Bug Zoo
Author: Lisa Wheeler
Illustrator: Andy Harkness
Summary: Ben is a bug collector, and loves nothing better than to collect bugs and put them on display in jars for his very own Bug Zoo. To his dismay, no one comes to visit even after he advertises and buys even bigger bugs! In the end, Ben learns an important lesson on the best way to have a bug zoo.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to teach kids about observing nature and the importance of keeping things in their natural habitat.
Extension Activities: Here's a great site to find activities for kids on bugs and insects. Click here!
The Blobfish Book
Author: Jessica Olien
Illustrator:
Summary: This is a wonderful book within a book. First you have "The Deep Sea Book" which explores several unque and intersting fish that live deep down in the ocean. Then you have "The Blobfish Book" where an adorable Blobfish tries desperately to make the book about himself. With a mix of Fiction and Non-Fiction, kids will surely fall in love with this book!
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years old
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Great book to teach the difference between fiction and non-fiction. It can also be used to begin talking about research skills and what questions they have about deep ocean fish.
Extension Activities: Great website on the ocean's weirdest creatures! Click here!
Austin, Lost in America
Author: Jef Czekaj
Illustrator:
Summary: Austin grew up in a pet store, but more than anything he wanted to be adopted too! So he decides to sneak out of the pet store and go on his own adventure. He travels through different sections of the United States: the Northeast, the South, The West, The Midwest, until he finally finds his home in Austin, Texas. Learn fun facts about the states as he travels through them.
Recommended Ages: 5 to 9 years old
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Great book to teach about the 50 states and could be used to begin a state research project.
Extension Activities: Here's a great site for kids to research the 50 states! Click here!
Too Many Moose!
Author: Lisa M. Bakos
Illustrator: Mark Chambers
Summary: Martha wants a pet, and uses many different books to research what would make the best pet. She was so happy with her decision to get a moose that she ends up ordering another one, and then another, and another. Can too much of a good thing be bad? Read to find out!
Recommended Ages: 4 to 6 years old
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Fun book to teach about researching pets to get. Can also be used to introduce alliteration.
Lion Lessons
Author: Jon Agee
Illustrator:
Summary: This is a cute story about a little boy trying to earn his Lion Diploma. In order to do so, he must pass 7 steps. With the help of his instructor, he practices how to eat, prowl, and pounce. Will he be able to earn his degree? Read the book to find out.
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 year old
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Great book to talk about practicing and research.
Extension Activities: This would be a fun book to use with kids to research lions. Start by brainstorming with kids what it takes to be a lion. Then see if what they come up with is in the book.
Wolf Camp
Author: Andrea Zuill
Illustrator:
Summary: Homer is a dog who learns that he may also be part wolf. He decides to go to Wolf Camp, but it’s not quite what he expected. The food still has hair on it, and has an unsual taste. Can he adapt? Will he survive? Read this hilarious story about how to adjust to new things.
Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years old
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a funny book that can be used to introduce going to camp and learning to adjust to new things.
2 Responses to “Bug Zoo”
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Great comments. I love your recommended age ranges; that really helps. I am the mother of a 6 year old boy, so I’m always looking for fun picture books that aren’t too babyish. Thanks! I’ve added Lion Lessons and Wolf Camp to our list.
I’m glad you found these helpful! I had a lot of fun reading them, and have even added them for my library! 🙂 My goal is to post books ideas 2-3 times a month so keep checking back! 🙂