Kids’ Books About Bugs
With more people at home this summer and turning to local outdoor spaces, now is a great time to get into bugs! Whether you live in a city or the country, bugs are easy to find and are ceaselessly fascinating! Here is a selection of kids’ books about bugs, including nonfiction, graphic novels, true stories, fables, and even a superhero story!
NATURE ALL AROUND: BUGS by Pamela Hickman, art by Carolyn Gavin (Ages 4-8)
This is the perfect introductory book for kids with an interest in bugs. This beautifully illustrated beginner’s guide provides a series of questions to lead readers through the steps of identifying bugs, and lists the tools every bug-watcher needs.
FOLLOW THAT BEE: A FIRST BOOK OF BEES IN THE CITY by Scot Ritchie (Ages 3-7)
This playful book mixes narration, facts and illustrations to introduce young children to why the world needs bees, and how people can help them thrive, even in urban spaces.
NATSUMI’S SONG OF SUMMER by Robert Paul Weston, art by Misa Saburi (Ages 3-7)
In this sweet friendship story, two cousins who are meeting for the first time bond over a love of bugs in Japan. The text is written in a series of tanka poems, which is a Japanese poetry style similar to haiku. Check out this template to write your own ode to a bug!
FREDA AND THE BLUE BEETLE by Sophie Gilmore (Ages 3-7)
This fantastical fable follows the unlikely friendship between a girl and a large beetle named Ernest. When the villagers grow suspicious of Ernest, Freda must make a choice between following her heart and following the crowd. A quirky story about trusting your instincts and kindness.
THE BUG GIRL by Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamara, art by Keroscoet (Ages 4-8)
This is the true story of Canadian student Sophia Spencer who turns her love of bugs into a viral internet sensation! There’s a lot to love here, including an inspirational home-grown story about overcoming bullying and tips on bug identification.
THE MOSQUITO by Elise Gravel (Ages 6-10)
The latest book in Canadian Elise Gravel’s hilarious non-fiction Disgusting Critters series is perfectly timed for summer, aka mosquito season. When you finish reading, check out this amazing series activity guide.
BUG BOYS by Laura Knetzger (Ages 6-9)
A sweet and silly graphic novel for early readers featuring two bug heroes and their adventures, both big and small.
THE TINY HERO OF FERNY CREEK LIBRARY by Linda Bailey (Ages 8-12)
A classic story in the vein of Charlotte’s Web, The Borrowers or A Bug’s Life in which a little bug named Eddie goes on a mission to rescue his favourite aunt who is lost in the library. Accompanied by gentle spot art, this would make a great family read-aloud.
THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP: BUILT ON HOPE by Sam Maggs (Age 12+)
Missing superhero movies this summer? Canadian author Sam Maggs takes on teen Marvel superhero Nadia Van Dyne (aka the Wasp) in this action packed, science-infused adventure. Featuring a team of rad teen female scientists, this is a great addition to the Marvel canon.
BEE safe out there, friends!