that both older kids and younger children will enjoy. Full of interesting facts, vibrant illustrations, and lots of creepy crawlies, your little bug enthusiasts will want to read these time and again.
- The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson
- Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet (Mrs. Peanuckle's Alphabet)
- National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs
- Sounds of the Wild: Bugs by Maurice Pledger
- The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
- Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever
This book is a fantastic non-fiction choice for little bug lovers because it combines a storybook approach with factual information about insects. It's designed specifically for young children, ages 3 to 5, offering a photographic adventure that makes learning about bugs engaging and accessible.
With its mix of storytelling, insect facts, and activities, it's a great resource for curious kids to discover more about the tiny creatures in their own backyard.
This is such a cool book for kiddos who are into bugs and are getting the hang of their ABCs. It's a part of Mrs. Peanuckle's Alphabet series and it introduces all these interesting bugs for each letter of the alphabet. It's got these fun illustrations that are super engaging for the little ones, and the way it's written is just perfect for reading out loud together.
It's like a little adventure through the alphabet with a bunch of creepy crawlies, and it's a blast for both the kids and the grown-ups during storytime. Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet is definitely a hit for the bug-loving tots in your life!
The National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs is an excellent reference for children because it's packed with stunning, up-close photographs and loads of interesting facts that make learning about insects super fun and interactive. It's tailored for young readers, with simple, understandable language that keeps them engaged, and it covers a wide range of bug species, from the familiar backyard critters to the more exotic ones found in rainforests.
Plus, National Geographic is known for its quality educational content, so you know the kids are getting reliable and fascinating information that'll spark their curiosity and maybe even inspire a lifelong love for the little creatures that roam our planet. It's a great book for little explorers to dive into the world of bugs and discover something new on every page.
This book is an immersive experience for kids, blending Maurice Pledger's award-winning art with pop-up panoramas and actual sounds from the insect world, making it a multisensory adventure. It's not just visually stunning; the book also educates children about different bugs, their environments, and the noises they make, which adds an interactive layer to their learning.
This unique combination of auditory and visual elements ensures that Sounds of the Wild: Bugs captures the imagination of young readers and brings the fascinating world of insects to life right before their eyes. It's a great pick for any child interested in nature and the tiny creatures that inhabit it.
The Big Book of Bugs illustrates all kinds of bugs to offer children a first look at things that creep, crawl and fly. Kids can learn more about their favorite bug, see the life cycle of a butterfly, and understand more about how bugs fit in with our world.
I just love the pictures in this book, and the text is simple but engaging. Perfect for younger children, but older kids and parents will be entertained as well.
This book is perfect for kids who are really interested in bugs and are looking to really dive into the tiny world of insects. The real life photos in this National Geographic Kids book really makes this a great bug book for kids of all ages.
Which of these kids books about bugs is your favorite?
Does your child love bugs? Books about bugs are also a great way to help kids who are a bit fearful about bugs. If you have a favorite book we failed to mention and you think it would make a great addition to our list, please leave a comment to tell us about it!
More book lists you may like:
Cat Books for Kids
Kids Books About Dogs
MEET THE AUTHOR
Amanda
As a mom of 4 kids (and the oldest of 4 kids herself), Amanda has over 30 years of parenting experience. A former special education teacher, Amanda has a Master’s degree in Special Education and a second M. Ed. in Educational Leadership.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, and long walks through Target.
You can find Amanda on all social media at @parentingnestblog and @amandaseghetti
