On lovely spring days, the wispy-winged butterflies perched on flowers are a beautiful vision. The intricate patterns and brilliant colors are truly a gift from nature for anyone who pauses to appreciate these interesting insects. These lovely winged creatures are incredibly fleeting as they flutter away before we have a chance to take in all their beauty. Reading children's books about butterflies, with detailed illustrations and incredible photographs, provides magical moments when these whimsical bugs can be examined for hours.
A charming story about a clever caterpillar who is unhappy about her plain color. Clara is a cabbage caterpillar who develops into a somewhat unremarkable butterfly. She feels dull compared to Catisha, an especially conceited crimson-colored butterfly. In this inspiring story, there is an important message about how beauty is defined.
Non-Fiction Butterfly Books for Children
Facts are woven throughout these children's butterfly books, teaching lessons about metamorphosis, life-cycles, diet, habitat and more. Readers are treated to a photographic journey where they can study the anatomy and learn how all of the fragile parts work in harmony for the very short but incredibly important life of these insects. Children will explore the various species, migration patterns, and native regions where they thrive. These non-fiction books are packed with facts about butterflies that kids will find intriguing.
Butterfly Picture Books About Metamorphosis
For little ones who want to examine their beauty, purchase a butterfly garden kit so they can safely capture them for a short time. Not only are they mesmerizing to watch, these creatures are incredibly fascinating to read about in these factual butterfly picture books covering the various stages of metamorphosis. Readers will learn the steps as caterpillars morph into lovely winged creatures, much like frogs transition from tadpoles to adult amphibians. Starting from the moment tiny eggs are laid on leaves, then hatching into larva (or caterpillars), next transforming into chrysalis (or pupa), and finally emerging as a beautiful winged butterfly. Kids will also read about the valuable role they share with bees in pollinating plants and flowers.
My Book of Butterflies
An absolutely exquisite non-fiction book. Every page is filled with painted and paper collage pictures of butterflies in action. Kids will learn about many different species and interesting details about their life cycle. Gorgeous illustrations show butterflies in flight, laying eggs, and sipping nectar from flowers.
Moth & Butterly: Ta-Da!
Two little caterpillars, who are best friends, take pleasure in everything they have in common. Not only do they enjoy snacking on leaves, but they also happen to look a lot alike with lots of little legs. These critters even build their cocoons next to each other, but when they emerge, something is amiss! One is a butterfly and the other is a moth! As they discover their differences (one likes the day, the other prefers night), these two friends find ways to strengthen their bond. A darling book about a friendship that withstands the test of time.
National Geographic Kids: Butterflies
A wonderful introductory book about butterflies for preschoolers and young children eager to learn more about these fluttery bugs. A simple explanation teaches young readers the important role these insects play in plant life, the process of metamorphosis, and migration. The pages are full of the most magnificent photographs.
Butterflies are Pretty Gross!
Butterflies may be beautiful bugs, but they have some dirty little secrets that are revealed in this entertaining book. For example, some species like to eat dead animals and poop. Other emit a terrible stink to keep predators at bay. And some are extremely loud and disturb the peace. This funny book is full of jokes, humorous trivia, and lots of other material that seems to contradict everything we believe about these lovely-looking flutter bugs.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This classic Eric Carle book cannot be overlooked when adding to your child's collection of caterpillar books. Kids will practice counting as this classic caterpillar works his way through the days of the week by eating a colorful selection of foods. When his belly is stuffed, this signature caterpillar goes through a magical metamorphosis and emerges as a butterfly.
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly
An inspiring book for kids about transforming their fears into faith by using an insect analogy. Fear is the name of an endearing little caterpillar who is quite afraid of just about everything. His anxiety covers everything from other critters who live in the garden to lightning storms. He's especially scared of bullies and making new friends. When he meets a beautiful butterfly named Faith, she teaches him how to confront his fears and live life to its fullest.
Señorita Mariposa
A bilingual book about the migration of the monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico. This gorgeously illustrated, rhyming picture book takes readers on a magnificent journey with many stops along the way. Children will be introduced to a diverse group of people from various backgrounds as the monarchs migrate south.
Pinkalicious and the Little Butterfly
A famously pink-loving girl falls in love with nature after a class lesson. Her teacher brings some caterpillars to class supplement a lesson on metamorphosis. Pinkalicious forms a special connection with one of them and rejoices as it transforms into a beautiful monarch butterfly. A page of stickers is a special bonus.
The Amazing Life Cycle of Butterflies
Whimsical pictures fill the pages of this non-fiction book about butterflies. Children will learn all about the life cycle and other interesting facts about these magical insects. The charming collage-like illustrations carry readers away to beautiful fields and farms full of bold and brilliant butterflies. Supplemental material in the back provides opportunity for a more in-depth study of these complex insects.
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly
Beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the journey of a little green caterpillar. This insect meets lots of critters of all sizes on its journey to becoming a bold butterfly. Simple text makes this lovely butterfly picture book accessible to young readers.
Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly
Velma is an eager first-grader who has big shoes to fill. Her two older siblings were outstanding students who could do no wrong in the eyes of their teachers. Poor Velma experiences an identity crisis of sorts when her teach can hardly remember her name, but all of that changes on a class trip to a butterfly conservatory. Magically, a butterfly lands on Velma's finger and stays in place for days on end. Finally, this little girl shines and receives the recognition she craves. Along the way, readers will learn all about butterflies, from metamorphosis to migration.
Ten Magic Butterflies
Children will enjoy the mathematical lessons taught in this magical butterfly story. A fairy flutters through the sky turning lovely flowers into beautiful butterflies. Preschool children will learn how to group numbers in this delightful book. Be on the lookout for a cute, albeit timid, caterpillar who wonders what the future holds.
Elmer and the Butterfly
An unlikely duo teaches readers that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. One day Elmer, a beloved patchwork elephant, discovers a tiny butterfly trapped by a fallen branch. When he sets her free, the butterfly wonders how in the world she will ever be able to return the favor. Then one day, Elmer finds himself in a similar predicament and the resourceful butterfly comes to the rescue.
Brave Little Butterfly
A succinct, rhyming book teaches children all about metamorphosis. A timid little caterpillar must learn to be brave in order to endure the transformation. Preschool children will enjoy watching a beautiful butterfly take flight via the delicate watercolor illustrations.
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly
Butterflies are the fanciest insects of all, so it's no wonder that Nancy is excited about Bree's butterfly-themed birthday party. Unfortunately, an important family event trumps the birthday party, and Fancy Nancy is furious. Any child who has felt the disappointment of missing out on a fun party will appreciate Nancy's reaction. For Fancy Nancy fans, this story is a fun addition to the collection.
The Little Butterfly That Could
Little children will learn all about patience, persistence and overcoming challenges in this book about a butterfly who experiences self-doubt. Comical illustrations perfectly complement this story about a butterfly who is astounded to find out he must migrate 200 miles. He must rely on his wings and tenacity to carry him this great distance to the flowers. A darling story for preschoolers and kindergarteners embarking on their own journeys.
Hurry and the Monarch
A tender connection between an adventurous Monarch butterfly and a sedentary turtle is expressed in this lovely book. A brilliant, orange butterfly enjoys the freedom her wings provide. At one point during her 2000 mile migration, she stops in the garden of an old tortoise, named Hurry, and offers hope that one day he, too, will be able to fly. Hurry is quite content with his slow life in the garden, and even finds greater purpose protecting the beautiful Monarch's eggs. A popular book that merges a lesson in science with a tale about an unlikely friendship.
The Very Impatient Caterpillar
A lesson in patience is the center of this silly book about a caterpillar who isn't very good at waiting. His curiosity gets the better of him when he observes some other caterpillars climbing a tree. They explain that it's time to go through metamorphosis, which is news to him. He also is dumbfounded to learn that they will all emerge as butterflies when the process is complete. This book is best read with a silly, expressive voice that conveys excited impatience.
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies
A magnificent, award-winning non-fiction book about the life of Maria Sibylla Merian. In the 1600s, bugs were considered evil and born of mud, but Merian was one of the original naturalists to study them. In fact, she is credited as being the first to document the metamorphosis of butterflies. This inspiring historical book draws interesting parallels between the emergence of a female scientist in the 17th century and the remarkable transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Oh My, Oh My, a Butterfly!
The Cat in the Hat joins Sally and Dick as they witness the amazing metamorphosis of an egg into a butterfly. Unlike other Dr. Seuss titles, this comprehensive book is better suited for older children who are ready for an in-depth lesson about caterpillars and butterflies. Kids learn about what they eat, how they stay safe from predators, and their migration patterns. An excellent choice if you are looking for a non-fiction book.
National Geographic Kids: Caterpillar to Butterfly
This non-fiction book is filled with magnificent photos of caterpillars and butterflies. Readers are provided with fascinating information about their transformation. The last page includes interesting facts about all the different types of butterflies and caterpillars, including poisonous ones.
Where Butterflies Grow
Very detailed, realistic artwork captures the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Each step of the process is explained, from the time the caterpillar hatches until it blossoms into a gorgeous, swallowtail black butterfly. This inspirational book includes instructions for children to grow their own butterflies.
A Butterfly is Patient
A lyrical picture book that is both artful and informative with pictures that shows off the wispy, perfectly symmetrical details of these incredible insects. This gorgeous book celebrates a variety of butterfly species, including orange monarchs, blue swallowtails, and many more.
In the Butterfly Garden
A beautiful, intricate pop-up book that engages little readers by drawing them into the garden. As each page turns, children watch the cocoon transform into a glorious butterfly. There are lots of other details to explore along the way, like inchworms chomping on leaves and insects hiding in the blades of grass.
Butterfly Colors and Counting
A sturdy board book helps children practice counting. A different color is introduced on every page with pictures of beautiful butterflies to match. A wonderful baby shower book for nature-loving families.
The Social Butterfly
Charlotte is a the most adorable little butterfly who loves to socialize. The problem is that good communications skills require listening sometimes, something Charlotte hasn't mastered. This darling butterfly is great at talking, singing, and playing. When her non-stop activity threatens to destroy her friendships, Charlotte has to look inward at her own social tendencies and make some adjustments.
How to Raise Monarch Butterflies
A helpful guide for both children and adults who are interested in learning about monarch butterflies and how to grow them. Real photographs capture the amazing transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. Kids will learn about how they can help eliminate the environmental threat to this species. They will also learn how to start their own butterfly garden and what to feed the Monarchs.
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Add More Children's Insect Books to Your Collection
