Picture Books About Bugs
Looking for a list of picture books about bugs? Great! Today I’ve got a list of fascinating bug books for your kids to enjoy!
Kids love bugs (at least mine do). There’s a natural curiosity to know what they do, how they live, and to answer the question, “Will they hurt me?”
On a sunny day, my kids can be found out in the backyard, adopting a roly-poly’s, making ant tunnels with sticks, or watching garden spiders catch their afternoon snack. Science right at their fingertips.
To answer some of their questions and discover more, I’ve compiled a list of picture books about bugs. I hope you enjoy! (If I didn’t include your favorite bug book titles, leave them in the comment section below!)
Here are some of our family’s favorite picture books about bugs:
Picture Books about Bugs
(This list contains Amazon Affiliate links. I may earn a commission from your purchase.)
Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
The inchworm loves to measure all sorts of things, but when the nightingale threatens to eat him if he doesn’t measure his song, the small green inchworm has to get creative…
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
Featuring love of nature and love of family, this book is about a girl who learns from her grandpa that hard work tastes sweet in the end.
Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons
There are so much more to ladybugs than meets the eye! Learn all about the different types as well as, other interesting facts with this in-depth look at ladybugs. (Probably a little too detailed for preschoolers to sit and read through.)
Diary of a Spider By Doreen Cronin
This is such a creative way to teach kids about spiders! From a day in the life perspective of a spider, kids learn a ton of interesting information about these interesting creatures.
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre by Matthew Clark Smith
Learn the history and life story behind the famous naturalist Jean-Henri Fabre. Our kids were very inspired to explore the world of bugs after reading this book!
The Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hurts Aston
If a book about bugs could be classy, this one is it. The illustrations are really beautiful and the text is delightfully poetic. While my kids enjoyed the one, it wasn’t their their favorite.
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg
Two ants travel to the sugar bowl in the kitchen and decide to live in the house, but they soon realize that might not be a very good idea…
The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
With charming illustrations and bite-sized text, this big book of bugs makes a great resource for learning about all types of creepy crawlies.
A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock
The boy was looking at the sky and then a fly went by…who was chased by a frog, who was chased by a cat, who was chased by a dog…and so on until you discover who was behind it all. This is an easy-read rhyming book, that my youngest daughter really enjoyed. (She would say, this is one of the best bug books for 5 year olds.)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This is a children’s classic! The caterpillar eats tons of delicious colorful food, until his stomach is stuffed. Then he builds his cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly.
Some Bugs by Angela Di’Terlizzi
This is cool bug book for young kids! “Some bugs sting, some bug bite, some bugs stink, and some bugs fight.” With very simple text and charming pictures, kids are given tons of awesome vocabulary about bugs
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
This is a wonderful book about bugs for younger kids (toddler and preschool age). All the animals on the farm want to play with the spider, but she is very busy spinning her web. In the end, she catches a fly.
I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown
This is a super-simple, bug-friendly quick read that all my kids loved as early readers. Definitely a must for your preschoolers.
Be Nice to Spiders by Margaret Bloy Graham
This is an oldie but a goodie! Helen (the spider) keeps the pesky flies out the zoo animals cages. When her webs are swept away for an upcoming inspection everyone discovers how important her job really is!
Best Picture Books About Bugs for Preschool
Looking for some books about bugs for preschool that will hold their attention and keep them engaged? Here are a handful (from the above list) of shorter, bug books geared toward preschoolers. (I’ve linked these titles to thriftbooks.com which is one of my favorite thrifty places to buy books online.)
Picture Books about Bugs for Preschool:
- I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
- Some Bugs by Angela Di’Terlizzi
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock
- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
Picture Books about Bugs for Kindergarten
Whether you are doing an insect unit study or are just looking for some interesting stories about insects, check out these picture books about bugs for kindergartners. (These bug book choices would also be appropriate for early elementary students as well.)
Picture Books about Bugs for Kindergarten:
- A Fly Went By by Mike McClintock
- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
- The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
- Two Bad Ants by Christ Van Allsburg
- The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
- The Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hurts Aston
- Diary of a Spider By Doreen Cronin
Interesting Insect Unit
In addition to reading picture books about bugs, why not do an insect unit study? This Interesting insect unit BUNDLE features 12 insects, while building science, math, literacy, and handwriting skills. With beautiful, real-to-life graphics, this bug unit is designed for preschoolers through 2nd grade and would be perfect for homeschool or classroom use!
What are your favorite picture books about bugs?
This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Bugs are very fascinating for small kids Jessica! I have seen it with my kids growing up. Although my daughter is scared of bees after being stung as a little Girl! These books are very cute, thanks for sharing. I hope your Spring is going good, we are actually getting some rain now! Happy Wednesday, Terri xo.
Thanks Terri! Yes we are getting Spring fever here! Have a great weekend!