My favorite type of art isn’t always on the wall – it’s in books. Picture book illustrations have captivated me since I was a little girl, and continue to do so. Often I hear “my kids are too old for picture books” and I’m always a little sad. I know I, for one, will never be too old for the beauty they have to offer.
Picture books offer so many opportunities for talking about art concepts, even with older kids. Asking questions like these:
- What medium do you think the illustrator used?
- Why do you think that they choose these colors?
- Is there a reason yellow is shown only on a couple pages?
- Why do the colors change on this page when the main character is sad?
- Are all of the lines in this book pointing in only one direction? Why?
- How many patterns are on this single page?
The illustrations help kids learn how to create by showing them what’s possible, and by offering a continuing source of creative inspiration – one other than the world right around them.
Every single day I discover a new favorite picture book – not because my kids love it. Because I do. And the best illustrators know how to throw in those details that you only find the second time or third time that you’ve read it.
With spring around the corner, my kids are already finding bugs (and saying how adorable they are). And since bugs are a super fun critter for kids to draw, and the perfect spring unit study for homeschoolers, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite bug-themed picture books. The links are Amazon afflinks – that means that you pay nothing additional and I get a small percentage which I can use to fund my espresso habit.
5 Bug-Themed Picture Books
It Fell From the Sky by the Fan Brothers
Greed. Generosity. Which one will the marble inspire? Or will it be both?
With beautiful illustrations emphasizing the otherworldly nature of this marble, it’s the perfect book to teach emphasis or contrast.
And little bugs in top hats? Yes, please.
Dragonfly by Aimée Bissonette
I’m not sure if this book makes me fear dragonflies, or want to hug them. My kids have always adored dragonflies, squealing with delight when they land on their fingers or shoulders.
This book is packed with information about these fearsome predators that spend most of their time underwater, only to zoom around for a few short weeks. The illustrations are soft, and almost stained-glass like, and it makes me want to head to the pond and see how many iridescent wings and bodies I can spot. Colors, lines, patterns – they’re all here.
Twig by Aura Parker
We had the absolute honor of a stick insect visiting our porch last year and I was enthralled. Although I knew about these incredible bugs, I had never seen one in person. And I certainly didn’t know how fast they could move! My Sparklettes spent at least an hour studying it before letting it go off to wherever stick bugs go.
So when I saw this book, I was excited to share it. This book is perfect for talking about fitting in – and do we want to, or do we want to be ourselves? And seeing the other bugs go out of their way to help her and welcome her instead of focusing on bug bullying – it is a refreshing read on handling differences.
It’s also a perfect look at unity, variety, and line.
Butterfly Park by Elly MacKay
This book shows teaches so much – staying curious, finding joy in the small things, and working together. Starting off when a young girl has to move somewhere without any greenery at all, and ending with an entire community coming together – it’s a feel good story about making a difference.
And the illustrations turning from dull to bright make it a beautiful way to show contrast.
The Bug Club by Elise Gravel
For those who find bugs fascinating, but maybe don’t want to look at realistic pictures of their faces up close, this book is for you. This fun romp through bug land ends with some adorable and hilarious made up bugs at the end.
The author’s humor and love of bugs shines through and it will have you wanting to create a bug of your own, full of lines, shapes, and patterns.
It’s All About Bugs
We know that kids love drawing bugs, and the world around them. Inside the Glittterbombers Membership, you’ll find realistic bugs, cute bugs, Egyptian bugs, roll-a-bugs, and more.
Join the Glitterbombers Membership!
We know that kids love drawing bugs, and the world around them. Inside the Glittterbombers Membership, you’ll find realistic bugs, cute bugs, Egyptian bugs, roll-a-bugs, and more. Hundreds more art projects, videos, and resources at your fingertips for whatever you’re studying, or whatever art concept you’re ready to teach. Head here to hop on the waitlist and find out when we open next!
Yes yes yes!!!
I am sooooooo inspired by kids picture books too, and one of my fave things to do is read them to kids and create activities from it. Thanks for sharing this…looking forward to joining the glitterbomb 💖
Someone once asked me if I would ever run out of ideas and I answered them – not when there are so many gorgeous picture books that continue to come out! Cannot wait to have you on board! <3