Summertime means the bugs are back! From flies and mosquitoes to butterflies and bees, there is a whole other world of creatures that kids can learn about and explore. I decided to create a list of some of the best bug books for kids to get you started!

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Books about Fireflies

How to Survive as a Firefly was written by Kristen Foote and illustrated by Erica Salcedo. This fun book is stuffed full of interesting facts and tidbits about the life of a firefly. Follow a new group of larvae as they are taught about life as a firefly by a drill sergeant elder firefly. The cartoon style illustrations and entertaining story line teach kids important facts while keeping them laughing. The text is full of complex science, but the book includes a glossary, as well as a section of frequently asked questions. The science will go over the heads of very young readers, but they can still enjoy the funny characters and vivid illustrations, making this a fun read for the whole family.

It’s a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree and illustrated by Betsy Snyder. Join a young girl and her father as they go out on a warm summer night to catch fireflies. The vibrant illustrations complement the simple rhyming text and the sweet ending to the story. The book also includes interesting facts about fireflies.

Books about Crickets

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs was written by Carol Murray and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. The fun poems in this book each focus on a particular type of bug. They are accompanied by cartoon style watercolor illustrations and interesting facts about the insects. The book also includes notes about the various bugs in an index in the back.

The Very Quiet Cricket was written and illustrated by Eric Carle. A little cricket is born without the ability to chirp. When he is greeted by other insects saying hello, he tries over and over to make a sound back, but isn’t successful. He continues to try, until at last he meets another quiet cricket and finds the ability to “speak up”. The illustrations accompanying this sweet story are done in Eric Carle’s classic colorful style.

Books about Worms & Caterpillars

Inch by Inch was written and illustrated by Leo Lionni. When a clever inch worm is confronted by a nightingale ready to eat it up, he convinces the bird to let him live because of his ability to measure anything. This story is a great introduction to measurements for kids, and the gentle illustrations are beautiful.

Bob and Otto was written by Robert O. Bruel and illustrated by Nick Bruel. Bob the caterpillar and Otto the worm are best friends who do everything together. But one day, Bob decides to climb up the tree above them while Otto digs down deep into the ground. When Bob emerges as a butterfly, will their friendship last? This sweet story introduces kids to the idea that friends don’t always have to enjoy doing the same things, and that being different from each other is okay. It also shows how we can all make important contributions to the world, no matter how small.

Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard was written by Nancy Loewen and illustrated by Rick Peterson. This colorful book is full of information and fun facts about earthworms. The illustrations are large and colorful, making the nonfiction text even more interesting and entertaining for young readers.

Wonderful Worms was written by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski. Teach little ones all about worms with this informative book. The bold illustrations complement the simple text which explains the important role of worms in our environment, as well as other important facts about them.

Books about Spiders

Diary of a Spider was written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss. This fun book is part of a series of stories told through diary entries written by bugs. In this book, a spider shares some of the interesting things that she experiences each day. The story is told in diary format, which may inspire kids to start a daily journal of their own. Kids will love getting to know the cute bug characters, and parents will appreciate the humorous jokes sprinkled throughout.

Walter’s Wonderful Web: A First Book About Shapes was written and illustrated by Tim Hopgood. This adorable book follows a persistent little spider named Walter, as he attempts to create a strong web. Walter tries creating webs in a variety of shapes, but the wind always blows them away. Eventually he uses all the lessons he has learned to create a truly wonderful web. This book introduces kids to a variety of shapes, while also teaching them the importance of not giving up. The back of the book shows the shapes mentioned in the story and provides questions for kids to answer about each one.

Books about Bees

Bee & Me was written by Elle J. McGuinness and illustrated by Heather Brown. This rhyming story introduces kids to the important role that bees play in the world. When a bee finds it’s way into a house, it has to ask a young child for help, explaining why he needs to hurry back to his hive. The adorable bee character comes to life in the vibrant illustrations.

The Big Honey Hunt was written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain. In the original tale of the Berenstain Bears, a father and son bear go on a mission to follow a honeybee and get some honey. The repeating rhyming text is full of funny moments for parents and kids to enjoy, and the simple illustrations will keep young kids entertained. Check out the fun activities we paired with this classic book here!

Bee & Me was written and illustrated by Alison Jay. This gentle wordless picture book shares the story of a friendship between a young girl and a bee. As the girl helps the bee grow bigger and stronger, the reader is introduced to the importance of bees in our world. The beautiful illustrations are full of details making it easy to share the story over and over again with your own words.

Books about All Kinds of Bugs

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! was written and illustrated by Bob Barner. This brightly colored book gives a simple introduction to a variety of bugs. The rhyming text makes bugs seem less frightening and there is a chart in the bag showing the actual size of the various bugs.

There’s a Bug on My Book! was written and illustrated by John Himmelman. This fun interactive book is a great way to introduce kids to all kids of bugs and creatures that they may find outside. Each page has a new creature on it, and the text encourages the reader to tilt, turn or blow on the book to move them off the page. The illustrations are lots of fun, and the book includes a section in the back that is full of information on the bugs pictured, as well as bug activities you can do.

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