Books About Metamorphosis · 80 titles considered

The Best Metamorphosis Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Science and Nature, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about metamorphosis? 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.

Graphic Nov.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Metamorphosis

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2002

Anyone But Me

By Nancy E. Krulik, John & Wendy (Illustrator) · Katie Kazoo Switcheroo series

A young girl is turned into a hamster by a mysterious wind and must navigate her way through school and friendships to find a way back to her human form

80 pages· 8,659 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,290 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Katie's wish to escape her bully leads to unexpected chaos when she starts transforming into others, including the class hamster. Trapped in a whirlwind of identities, Katie must navigate her extraordinary predicament. Will she find a way back to her true self, or remain lost in a world of switcheroos? Each transformation brings new challenges and adventures, testing her resourcefulness and courage. As she grapples with her new reality, Katie learns that being herself might be the greatest adventure of all. Can she outsmart her predicament and reclaim her identity?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2009

Shiver

By Maggie Stiefvater · Book #1 in the The Wolves of Mercy Falls series

A girl and a wolf-boy fight against time and nature to stay together.

392 pages· 94,846 words· Est. 9 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 499,812 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Grace is captivated by a mysterious yellow-eyed wolf in the woods. When she meets Sam, a boy with the same eyes, she discovers his secret: he shifts between human and wolf. As winter approaches, Sam struggles to remain human, risking everything to stay with Grace. Can their bond withstand the chilling forces threatening to tear them apart?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Tad

By Benji Davies

A young tadpole navigates the dangers of the pond to become a frog

32 pages· 532 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 994 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a vast pond, Tad is the smallest tadpole, struggling to keep up with her siblings as they venture beyond the nest. But when the ominous Big Blub appears, Tad must confront her fears alone. As her siblings vanish, Tad wonders if Big Blub is the reason or if there's a better place waiting. Can Tad muster the courage to leap into the unknown and discover her true strength? This enchanting tale explores growth, bravery, and the journey to find one's place in the world.

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

4.5/5 Goodreads · 339 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?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · 2002

Tadpoles and Frogs

By Anna Milbourne, Patrizia Donaera (Illustrator), Zoe Wray (Illustrator)

Witness a tadpole's transformation into a frog.

32 pages· 1,145 words

4.2/5 Goodreads · 136 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Follow the fascinating journey of a tadpole as it transforms into a frog. Discover the diverse world of frogs, exploring their unique eating habits and habitats. What secrets do these amphibians hold?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2018

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies

By Joyce Sidman

A pioneering woman defies norms to uncover the secrets of butterflies.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2019)

120 pages· 12,720 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,190 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Maria Sibylla Merian, a trailblazing entomologist, defies societal norms to study insects, once deemed 'beasts of the devil.' Her groundbreaking work on butterfly metamorphosis challenges perceptions and inspires future scientists. Why would a woman pursue such a path? Discover her journey through vivid illustrations and a passion for knowledge that defies convention.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

The Visitor (Graphic Novel)

By K.A. Applegate, Michael Grant, Chris Grine (Illustrator) · Animorphs: Graphic Novel series

Five kids morph into animals to battle secret alien invaders.

208 pages· 9,111 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,119 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Rachel and her friends discover Earth is under attack by parasitic aliens. Armed with the power to morph into animals, they must stop the invasion. Rachel, fearless and daring, infiltrates their enemy's lair, but what she uncovers could be more than she bargained for. Can these kids outsmart a hidden menace threatening humanity?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Encounter (Graphic Novel)

By Michael Grant, Chris Grine (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Animorphs: Graphic Novel series

Trapped as a hawk, Tobias must battle alien secrets and his own lost humanity.

208 pages· 8,089 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 729 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Tobias is trapped in a hawk's body after breaking a morphing rule. Discovering a dangerous alien secret, he must fight to protect humanity and reclaim his own. Can he overcome the hawk within and stop the Yeerks before it's too late? The stakes are high, and Tobias's struggle is both external and deeply personal.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Very Impatient Caterpillar

By Ross Burach · The Very Impatient Caterpillar series

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

32 pages· 436 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,664 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Join a curious caterpillar on a hilarious journey of discovery as it learns about metamorphosis. Eager to transform into a butterfly, the caterpillar's impatience leads to comedic moments and unexpected lessons. Will it finally achieve its dream of wings? Dive into this laugh-out-loud tale that combines humor with fascinating facts about nature's magical process.

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.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Metamorphosis Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about metamorphosis for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$799

The Caterpillar and the Polliwog

Ages 2–5 · 1982

A caterpillar and polliwog dream of transformation, sparking an unexpected friendship.

Series

Sale price

$999

My, Oh My—A Butterfly!

Ages 5–9 · 2007

Discover the secret world of butterflies with the Cat in the Hat's whimsical rhymes.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

Owly & Wormy, Friends All Aflutter!

Ages 3–7 · 2011

Owly and Wormy await butterflies, but unexpected green bugs arrive. Will their dreams take flight?

Series

Sale price

$599

Flutter, Butterfly!

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Discover the magical journey of a butterfly's life.

Sale price

$1999

First the Egg

Ages 2–6 · 2007

Discover the magic of transformation from egg to chicken and beyond.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1695

Sato the Rabbit

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy becomes a rabbit, uncovering a world of hidden wonders and unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1799

Moth & Butterfly

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Two friends transform, one a moth, the other a butterfly. Can their friendship survive day and night?

Sale price

$1999

Summer Birds

Ages 5–8 · 2010

A young girl challenges ancient beliefs by observing caterpillars transform into butterflies.

Series

Sale price

$1199

Caterpillar to Butterfly

Ages 3–7 · 2010

Witness the magical transformation from egg to butterfly.

Sale price

$1699

Leopardpox!

Ages 4–7 · 2012

A girl turns into a leopard cub. Can her family find a cure before it's too late?

The Changing Caterpillar

Series

Sale price

$500

The Changing Caterpillar

Ages 5–7 · 1997

Witness a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly.

Series

Sale price

$2199

The Life Cycle of a Frog

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A frog develops from an egg in a pond, hatches into a tadpole, and gradually transforms into an adult frog over 12 weeks.

View all metamorphosis picture books

Browse by age

Metamorphosis Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about metamorphosis for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$599

The Ellimist Chronicles

Ages 9–12 · 2000

Discover the mysterious Ellimist's role in shaping the Animorphs' destiny.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$899

Thor's Serpents

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Three teens face separate battles against monsters to prevent the apocalypse.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1299

Hunted

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Can forced spirit animal bonds lead to ultimate power or destruction?

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2199

A Honey Bee's Story (Graphic Novel)

Ages 9–12 · 2000

A young bee's quest for answers leads to unexpected adventures and hive mysteries.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Answer

Ages 9–12 · 2001

Allies emerge in the battle against the Yeerks.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Diversion

Ages 9–12 · 2000

Enemies close in as the Animorphs' secret is exposed.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Beginning

Ages 9–12 · 2001

A final battle looms against parasitic alien invaders.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Revelation

Ages 9–12 · 2000

Marco must protect his father from a dangerous project as alien threats loom.

Series

Sale price

$599

Back to Before

Ages 8–12 · 2000

A leader's choice to undo the past unleashes a new reality.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Sacrifice

Ages 9–12 · 2001

Destroy the Yeerk pool to end the invasion, risking countless lives.

Sale price

$699

Joyful Noise

Ages 8–12 · 1988

Discover the vibrant world of insects through poems that buzz, hum, and sing with life.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Alien

Ages 8–12 · 1997

An alien seeks revenge while stranded on Earth, joining kids in a battle against evil invaders.

View all metamorphosis chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about growing up Books about self-esteem Books about shapeshifting Books about werewolves

Our 10 Favorite Books About Metamorphosis

Great books, picked for their age.

Metamorphosis Picture Books

Metamorphosis Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo