Did you know some bugs will actually munch tiny holes through your books? Instead of hearing, “My dog ate my homework,” it’s “A bug ate my book!” And this captivating discovery is why I love reading to children. Even as adults, there is always something new to learn, especially while reading these unique bug books aloud to kids!
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Insect Lesson Plans
Are You an Ant?
by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries
First on our list of bug books: Are You an Ant? by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries. For our bee theme, we read Are You a Bee? and loved flying into the world of bees, so this insect book was an easy pick for our collection.
The authors transport children into the tunnels of the anthill, showing how they grow from an egg to a worker ant and all of the jobs a worker ant completes.
Talk about learning something new! This ant book is filled with a trail of fun-fact crumbs.
Their entire series of bug books includes ladybugs, grasshoppers, butterflies, etc., so look at these when learning about insects!
Questions:
- Would you like to dig underground tunnels?
- What do ants eat?
- What are some of the dangers ants have to look out for?
- How are ants and humans different?
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
Bug Books for Toddlers
In my years of teaching, I have never read Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert, and all I can say is, “Wow!”
The vibrant collages and different-sized pages make this book a unique and exciting way to learn how different butterflies grow and transform in their life cycle.
If you haven’t read this insect book to your students, I highly recommend it!
Questions:
- What are the stages in the life cycle of a butterfly?
- Can you spot a camouflaged chrysalis?
- Who has been waiting for wings? (Not only the butterflies, but the flowers to help pollinate.)
Firenze's Light
by Jessica Collaço
Firenze’s Light by Jessica Collaço is the adorable story of a firefly who tries to hide her light from the world, ashamed because it always shines at the most inconvenient times. At the movies, slumber parties, and even hide and seek.
But when she hides in the forest, she meets a beetle who believes her light is a gift, just as he discovered the gift of his pincers.
It takes a unique combination of the beetle’s art and his positive encouragement to let her beautiful light shine finally.
Questions:
- What did her friends need Firenze’s light for?
- What happens when Firenze’s light is shown through the leaf skirt?
- Repeat after me: “I am brilliant. I am wonderful. I am unique.”
Diary of a Fly
by Doreen Cronin
Another one of my favorite bug books from this week was Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin. Although this fly is little, she dreams big and wants to become a superhero. And why not? She has impressive superpowers – walking on walls, seeing in all directions, and of course, the ability to fly.
But first, she has to go to school and learn that flies are amazing, even if they aren’t typical superheroes.
Questions:
- Regurgitated means to spit up swallowed food. Can you think of another animal that eats regurgitated food?
- What are our five senses?
- Why does Fly have to take a time-out in the garage?
- Why didn’t the flies move when the babysitter brought a frog?
- What would be your superpower if you were a superhero?
Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug alphabet
Bug Books for Toddlers
Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet, written by the talented author herself, offered a delightful conclusion to our exploration of the insect kingdom.
She introduces kids to the enchanting (rather than the chill-inducing) world of insects, ingeniously tying each letter of the alphabet to a unique bug.
The bug book reinforced beginning sounds and thoughtfully incorporated fun facts about each captivating insect.
Questions:
- Can you name the bug pictured on each page before I read it aloud?
- What is something interesting you learned about one of these bugs?
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MORE Insect Activities for Preschoolers
These bug books are more than just entertainment; they are the perfect way to learn something new. Ignite the curiosity of your preschoolers (as well as yours) as you read these insect books aloud in your classroom!
