Last Updated: March 12, 2024
Kids seem to go through a bug phase. I guess some of them never leave that phase, and they become bug enthusiasts for life. I am not one of those people. But I’m growing to like bugs more and be interested in the fascinating things they do. Mostly, I don’t want to project the creepy crawlies onto my kiddo. So here are some bug books for preschoolers, toddlers, and young kids that embrace bugs, are fun, and teach us all something new!
Ants, bees, butterflies, beetles, spiders… “How fascinating!” It’s a great phrase to use for bugs. Or for life in general, when you don’t know what to say. :P
Best Bug Books for Preschoolers, Toddlers, and Kids
Here are some of our favorite bug books for fun, learning, illustration, and story.
1. The Bug Girl by Sophia Spencer, Illustrated by Kerascoët
I love that this book is a story and not just factual information and pictures of bugs. And I also love that it’s about a girl (and a true story). A book about being yourself even when it’s different than some others. The Bug Girl by Sophia Spencer, Illustrated by Kerascoët. Amazon $15.99, Powell’s Books $14.50
2. Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, Bugs by Brendan Wenzel
This book is great for developing language around bugs and learning that bugs are alright — not associating bugs with “bad”. I especially like that it’s about bugs being outside. As I mentioned in my summer books post, while the illustrations aren’t all exactly true to real life, they’re fun and close enough to use your imagination. What a great way to teach kids a more open-minded view of bugs! There’s also a board book version. Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, Bugs by Brendan Wenzel Amazon $13.49, Powell’s Books $17.99
3. The Big Book of Bugs – by Yuvall Zommer
If Some Bugs is for toddlers, this one is like the next step up for preschoolers. I love how each two page spread is dedicated to a different type of bug with real and useful information about what they do, where they live, why they do certain things. What a great book for the “why?” years! Part of the Big Book of… series and there is also a sticker book option. The Big Book of Bugs by Yuvall Zommer. Amazon $15.30, Powell’s Books $6.98 (Used)
4. Bugs A to Z – by Caroline Lawton
This is the perfect Scholastic paperback book type! Helpful real illustrations of bugs. Just what we were looking for when we had a toddler who was curious about the insects and bugs around us. Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton. Amazon $15.99, Powell’s Books $3.50 (Used)
5. The Book of Brilliant Bugs – by Jess French, Illustrated by Claire McElfatrick
This newer bug book (released in 2020) is so beautifully illustrated and written. I like how much there is to look at in this book and that it is a book that will last more than just the toddler years, but into grade school when they can read it on their own. And it has an index! The Book of Brilliant Bugs by Jess French, Illustrated by Claire McElfatrick. Amazon $12.59, Powell’s Books $8.98 (Used)
6. My Giant Fold-Out Bright Bugs Book – by Amy Junor
This one is great for younger kids, babies and toddlers who are just realizing that bugs exist. We found this book at Powell’s when our little one was around 18 months. He was calling any moving insect a bee. Lady bug? Bee! Fly? Bee! Butterfly? Bee! So it was fun to have these bright big pictures of bugs. My Giant Fold-Out Bright Bugs Book by Amy Junor. Amazon $12.78, Powell’s Books
7. 1001 Bugs to Spot Sticker book – by Usborne
We love Usborne sticker books, so this one is on our list. Great for travel busy activities as well, like for airplane travel or road trips (check out my toddler/baby travel packing list here)! While younger toddlers often need help with these sticker books, they’re still a great way to pass time and learn about things. We also love their transportation themed sticker books. 1001 Bugs to Spot Sticker book by Usborne. Amazon $12.78, Powell’s Books
8. Exploring Nature Activity Book – by Kim Andrews
While this book seems geared for a little older kids in the early grades, it could also be really fun for preschoolers to do with a grownup. Lots of projects, experiments, and play ideas involving nature. And what a fun spring time book! Chapter 4 is dedicated to bugs. Exploring Nature Activity Book by Kim Andrews. Amazon $7.90, Powell’s Books $14.99
9. Bugs: A Stunning Pop-up Look at Insects, Spiders, and Other Creepy Crawlies – by George McGavin, Illustrated by Jim Kay
Pop-up books are definitely not for tiny ones and grabby hands. But they make great gifts and can be a fun project to do with a grownup. This one is pretty amazing looking. Bugs: A Stunning Pop-up Look at Insects, Spiders, and Other Creepy Crawlies by George McGavin, Illustrated by Jim Kay. Amazon $22.49, Powell’s Books
10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar – by Eric Carle
And I think no bug book list would be complete without the classic Hungry Caterpillar! And since most parents have this one memorized, it’s both a great intro bug book for babies, but also an interesting one to revisit when they’re preschoolers and starting to understand the concept of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The book clicks in a different way. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Amazon $5.06, Powell’s Books $5.50
Happy reading and learning about bugs! Also check out our favorite children’s books about love and summer books.
What are your favorite books about bugs for preschoolers?
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