17 Best Ladybug Books for Kids
Ladybug books are a fun way to introduce preschoolers to nature, colors, counting, and early science concepts through engaging stories.
Whether you’re looking for fiction or nonfiction, this list highlights our favorite ladybug-themed books that have sparked curiosity and learning in our home.
Each one brings something unique—playful characters, real facts, or interactive elements—to help young kids connect with the natural world.
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Books About Ladybugs for Kids
Ladybugs are more than just tiny red beetles with black spots—they play an important role in nature and capture children’s imaginations.
This collection of books introduces preschoolers to ladybugs through fun stories, colorful illustrations, and simple science concepts.
Whether your child loves fiction, counting books, or nonfiction, these picks offer something for every little bug enthusiast.
This story always made us laugh! A sleepy little ladybug doesn’t want to fly, so she tries hitching rides on different animals instead. Each attempt leads to a silly surprise, making this a fun and interactive read for preschoolers.
With playful illustrations and a lighthearted storyline, it’s a great pick for bedtime or storytime.
Eric Carle’s The Grouchy Ladybug has been a favorite in our home for years. The cranky little ladybug refuses to share and picks fights with much bigger animals, only to learn a lesson about kindness and cooperation.
The repetition, bold artwork, and clever storytelling make it an engaging book for preschoolers learning about manners and respect.
Related: The Grouchy Ladybug activities
This book takes a unique approach by speaking directly to young readers—inviting them to imagine what life would be like if they were a ladybug. It walks through their life cycle, from tiny eggs to fully grown beetles.
With simple text and bright illustrations, it’s a wonderful first introduction to nonfiction for curious preschoolers.
If your child loves spotting colors everywhere they go, this book is a great fit! Ladybug leads little ones on a journey through the rainbow, making color recognition fun and interactive.
The bright, simple illustrations are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers just starting to explore colors.
Related: Ladybug activities for preschoolers
Ladybugs and counting just go together! This book turns early math into a playful adventure, encouraging preschoolers to count spots, legs, and other fun details as they flip through the pages.
If you're looking for a hands-on way to introduce numbers, this book makes learning feel like a game.
Related: Ladybug math worksheets
My son went through a phase where he wanted to learn everything about bugs, and this book was a hit. While it covers a variety of insects, it includes a great section on ladybugs—showing their life cycle, diet, and why they’re helpful in gardens.
With stunning photos and fun facts, it’s perfect for kids who are just starting to explore the world of bugs.
This book is a great mix of storytelling and hands-on learning. It introduces kids to all sorts of backyard bugs, including ladybugs, with simple facts and fun activities.
If your little one loves turning over rocks to find creepy crawlies, this book will make them even more curious about the tiny creatures in their world.
Related: Insect worksheets for preschool
This rhyming book is short, sweet, and full of energy—perfect for wiggly toddlers who love a quick and engaging story. It takes kids on a lively bug hunt, showing all kinds of insects (including ladybugs!) in action.
The playful text and vibrant illustrations make it a fun choice for storytime, and it's great for encouraging little ones to explore the outdoors.
If your child enjoys imaginative play, Ladybug Girl will feel like a kindred spirit. In this book, she shares everything she loves—her dog, playing outside, and having adventures.
With sweet illustrations and a heartwarming message, this book celebrates curiosity and creativity in a way that young kids can relate to.
Lily is a little ladybug with a big personality! This charming book follows her on an adventure filled with friendship, courage, and fun discoveries.
With gentle storytelling and adorable illustrations, this book is perfect for bedtime or quiet reading time with preschoolers.
For kids who love real facts about nature, this nonfiction book offers a close-up look at how ladybugs grow, what they eat, and why they’re so important.
The clear, simple text and real-life images make it a fantastic first science book for preschoolers and early readers who are curious about insects.
Gail Gibbons is one of my favorite children’s nonfiction authors—her books explain big topics in a way that’s easy for kids to understand. This book breaks down everything there is to know about ladybugs, from their anatomy to how they help farmers.
It’s packed with information but still simple enough for young learners, making it a great choice for little nature lovers.
Related: Parts of a ladybug printable.
This interactive counting book makes learning numbers exciting by introducing kids to ladybugs along the way. It focuses on counting by fives, making it a fun introduction to skip counting and early math skills.
If your child loves numbers and bugs, this book blends both in a way that feels like play.
This book takes a creative twist on learning the alphabet, using ladybugs as guides for an A-to-Z journey through different animals. While it’s not solely focused on ladybugs, it’s a fun way for kids to explore letters and animals together.
If you’re looking for a unique alphabet book with a ladybug theme, this one adds a playful learning element!
If your child loves Ladybug Girl, this summer-themed book is a wonderful addition. She faces a big challenge—overcoming her fear of the ocean—and learns that being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid.
It’s a sweet and relatable story for kids experiencing new adventures of their own!
Eric Carle’s Grouchy Ladybug returns, this time discovering the beauty of spring. With his signature illustrations and a lively seasonal theme, this book captures the sights and sounds of nature waking up after winter.
A great pick for little ones who love The Grouchy Ladybug and want to see what happens next!
While not an educational ladybug book, this one is a fun pick for kids who love Miraculous Ladybug. In this festive adventure, Ladybug and Cat Noir take on a holiday mission filled with excitement and superhero action.
If you have a Miraculous fan at home, this book makes a great seasonal read!
Related: Ladybug worksheets for preschool
Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown