10 Bug Books for No Mow May

10 Bug Books for No Mow May

Written by: Kate Brown

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Published on

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Time to read 3 min

It’s May! And for those of us who are passionate about conservation and the natural world, it’s a month for taking extra special care of our mini beast friends. ‘No Mow May’ is a national campaign encouraging us to put away the lawnmower. This allows wildflowers and weeds to grow, which helps pollinators to thrive. As insect populations across the UK are plummeting, this campaign is becoming more important than ever.


To help you and your little ones kickstart No Mow May in your garden or local green space, I’ve grabbed a handful of informative and beautiful bug books to share with you! 


Bugs by Patricia Hegarty

This is a great first book of mini beasts for your children. Part of Little Tiger's 'Peep Through Nature' series, this interactive book hones observational and motor skills. Vibrant illustrations by Britta Teckentrup are paired with gentle rhyming narrative by Patricia Hegarty, exploring the lives of insects throughout the seasons.


Recommended for ages 0-4

The Bee Is Not Afraid of Me by Fran Long

This brilliant poetry anthology is sure to ignite interest and respect for the natural world in its readers. Each of these creative poems is based on a different insect, with fun facts included alongside the verse. I really enjoyed the addition of Isabel Galleymore's illustrations, which have a Quentin Blake quality. 


Recommended for ages 8-12+ 

Darwin's Super Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen

This brilliant and unique book tells the silly and fascinating story of Charles Darwin’s little known worm obsession. It turns out, that without nutrient-rich worm poo, there would be no plants or animals on planet earth! Gwen Millward’s animated illustrations really bring Darwin’s character to life. 


Recommended for ages 5-7+ 

Butterfly Skies by Lauren Fairgrieve

This extremely beautiful and colourful board book covers everything from butterfly habitats and diets to myths and legends. Press butterflies out of the book and slot them together to create 20 different insect friends. After finishing your 3D flutter, either hang the stunning decorations to make a butterfly sky or press them back into the book for future fun.


Recommended for ages 5-7+

Minibeasts by Rosie Neave

I used to go nuts for books that included an accessory - I know I would have loved 'Minibeasts'. Meet more than 70 bugs, bees and butterflies from all over the world, all drawn in fabulous detail. Look at them up close under the magnifying glass included in the book then head outside to examine creepy crawlies in your own garden! 


Recommended for ages 5-7+

Respect the Insect by Jules Howard

This big bold book introduces children to the huge variety of insects on our planet and what they do for us. From pollinating plants that turn into our food, to breaking down waste and even plastic, all insects are important and deserve our respect! Gosia Herba's Wacky illustrations bring the whole thing together nicely.


Recommended for ages 8-12

The Bug Hotel by Libby Walden

This lift the flap board book provides an engaging and interactive introduction to the habits and habitats of bugs for young children. This book will also teach you how to build a bug hotel of your very own! As usual, Clover Robin's illustrations are just perfect. 


Recommended for ages 0-4

The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommmer

Would this be a complete list without including something by Yuval Zommer? Probably not. In this instalment of the 'Big Book of...' series, you will learn about bugs by species and by theme (e.g. bugs that come out at night). You and your children will even learn how to spot bugs yourselves! 


Recommended for ages 5-7+

Don't Squish A Slug by Yussef Rafik

This wonderful book offers children a detailed guide to over 40 insects from around the world. Learn to appreciate the awe inspiring role bugs play in the world’s ecosystems - even the really gross ones! Riley Samels’ illustrations are just gorgeous, too. 


Recommended for ages 5-7+ 

A Good Place by Lucy Cousins

Four insect friends are looking for a place to live – one that has flowers for Bee, leaves for Ladybird, a pond for Dragonfly and dead wood for Beetle. But finding a new home isn't easy when there are many dangers all around... This simple picture book is a lovely introduction for very small children about the importance of protecting our insects.


Recommended for ages 0-4
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