The Bug Book

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A BOOK ABOUT BUGS

Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today we are exploring The Bug Book written by Kathy Kranking and illustrated by Kristen Kest. This book is a great introduction to bugs and insects.

Kids enjoy reading the same book over and over again so having a physical copy may be helpful. This version is out of print, however, it can still be purchased at a secondhand bookstore or preferred online retailer. It would make a nice addition to any homeschool or classroom library.

HINT: After you have introduced and explored this book, kids can utilize the YouTube read aloud in a listening center or quiet activity.

Overview

The Bug Book features mostly insects. This version was published in 1998. There is an explanation that spiders are not insects. The illustrations are hand-drawn, and are a realistic representation of the bugs.

The Bug Book – Read Aloud

This YouTube reading of The Bug Book includes some real video footage of bugs. It is a nice way to expand the book after a read aloud discussion.

Exploring The Bug Book with Young Learners

First, start with a book cover inspection. Show children the cover of the book, and ask, “What do you think this book is about?” Follow this with some open-ended questions to get their minds warmed up.

  • What are some bugs you might see outside in the yard?
  • What are some bugs you might see inside of a house?
  • What are some things you know about bugs?
  • What are some colors of bugs?
  • How do bugs move?

After reading the book for the first time, ask more open-ended or fact checking questions. Remember there are no wrong answers. Some questions might include:

  • Why did the author name the book The Bug Book?
  • What are some of the ways bugs get around?
  • What do you remember about ants?
  • What are some things you have in common with bugs? (think 5 senses)
  • Why did the author include a spider in the book?
  • What was your favorite bug in the book? Why?
Bite Sized Activities for At Home Learners

Vocabulary

  • antennae – Feelers connected to the front section of an insect.
  • wriggly – Twisting, writhing, squirming.

Extend the Lesson

The following videos are a great way to extend the lesson. There are some hands-on activities and some other read alouds about insects.

I Love Bugs – Read Aloud

I Love Bugs! is a sweet introductory book about bugs. A little boy sets out to discover some different kids of bugs. Some are types that fly, swim, and jump. In the end he finds the most special kind of bug he knows.

The Bug Book – Read Aloud

This version of the bug book was published in 1965. Children will appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the illustrations.

On Beyond Bugs! All About Insects – Read Aloud

On Beyond Bugs! All About INSECTS was written by Trish Rabe and illustrated by Aristides Ruiz. Although this book is part of The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, this read aloud version includes real video and photos of bugs. The story is told in rhyme and kids of all ages will enjoy this fun book.

Hands-On Explorations

Finally, enjoy some hands-on explorations. Here are a few to get you started.

My Insect Book – Read Aloud

There are over 20 different insects featured in “My Insect Book” and video. Kids can enjoy this video and read along while practicing simple science facts about each insect. It contains repetitive sight words and science words, like oblong and defend.

This insect video was created to use with the My Insect Book and can use in conjunction with any insect lesson plan. Check out the free sample download on TPT. The packet sampler includes a mini version of the reader that coordinates with the insects in this video.

My Insect Book Science Reader

Paper Plate Ladybug for Teach the Teacher

The following video walks you through how to make a paper plate ladybug craft that you can use in an arts and crafts lesson.

Insects Sampler

The FREE download includes a sampling of some the items that are in the Insect BOOK COMPANION packet and the Insect Science Reader download. This packet is generic and can be used with any books or lessons about insects.

How to Draw a Cartoon Ladybug

Art Hub for Kids is kid friendly and your students will love this how to draw lesson. You will need to pause the video periodically to allow students catch up. Let them know this ahead of time so their is minimal frustration.

FREE Read Aloud Book Report

Need accountability in a listening or iPad center? Check out this FREE Book Report available in my TPT Store for download. 

Thank you!

We appreciate you taking the time to learn about this read aloud book, The Bug Book . Please consider following our YouTube Channel for more read aloud books relating to academic interest subjects.

This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may make a small commission at zero cost to you. THANK YOU!!

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