Books of Bugs: Insect-Filled Picture Books
Terry Miller Shannon
I've never gotten over my fascination with bugs. Share
that miniature world with your kids or grandkids by reading
them these bugly books:
Hey, Little Ant
By Phillip M. Hoose and Hannah Hoose, illustrated by
Debbie Tilley
A kid and an ant debate whether the kid should squash
the ant. The rhyming tale teaches about empathy and
peer-pressure, in a nonpreachy and delightful way. The
last line leaves the ant's fate up to the reader--and
may make you think twice about squishing the next tiny
picnic invader.
Gotta Go! Gotta Go!
By Sam Swope, Illustrated by Sue Riddle
This little unassuming story, about a monarch
caterpillar/butterfly's life mission, really got under
my grandson's skin. Every once in a while I hear him
muttering: "Gotta go, gotta go! I've got to go to
Mexico!" I love the "cycle of life" theme, and never
mind reading it "just one more time!"
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle
Here's another caterpillar on a mission. This classic
book has everything. It's a counting book, a subtle
study of a caterpillar's life, and a totally
satisfying story. I (and the children I read to)
highly recommend it.
The Bugliest Bug
By Carol Diggory Shields, illustrated by Scott Nash
Oh! I just discovered this book and I love it! The
rhyme rocks, and the illustrations are adorable.
Attend this "bugliest bug" contest, with tons of
contestants, including one unexpected hero. Psst---who
are those wily judges?
About the Author
Terry Miller Shannon
and her son, Tim Warner, wrote a funny, rhyming picture book. Tim's
three-year-old bath-loving son inspired TUB TOYS
(Tricycle Press, 2002), which MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW says
is "..greatly recommended..whimsical and fun." Check
it out HERE!
