Perfectly Buggy Insect Books for the Classroom
by Lindsay Barrett
Despite their tiny size, insects can help introduce so many big science concepts. Learning about what makes an insect an insect is a natural introduction to classification, and their countless cool features demonstrate how adaptations help living things survive. Plus, there’s the proverbial, ever-fascinating study of life cycles.
Unlike larger, less convenient members of the animal kingdom, insects can often be observed in person, which brings science to life for kids and encourages their curiosity about the natural world. These titles are reliable options to spark children’s interest in insects, build background knowledge, and share big ideas — before the subjects crawl away.
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Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet
Available from:Use this book to introduce children to the diversity of insects.
Mrs. Peanuckle's alphabet books introduce aspects of nature with earnest cheer. Each letter champions a different type of insect and offers an engaging tidbit: H is for houseflies, which carry lots of germs, L is for ladybugs, who eat bugs off roses, and R is for the rhinoceros beetle, the strongest insect of all.
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Bug Sandwich
Available from:Use this book to encourage bug-adverse kids to appreciate their marvelous skills and provide some understanding of the natural world.
The boy in this story is so sick of bugs biting him! He tries everything to avoid them, but nothing works, and he decides it's time to bite back. And what better way than in a sandwich! Despite being impressed by the ants' strength, the spider's weaving abilities, and the bees' hive-building skills as he collects creepy crawlies for his bug sandwich, it's not until he hears the bugs' perspective that he has a change of heart.
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The Bugliest Bug
Available from:Use this book to highlight differences between insects and spiders, or to show how science facts can be woven into a story.
When a sign goes up for an insect showcase contest, Damselfly Dilly doesn't expect to win; there are so many impressive bugs in the running! But when she notices the judges have some suspiciously un-buggy features, her quick thinking saves the day.
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My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis
Available from:Use this book to introduce praying mantises and make connections to the behaviors and life cycles of other insects.
A creative first-person format makes this bug diary both entertaining and informative. A praying mantis documents its life from May to October with deadpan candor. ("Ran into one of my brothers. He tried to eat me. So I ate him.")
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Insect Detective
Available from:Use this book to get children excited about observing insects in nature.
Whether it's following a trail of ants or noticing evidence of an insect's activities by looking at holes in leaves, this title offers plenty of concrete invitations for children to be - as the title suggests - "insect detectives." Though it's full of fascinating information, the lush and literary vocabulary makes this book read like a spellbinding story.
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Bug Catchers
Available from:Use this book to show kids how to be kind and responsible little bug catchers.
Dirt and Bugsy are best friends who love collecting insects together. One rainy day stuck indoors, they gather up sticks, leaves, and jars to build a "bug barn" for their little critter friends before setting them free at the end of the day. Short, simple sentences full of playful language make this an excellent book choice for newly independent readers.
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Insects and Spiders
Available from:Use this book as an insect primer or to jumpstart research about kids' specific questions.
Each section of this field-guide-sized book offers just enough information about a specific aspect of entomology, from explanations of how insects' legs, wings, or antennae work to descriptions of certain types of insects, such as parasites or social insects. Simple but appealing activities encourage hands-on learning.
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The Buzz on Insects
Use this book to highlight just how many insects we share our world with.
Using material from the Smithsonian's Insect Zoo, this Level 3 reader will have kids begging for a field trip! There are more insects out there than we could possibly imagine, and this book sheds light on some of the fascinating crawling and flying things around us.
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On Beyond Bugs: All About Insects
Available from:Use this book as a familiar (and fun!) way to introduce kids to bugs.
Follow the Cat in the Hat and friends on an adventure as they learn how insects do the things they do - like see, smell, communicate, and more! Part of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, this book is both educational and engaging.
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