Kids and bugs.
Some love them, some hate them, and some like to collect them as pets.
If your child is fascinated by bugs, there are plenty of books out there to feed their curiosity and spark their imagination. From picture books to field guides, this list of bug books for kids has something for every age and interest level. Get ready to explore the world of creepy crawlies with your little ones!
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BUGS: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup

My grandchildren love this peek-through bug book as you can see in the photo. This wasn’t posed at all, my granddaughter just did not have the patience for me to take the photos. She wanted to turn all of the pages and poke her little fingers through the holes.

BUGS: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup is a beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a journey through different habitats to discover the bugs that live there. Each page features a peek-through hole that gives a glimpse of the next page, adding an element of surprise and excitement. This book is great for younger kids who love to explore nature.
Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy Icky Bug by Allison Wortche
Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy Icky Bug by Allison Wortche is a fun and engaging book that follows Ruby as she finds a mysterious bug in her window. Ruby likes so many things (ocean animals, space, and science) but icky bugs? No way!

No one else in Ruby’s house seems to be bothered in the least but the strange invader in her window. When Ruby gets stuck in her room with the bug, she has no choice. She can’t hide so she may as well study it…Your children will enjoy watching Ruby make peace with the icky bug and learn a few things along the way.

My favorite thing about this book, however, is how Ruby learns to change her fear into curiosity. This is something Chuck and I have used with some success over the years. Ruby’s discovery of a firefly, inspired me to make these fun firefly printables. You can download your own copies here.

Spoiler Alert: The bug in Ruby’s room is a lightning bug. I made some fun printable pages you can download here for FREE to keep the learning going after reading this book.
I have also updated my nature journal to include these fire pages and more new pages. If you have any interest in starting a nature journal with your kids, be sure and read 8 Reasons to Start a Nature Journal with Your Kids.
“National Geographic Kids: Ultimate Bugopedia” by Darlyne Murawski
“National Geographic Kids: Ultimate Bugopedia” by Darlyne Murawski is a comprehensive guide to bugs that is perfect for kids who love to learn about the natural world. The book includes over 400 pages of information about bugs, including their habitats, behaviors, and unique characteristics. It also includes stunning photographs and illustrations that bring the bugs to life. This book is a must-read for any young bug enthusiast.
“The Bug Book” by Sue Fliess
“This fun rhyming story lists all the bugs you can imagine—creep bugs, climb bugs, sticky-slime bugs! Discover the vast world of insects in this photo-filled book.“
“The Beetle Book” by Steve Jenkins

Did you know that one out of every four living things on earth is a BEETLE? Crazy, right?
“The Beetle Book” by Steve Jenkins is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the fascinating world of beetles. With detailed illustrations and informative text, this book covers a wide variety of beetle species, from the familiar ladybug to the exotic Goliath beetle. Kids will learn about the different types of beetles, their habitats, and their unique characteristics. This book is a must-read for any child who loves bugs and wants to learn more about these fascinating creatures.”
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs
This book is perfect for young bug enthusiasts! With colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand language, the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Bugs introduces children to the world of insects. Kids will learn about different types of bugs, their habitats, and behaviors. This book is a great way to inspire curiosity and a love for nature in young children.
If your child is fascinated by bugs, then this book list is for you! From picture books to non-fiction guides, these books will inspire curiosity and a love for all things creepy crawly. Whether your child is interested in butterflies, spiders, or beetles, there is a book on this list that will capture their imagination and teach them something new about the fascinating world of bugs.
Get ready to explore the world of creepy crawlies with your little ones!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a classic children’s book that tells the story of a caterpillar’s journey as it eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. This book is not only a fun and engaging read for children, but it also teaches them about the life cycle of a butterfly and the importance of healthy eating habits. The colorful illustrations and simple language make it a perfect choice for young readers,
The Ultimate List of Bug Books for Your Kids

The Big Book of Bugs Yuval Zommer
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities
Steve the Dung Beetle: On a Roll by Susan R. Stoltz
Bug Identification Log Book for Kids
Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watts
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
GLOW: Animals with their Own Night-Lights
The Science of Light: Things that Shine, Flash, and Glow
ABC Bug Book for Kids by Jessica Lee Anderson