The bugs are back! My daughter has started paying more attention to the bugs around us this year, so we are spending more time reading about them. This list of children’s books about bugs explores a variety of insects, encouraging kids to take a second look at the miraculous creatures around them.

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Mae the Mayfly

Written by Denise Brennan-Nelson and illustrated by Florence Weiser

This beautifully illustrated story follows Mae, a little mayfly who is born on the bank of a river and learns that she has one whole day to experience the world. The rhyming text follows her on her journey, facing scary situations, and learning to focus on all the beautiful sights to see in the world. The back of the book includes tips on practicing mindfulness, as well as interesting facts about mayflies.

Kaia and the Bees

Written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Angela Dominguez

This story introduces readers to a young girl named Kaia who is very brave. But she is afraid of bees. This is a big problem for Kaia, since her parents are beekeepers. Her parents explain the importance of honeybees to her, and she shares that knowledge with the people around her. Eventually she heads up to see the bees with her dad, and then helps her parents to harvest the honey. Along the way, she learns the importance of bees, and becomes more open to helping them. The illustrations are bright and colorful and show the process of caring for bees and harvesting the honey.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Bees

Soar High, Dragonfly!

Written by Sheri Mabry Bestor and illustrated by Jonny Lambert

This book introduces kids to the life of dragonflies. There are two different texts throughout the book. The larger text is simple and lyrical, using lots of sounds and descriptions to bring kids into the world of dragonflies. At the bottom of some pages, there is smaller text that is packed with interesting facts about dragonflies, their eggs, their babies, and their lives. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, using lots of textures and colors. They also feature large flowers and plants to show the relative size of dragonflies to the world around them.

Fly, Firefly!

Written by Shana Keller and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

This story follows the adventures of one firefly, who finds himself blown out to sea by a gust of wind. Anxious to find his way home, he dives into the sea, mistaking the bioluminescence on the water for other fireflies. Luckily, two humans are standing on shore and help him find his way back to his family. The illustrations are beautiful with dark backgrounds that bring the brilliance of the fireflies and the bioluminescence to the forefront.

Related Post: More Children’s Books about Bugs

Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery

Written by Meeg Pincus and illustrated by Yas Imamura

This book takes a look at the mysterious migration of Monarch butterflies every year. For a long time, people didn’t understand why they migrated every year, and where they went to. But in 1976, the world finally had an answer. But it wasn’t just one scientist who discovered the answer. The text explores all of the people involved in the discovery, and the mystery behind the butterfly migration. The back of the book includes more information on Monarch butterflies, as well as tips on how the reader can help monarch butterflies on their own.

Firefly Home

Written by Jane Clarke and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

This interactive book follows a lost firefly named Florence as she tries to find her way home. The text encourages the reader to turn the page and say certain things to move the story forward. The illustrations are dark, allowing Florence’s light, and the other lights in her world, to shine the brightest. The sweet ending of the book is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep.

Insect Superpowers

Written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Jillian Nickell

This informative book introduces the reader to 18 real insects. The layout of the book resembles a comic book, with vibrant illustrations that highlight the actions of the bugs with large fonts and bright colors. The text includes information about each insect, including favorite foods, allies, features, and the “superpower” that they use to survive. Fans of comic books and graphic novels will love this innovative approach to nonfiction.

What are your favorite children’s books about bugs? Share in the comments below!

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