I know many children who are fascinated by all things creepy and crawly. In fact, my family often has to pause on walks or in the backyard to watch a pill bug or a grasshopper. If you also have a young one who likes to stop and notice the small insects around us, these picture books are for you!
By Rachel Burke
Illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
Australia: Bright Light, an imprint of Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, 2023. Picture Book.
In this story, a cockroach is all about art and being seen and showing his personality. The other roaches are a little nervous about that… seeing how most bugs who are noticed then are in trouble. When Craft Roach sees the owner of the house leaving, he convinces all the other bugs to get their glitter on.
Written by Lily Murray
Illustrated by Jenny Lovlie
Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2023. Picture Book.
This is a story of a young girl who loves bugs. Her family doesn’t, and often asks her to hurry up so they can go home, instead of waiting for her to finish observing bugs. So, the girl decides to take the bugs home with her. All is well… until her small pets escape and head all over the house (and all the relatives.)
By Terry Fan and Eric Fan
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021.
The insects in this story think that the thing that fell from the sky is a wonder. Readers will understand how ordinary the object is that the bugs find fascinating; however, the insects don’t know. Then along comes a spider that decides to exploit the object and charge for other bugs to see it, which risks his friendship with the others.
By Karl Newson
Illustrated by Alex Willmore
Beverly, MA: Happy Yak, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2023. Picture Book.
A bug named Ronald is “snug as a bug” in his bed, when he hears a knock at the door. When he opens it, a snake wants to eat Ronald. Ronald escapes only to find other creatures after him, thinking he would be a delicious snack. Eventually, this determined bug returns home and decides not to ever answer the door again (only the next knock comes from his mom!)
By Jess Hannigan
New York: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2024. Picture Book.
The wishing well is broken in this particular story. Which means that none of the town residents' wishes will come true. They send a newsboy out to investigate, and find a spider in the well, It turns out that the spider’s web is catching all the coins from the wishes.
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