09/29/2026
Priscilla recommends:
Bugs: A Skittery, Jittery History, by Miriam Forster, illustrated by Gordy Wright. Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers (2024). This large, engaging hardback has great artwork. The “Toolbox” sections highlight bug adaptations. The history of arthropods covers from trilobites to today and is great for timeline of life studies at elementary levels.
Don’t Squish a Slug, by Yussef Rafik, illustrated by Riley Samels. Published by Words & Pictures (2025). This is a delightful exploration of invertebrates, both familiar and exotic species. The introduction lays out the pertinent classification – gastropods vs. arthropods and the main arthropod groups. The stories emphasize adaptations and interrelationships, such as how we wouldn’t have chocolate without midges. The illustrations are attractive and show relevant traits. The text is for fluent elementary readers, or it could be read aloud to younger ones.
Bugs Everywhere, by Britta Teckentrup, is part of the Animals Everywhere series from Big Picture Press. It is a valuable classroom resource for studying bugs. The contents include an overview of insect diversity and history. There is a diagram of internal features and information on habitats. The book includes good information on adaptations. The illustrations are colorful and will draw kids into long browsing sessions. Elementary.
When You See Us: The Mysterious World of Aquatic Insects, by Katherine Hocker, illustrated by Svabhu Kohli. Published in 2026 by Candlewick Press. An element of mystery draws readers into this tale of insects that live underwater for the first part of their lives. This is a good introduction or follow-up to lessons on insect metamorphosis. The illustrations are attractive and complement the story very well. For lower elementary.
Bugs: A Spotter’s Guide, by Pauline Savage. Published in 2025 by Earthaware Kids. A beautifully and realistically illustrated guide to insects and other small arthropods. It is well organized and has a good sample of insect orders. There’s a map to show where the bug lives and a size comparison to a human hand or finger. It is good for children’s fact-finding work.
