Looking to expand your Pre-K classroom’s collection of insect themed books? While you’re at it, don’t forget about the lovely ladybug. Based on my preschool experience, children seem to adore learning about them. With that said, here are a handful of great books to consider:
“Are You a Ladybug?”
Judy Allen’s book “Are You a Ladybug?” is a wonderful one to pick up, especially if you plan on creating a lesson plan around the insect. It contains a lot of kid-friendly information about the ladybug’s life cycle and engaging illustrations. I’d suggest pairing it with Mia Posada’s book “Ladybugs: Red, Fiery and Bright.” It’s written in rhyme, which the kids will likely enjoy. I found favor with the informative section of the book. It contains facts and a color diagram of the ladybug’s anatomy. Both are useful for lesson planning.
“Starting Life: Ladybug”
Reading Clair Llewellyn’s book “Starting Life: Ladybug” is a super way to introduce the kids to the insect’s life cycle. The book contains enough information to make it meaningful but not overwhelming. The illustrations were also well done. You may want to consider pairing it with Barrie Watts’ “Watch it Grow: Ladybug” and Ruth Thompson’s tome “The Life Cycle of a Ladybug.” They contain similar information and color photos.
“World of Insects: Ladybugs”
If you want to give the children a basic overview of the creature, I’d suggest checking out Martha E.H. Rustad’s book “World of Insects: Ladybugs.” It will help you to do just that. The book’s text touches upon the insect’s physical characteristics, diet and life cycle. It also features color photos that some kids may find a bit gross. Based on my experience, it works well when read in conjunction with Gail Gibbons’ book “Ladybugs.” It will also help to round out the children’s basic knowledge of the insect.
“Lots of Ladybugs!: Counting by Fives”
Michael Dahl’s “Lots of Ladybugs!: Counting by Fives” is another book to consider. I like the book for two reasons. First, it pairs phenomenally well with Maria Fleming’s book “Number Tales: Six Cheers for Ladybug.” Second, both books are written in a way that makes them ideal for a pre-math activity read. For example, you could read both books and then give the children handouts that challenge them to count a ladybug’s spots. You could also opt to read the books prior to engaging the children in sequencing and matching games.
“Look Out, Ladybug!”
Finally, you may want to check out Jack Tickle’s book “Look Out, Ladybug!” just for fun. Its storyline focuses on a ladybug that is working on perfecting her flying skills. It could be paired with other entertaining books like Jeanette Hopkins’ “The Ladybug Waltz”, Evelyn Van Dort’s “Am I Really Different” and Julia Donaldson’s “What the Ladybug Heard.”
Source: Personal Experience
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