From ants to ladybugs, add these insect picture books to an insect unit study or bug theme for elementary students.
Picture Books About Insects
Spring is quickly approaching (yay!) which means it’s the perfect time to learn more about insects. Add these bug picture books to a full insect unit study or outdoor nature study. There’s a mix of fun fiction or non-fiction on this list!
Fiction Books About Insects
The Very Lazy Ladybug by Isobel Finn
Ladybug is extremely lazy and doesn’t want to do the work of flying anywhere. She decides she would rather ride on the backs of other animals and let them do all the work! It’s a perfectly good plan that works very well…until she decides to hitch a ride on the trunk of an elephant!
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
This Ladybug is growing bigger by the hour, and each time she does, she looks for a larger animal to fight. It’s all going very well for her until a whale accidentally slaps her across the face!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
In this fun classic, a ravenous caterpillar munches his way through food, the page, and a whole week before turning into a beautiful butterfly!
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
A lonely firefly loses his friend and sets off in search of him. The only problem is, he keeps mistaking other lights in the sky for his long lost buddy.
The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle
Every cricket knows that to make a chirping sound, you have to rub your wings together. But no matter how hard he tries, Cricket can’t seem to make a sound. He wants to be able to converse with the other insects but just can’t seem to make his wings work. Stay tuned for a surprise at the end of the story!
Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin
Fly knows she’s tiny, but she also knows she has all that it takes to be a superhero! She determines not to let her small stature get in the way of her huge dreams.
Binkle’s Time to Fly by Sharmila Collins
Binkle is so excited about his upcoming change from caterpillar to butterfly. He can’t wait to fly among the trees and feel the wind beneath his wings. But when the day finally comes, he discovers his wings are wet and kind of wimpy. Will he ever be able to fly high in the sky?
An Ant’s Day Off by Bonny Becker
A busy ant who has never seen the light of day decides to leave the tunnels for a brief respite. He enjoys a much-needed relaxing day in the sunshine.
My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis by Paul Meisel
Praying mantises were one of the few insects I wasn’t scared of as a child. 😉 I loved their unique look and they always seemed friendly. Written in a diary format, this is the fun journey of a praying mantis.
Ace Lacewing: Bug Detective by David Bierdrzycki
When Queen Bee goes missing, Ace Lacewing is on the case! Who could possibly be responsible for her disappearance? Your little reader will be kept guessing all the way through!
A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Aston
Where do butterflies come from? What different types of butterflies are there? Learn about the life cycles and types of butterflies in this beautifully illustrated book.
Percival the Plain Little Caterpillar by Helen Brawley
Percival is just a plain and homely little caterpillar who doesn’t think he is anything special and doesn’t believe he has anything of value to offer to the world. But soon, a big change comes upon Percival that will change his outlook forever.
The Honeybee has beautiful illustrations and is written in an easy to read free verse, making it great for elementary students of all ages.
Non-Fiction Insects
Little Kids Big Book of Bugs by National Geographic
All of NG’s nonfiction books include a rich variety of real-life images. This one includes simple text and features over 300 different photos.
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson
This informational book is stuffed with full-color photographs, fun facts, and tons of activities having to do with all things insect. Your budding bug lover will really enjoy this collection.
This book, aimed at 5 to 7 year olds, breaks down in simple language what it means to be a bug. Jointed legs, extra eyes, and pointed antennas are found in the pages of this book. Kids will also learn about the bugs commonly found in their backyard as well as some of the most interesting ones to crawl this planet.
What if There Were No Bees? by Suzanne Slade
Bees can be a nuance sometimes, but what if there were no bees? This book explores the importance of bees in our world.
National Geographic Kids Readers: Ants
I love NG’s readers since they’re simple and introduce new vocabulary with many vivid images.
Ultimate Bugopedia by National Geographic
This detailed, visual encyclopedia is a must-have for any kid heavily interested in insects.
Worms
Worms aren’t insects, but I wanted to include these creepy-crawly things. 🙂
The lovable inchworm in this story has an amazing gift; he can measure anything! But when a nightingale wants him to measure her song, the inchworm finds himself in a quandary. Will he be eaten or will he find a way to measure the seemingly impossible?
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
This is the diary of a worm who is much like you in many ways. He plays with friends, he has a mom and dad, and he goes to school to learn. But in other ways, his life is drastically different. He is supposed to stay dirty and never has to take a bath. He is encouraged to eat his homework. And, try as he might, this worm just can’t do the hokey pokey!
Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman
Earthworm Carl spends his days happily forging new tunnels in the dirt until a field mouse’s question stops him in his tracks: Why?. Carl, desperate to know, finds himself above ground asking each animal to share their purpose with him. In the end, however, Carl discovers that being yourself is the best way to accomplish the purpose for which you were created.
We Dig Worms! by Kevin McCloskey
What in the world do worms do all day? Can they really still live if they are cut in half? what makes them feel so squishy? Kids will love learning all about the cool (and gross) things that worms do!
Snail and Worm Again: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler
Best Friends Snail and Worm are back with three hilarious short stories about friendship and fun. These quick adventures are perfect for the child making the transition from picture to chapter books.
Jonathon and Martha by Petr Horacek
Jonathon and Martha are lonely worms that live on opposite sides of a tree, completely oblivious to the existence of the other. That is, until one day when a pear falls from the sky between them and they each nibble their way to the center. Suddenly the two finds themselves caught up in a tangle like no other!
When Ned’s apple home begins to rot away, he knows it’s time to find a new residence. He searches high and low for the perfect place to rest his head. Will it be a watermelon? A pile of blueberries? A pear?
I Can Only Draw Worms! by Will Mabbitt
This silly story is all about worms, and good thing, since the author/illustrator can only seem to draw worms! Combines information about these wriggly creatures with counting and hilarity.
