The simplicity of a butterfly’s life cycle makes it a classic topic for early science learning. But, when you think about it, butterfly metamorphosis is an amazing feat of nature. Caterpillars and butterflies fascinate kids, and learning about them through books lets them appreciate these insects even more. Check out these recommended butterfly books for kids.

Little Kids First Board Book: Becoming a Butterfly

by Ruth A. Musgrave

Invite tiny scientists to study gorgeous close-up photographs of butterflies from around the world. The interactive text encourages readers to notice their colors, patterns, and body parts. Start building children’s background knowledge about these amazing creatures and their life cycle by discussing the fact bubbles and labels together.



Pop-Up Peekaboo! Butterfly

by DK, illustrated by Miranda Sofroniou

This sturdy and charming rhyming pop-up book is just right for reading with a little one in your lap. Encourage toddlers to consider the question on each page and lift the flap to learn about eggs, caterpillars, a chrysalis, and beautiful butterflies.



The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

“In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf…” No list of butterfly books would be complete without this quintessential classic. Generations of children have memorized this tale of steadfast munching and joyous transformation.



National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly

by Laura Marsh

This book is our first choice to introduce butterfly basics to preschool and early elementary kiddos. Its straightforward explanations about each stage of the butterfly life cycle give kids memorable facts to hang onto — and the photos are top-notch.



Moth & Butterfly: Ta Da!

by Dev Petty, illustrated by Ana Aranda

When kids excitedly notice a fluttering creature in nature, you might not be sure how to explain the distinctions between a moth and a butterfly. This sweet and informative story breaks it down and offers young scientists the chance to think about how two types of animals can be similar yet different.



Monarch Butterfly (New & Updated)

by Gail Gibbons

Nonfiction titles by Gail Gibbons are always reliable choices to engage kids with the world around them. This story of the monarch butterfly’s life cycle introduces kids to key vocabulary words and teaches them about the species’s migration.



The Mystery of the Monarchs

by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika Meza

This celebration of the work of Dr. Fred Urquhart and his wife, Norah, shows young readers a notable example of how scientists can take action and collect valuable information. After studying all types of insects since childhood, Fred Urquhart wondered, “Where do the monarchs go?” He and his wife started a monarch tagging program that became a “butterfly family” of citizen scientists. Their persistence eventually led them to a magical discovery.



A Place for Butterflies (Third Edition)

by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Higgins Bond

This nonfiction book about butterflies’ role in the ecosystem is a perfect next step once children have a basic understanding of the butterfly life cycle. The main text explains how people can protect butterflies by planting gardens and protecting forests and wetlands. After reading this book, children will feel empowered to help butterflies and can get plenty of inspiration for further research and action.

(On sale: 8/13/2024)



Butterflies and Moths

by DK

If you’ve got a true lepidopterist on your hands, this handy reference title is a great resource to answer questions and spark ideas for projects and investigations. A comprehensive table of contents and labeled sections let readers flip straight to what interests them, from how butterfly wings work to caterpillar camouflage and more.



Butterflies Are Pretty ... Gross!

by Rosemary Mosco, illustrated by Jacob Souva

Nonfiction books like this one that emphasize gross, wow-worthy facts always score major points with kids. Did you know some butterflies eat moldy food and even dead animals, and they taste through their feet? Or that some caterpillars resemble bird poop and smell terrible? This departure from titles that celebrate butterflies as majestic and graceful will stick in kids’ memories.

What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?

by Rachel Ignotofsky

Build elementary kids’ appreciation for the unique adaptations that make each stage of a butterfly’s life cycle possible and purposeful. The author has a lovely way with words, and the whimsical illustrations have many details for kids to pore over.