Books About Beetles

The Best Beetles Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Bug and Insect Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about beetles? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Beetles

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Out of Nowhere

By Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

A beetle's quest to find a missing friend reveals a surprising transformation.

40 pages· 390 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 547 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Beetle and Caterpillar share daily picnics until Caterpillar vanishes. Determined to find her, Beetle embarks on a forest journey. Just as hope fades, a familiar butterfly appears. Could this be Caterpillar? Discover how friendship transcends change in this heartwarming tale.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2018

Escape from Egypt

By Wendy Mass, Oriol Vidal (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Time Jumpers series

Time-traveling kids race to return a beetle to King Tut's tomb while evading a mysterious pursuer.

96 pages· 6,087 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 236 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Chase and Ava, young time travelers, find themselves in ancient Egypt after touching a mysterious beetle. Their mission: return the beetle to King Tut's tomb. But a man with mismatched eyes is hot on their trail, seeking the same objects. Can they outsmart him and uncover his motives before it's too late? Join their thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery.

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Bonkers About Beetles

By Owen Davey · About Animals series

Discover the world of beetles, the planet's most diverse and resilient insects.

40 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 178 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the fascinating world of beetles, where 400,000 species thrive across the globe. From the mighty Goliath to the iridescent scarab, these insects make up 25% of all animals. Owen Davey's vibrant illustrations and intriguing facts reveal how beetles adapt to diverse climates, living wherever trees and flowers grow. Dive into this captivating guide and uncover the secrets of these resilient creatures.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

Beetle Busters

By Loree Griffin Burns, Ellen Harasimowicz (Illustrator) · Scientists in the Field series

Can a team stop a beetle invasion threatening forests and communities?

64 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 108 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a battle against time, Clint McFarland faces the relentless Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive species threatening to decimate forests across Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Ontario. As these beetles spread, the stakes rise: can Clint and his team of scientists and locals save the trees and balance ecological needs? With entire ecosystems at risk, the challenge is immense. Will their combined efforts be enough to halt the beetle's destructive path, or will the forests fall? Discover the intricate dance between nature and human intervention in this gripping tale of environmental urgency.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite!

By Ashley Spires · Book #1 in the Burt the Beetle series

A beetle discovers his unique ability when other bugs' superpowers fail.

56 pages· 837 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 470 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Burt, a ten-lined june beetle, dreams of having superpowers like other insects. Despite lacking strength or venom, he finds himself in a situation where only his unique talent can save his friends. As other bugs' abilities fall short, Burt's unexpected skill shines through. Can a beetle without obvious powers become a hero? Join Burt on his journey of self-discovery and learn that true greatness lies in character, not just abilities. This humorous tale, filled with insect facts, will have young readers cheering for the underdog and exploring what makes each creature special.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2012

The Beetle Book

By Steve Jenkins

Discover the astonishing world of beetles and their incredible survival adaptations.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2012)

40 pages· 2,791 words· Est. 22 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,214 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the vast and diverse world of beetles, where one in four living creatures is a beetle. From the hefty goliath to the towering titan, these insects boast unique adaptations like glowing, sprinting, and even walking on water. Dive into their fascinating lives and uncover the secrets behind their survival in a world teeming with over 350,000 species. What makes these creatures so successful, and how do they continue to thrive? Embark on a journey through the captivating realm of beetles and their extraordinary abilities.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

James to the Rescue

By Elise Broach, Kelly Murphy (Illustrator) · The Masterpiece Adventures series

A beetle's family outing turns urgent when Uncle Albert is injured. Can Marvin and his human friend save him in time?

112 pages· 3,691 words· Est. 42 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Marvin the beetle embarks on a family collecting adventure, but disaster strikes when Uncle Albert is injured. With time running out, Marvin must enlist the help of his human friend, James, to save Uncle Albert. As they navigate the miniature world, their friendship is tested in unexpected ways. Will they succeed before it's too late? Dive into this charming tale of courage and camaraderie, where the smallest creatures face the biggest challenges.

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2013

The Miniature World of Marvin & James

By Elise Broach, Kelly Murphy (Illustrator) · The Masterpiece Adventures series

A beetle's friendship is tested when his human friend goes on vacation.

128 pages· 3,420 words· Est. 27 min read-aloud

3.7/5 Goodreads · 700 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Marvin, a beetle, faces a lonely week as his human friend James goes on vacation. Left with his pesky cousin Elaine, Marvin's days spiral into chaos, including a perilous pencil sharpener adventure. As Marvin navigates these mishaps, he worries if James will still be his best friend upon returning. Will their bond endure, or will Marvin be left behind in the miniature world they once shared? Discover the whimsical challenges and heartfelt moments in this charming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2011

Stephen and the Beetle

By Jorge Lujan, Elisa Amado (Translator), Chiara Carrer (Illustrator)

A boy hesitates to harm a beetle, sparking a moral dilemma.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2012)

36 pages

3.3/5 Goodreads · 154 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Stephen faces a moral dilemma when he encounters a beetle. Ready to strike, he pauses, questioning his actions. As the beetle approaches, a moment of connection unfolds, leaving both unscathed. This simple yet profound encounter challenges Stephen to consider the impact of his choices, inviting readers to reflect on compassion and the value of life. What will Stephen decide, and how will this small moment shape his day?

Sale price

$2374

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 1999

The Very Clumsy Click Beetle

By Eric Carle

A clumsy beetle struggles to flip over. Can he succeed?

32 pages· 478 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 5,742 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A young click beetle finds himself stuck on his back, unable to flip over. Seeking guidance from a wise old beetle, he learns the art of perseverance. Despite repeated failures, the little beetle's determination never wavers. Will he finally master the flip and find his footing? This charming tale of resilience and achievement unfolds with vibrant illustrations and a unique interactive element, inviting readers to cheer for the beetle's success. Discover if the clumsy beetle can overcome his challenge and somersault into triumph.

The Bookroo Book Club