Books About Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars · 238 titles considered

The Best Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

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

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Looking for excellent children's books about butterflies, moths and caterpillars? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars

Caterpillar to Butterfly
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2012

Caterpillar to Butterfly

By Laura Marsh · National Geographic Readers series

Discover the magical transformation from caterpillar to butterfly in this captivating journey.

32 pages· 861 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 351 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the fascinating journey of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. This engaging reader offers a close-up look at this incredible metamorphosis, complete with stunning National Geographic images. Learn about various butterfly species and the secrets of poisonous caterpillars. Perfect for young readers, this book combines educational content with interactive activities, making learning about nature's wonders both fun and informative. Dive into the world of butterflies and uncover the mysteries of their transformation. What secrets will you discover?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Sale price
$2089
Picture Book · Ages 1–6 · 1969

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By Eric Carle · The Very Hungry Caterpillar series

A caterpillar hatches from an egg and goes through a series of physical transformations.

New York Times Ten Best Picture Books of the Year (1969)School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2012)
28 pages· 221 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 558,740 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A tiny caterpillar embarks on a week-long feast, devouring everything in sight. As he munches through colorful pages, his hunger leads to an unexpected metamorphosis. What will he become after his cocooned slumber? Discover the magic of transformation in this timeless tale, where each day brings new surprises and a delightful journey from caterpillar to butterfly.
Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2018

Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet

By Mrs. Peanuckle, Jessie Ford (Illustrator) · Mrs. Peanuckle's Alphabet series

Discover the ABCs through a world of fascinating bugs.

28 pages
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 204 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Dive into a vibrant world where the alphabet comes alive with bugs! Each letter introduces a new creepy-crawly, sparking curiosity in young minds. From ants to zebras, this colorful journey through nature's tiny wonders makes learning the ABCs an exciting adventure. Will your child find a new favorite bug?
Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 2–6 · 2008

Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead

By Judy Goldman, Rene King Moreno (Illustrator)

Lupita discovers the true meaning of Día de Muertos when her uncle can't join the celebration.

32 pages· 1,249 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 48 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In the Mexican countryside, Lupita eagerly awaits Día de Muertos, marked by the return of monarch butterflies. As her family prepares to honor their ancestors, Lupita faces a poignant change—her beloved uncle won't be there. Guided by the belief that butterflies carry the souls of the departed, Lupita embarks on a heartfelt journey to understand the deeper significance of this cherished tradition. Will she find solace and connection in the fluttering wings of the monarchs? This year, the celebration holds a new lesson in remembrance and love.
Claudia & Moth
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2017

Claudia & Moth

By Jennifer Hansen Rolli

A girl discovers winter's beauty through art and a tiny moth.

40 pages· 388 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 159 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Claudia adores painting vibrant butterflies, capturing their beauty on canvas. But as winter arrives, her colorful muses vanish, leaving her art uninspired. Just when hope seems lost, a little moth appears, revealing the hidden wonders of the cold season. Can Claudia find inspiration in unexpected places and embrace the magic of winter? Discover how a simple moth transforms her world, offering a new perspective on nature's seasonal dance.
Milkweed for Monarchs
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Milkweed for Monarchs

By Christine Van Zandt, Alejandra Barajas (Illustrator)

Monarchs struggle to survive as they migrate, facing food scarcity and habitat loss.

40 pages
4.6 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Witness the monarch butterfly's perilous journey as it migrates to warmer lands, battling dwindling food sources and habitat challenges. This lyrical tale unveils the monarch's life cycle, from chrysalis to flight, highlighting its vulnerability. Discover how young readers can create monarch-friendly spaces and help preserve these iconic creatures. Will the monarchs find the milkweed they desperately need to survive?
Are You a Butterfly?
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2000

Are You a Butterfly?

Backyard Books series

Witness the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly in this enchanting journey of metamorphosis.

32 pages· 791 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 167 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the captivating journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a butterfly. Discover the wonders of metamorphosis and the secrets of this backyard marvel. What changes await in its delicate flight?
Dear Mothman
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2023

Dear Mothman

By Robin Gow

A grieving boy seeks solace and truth in the legend of Mothman.

320 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 3,134 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Noah, a young trans boy, grapples with the loss of his best friend, Lewis, by writing letters to Mothman, Lewis's favorite cryptid. As strange events unfold near his home, Noah's curiosity grows, leading him to choose Mothman as his science fair project. Despite skepticism and a lack of evidence, Noah's quest for belonging and understanding drives him into the woods, hoping to uncover the truth. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the mystery of Mothman remain unsolved?
What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2023

What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?

By Rachel Ignotofsky · What's Inside series

Explore the enchanting world of butterflies and moths, revealing their secrets and transformations.

48 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 344 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the captivating world of butterflies and moths, where sunlight and moonlight reveal their hidden lives. Discover their fascinating metamorphosis and uncover the mysteries that set these winged wonders apart. With vibrant illustrations and engaging facts, this book invites readers to explore the delicate balance of nature's most enchanting insects. What secrets do these creatures hold beneath their colorful wings?
La Mariposa
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1998

La Mariposa

By Simon Silva (Illustrator)

A young boy's struggle with language finds hope in a caterpillar's transformation.

40 pages· 2,384 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 292 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Francisco, a young boy who speaks only Spanish, faces the challenge of understanding his new school environment. Drawn to a caterpillar in his classroom, he becomes captivated by its transformation into a butterfly. As he studies the butterfly book, Francisco's imagination takes flight, even as the words elude him. This journey of discovery and resilience highlights the power of imagination and the importance of tolerance in our communities. Will Francisco find his own metamorphosis amidst the struggle to belong?
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Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about butterflies, moths and caterpillars for the youngest readers and listeners.

The Making of Butterflies
Sale price
$999

The Making of Butterflies

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Discover why the Creator made butterflies in this enchanting folktale.

The Eensy-Weensy Spider
Sale price
$799

The Eensy-Weensy Spider

Ages 0–3 · 2001

Follow a spider's whimsical adventures after sliding down a waterspout.

Not So Small at All
Series
Sale price
$799

Not So Small at All

Ages 0–5 · 2018

Discover how small things can achieve big dreams in this inspiring tale.

Ten Magic Butterflies
Series
Sale price
$899

Ten Magic Butterflies

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover math magic as flowers transform into butterflies, revealing secrets of numbers.

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Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about butterflies, moths and caterpillars for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Benny's True Colors
Sale price
$1899

Benny's True Colors

Ages 3–6 · 2020

A bat discovers his true identity as a butterfly.

Handle with Care
Sale price
$2665

Handle with Care

Ages 6–10 · 2014

Discover the journey of butterflies from a Costa Rican farm to their new homes.

Oscar and the Moth
Series
Sale price
$1199

Oscar and the Moth

Ages 4–8 · 2006

A curious kitten explores the mysteries of light and darkness with a wise moth.

The Very Impatient Caterpillar
Series
Sale price
$1999

The Very Impatient Caterpillar

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly, learning patience and self-transformation along the way.

Hello, Little One
Sale price
$1899

Hello, Little One

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A caterpillar's world changes with a butterfly's friendship.

Out of Nowhere
Sale price
$1799

Out of Nowhere

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Winged Wonders
Sale price
$1799

Winged Wonders

Ages 5–11 · 2020

Discover the mystery of monarch butterflies' epic journey and the teamwork that solved it.

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Butterflies, Moths And Caterpillars Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about butterflies, moths and caterpillars for developing and independent readers.

Butterfly Battle
Series
Sale price
$499

Butterfly Battle

Ages 7–10 · 2003

A class field trip turns students into butterflies facing unexpected dangers.

Little Monarchs
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Little Monarchs

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A girl and her caretaker race against time to save humanity from a deadly sun sickness.

Yellow Butterfly
Sale price
$2199

Yellow Butterfly

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl finds hope amidst war through yellow butterflies in a wordless journey.

The Bug Bandits
Sale price
$1899

The Bug Bandits

Ages 8–12 · 2025

A girl and her friends must stop a heist at her dad's insectarium before it's too late.

Horrible Harry and the Dungeon
Series
Sale price
$699

Horrible Harry and the Dungeon

Ages 7–9 · 1996

A student is wrongly accused of touching a butterfly's wing and is sent to the Suspension Room, where he discovers that the teacher in charge is not as scary as he thought.

Counting Sheep
Series
Sale price
$1599

Counting Sheep

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Can Callie save a butterfly and deliver a lamb against the odds?

Solimar
Sale price
$999

Solimar

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A young girl must save her kingdom and magical butterflies from a usurping king.

Clyde
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

Clyde

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A bear leaves home for city life, discovering the value of friendship and family.

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