The Honeybee and the Robber

Written by: Eric Carle

First line: In a hive inside an old hollow tree, there lived a honeybee.

Why you should read this book: Gorgeously illustrated in Carle's signature style, this pull-tab book follows a honeybee through her busy day. It's an accessible but informative book that includes many interesting details about the realities of life for these beloved insects. Also includes two full pages of small-print nonfiction explanations for adults, corresponding to the action on each page of the larger book, so they can answer every single question about honeybees that might arise in the minds of children.

Why you should not read this book: Like all pull-tab books, the print edition is simply no match for children's fingers, and will soon be destroyed by curious and eager grabbing hands. 

James and the Giant Peach

Written by: Roald Dahl

First line: Here is James Henry Trotter when he was about four years old.

Why you should read this book: Rollicking good fun for kids, this story is a tiny bit gentler than some of Dahl's other novels for young readers, full of invention and a touch of danger and just enough transformation to create a fairy tale sensibility. Orphaned at a young age, James escapes his abusive guardians with the help of a bag of magic, which he clumsily spills into the roots of a decrepit tree. Traveling in a giant peach, with the companionship of a group of giant, friendly insects, a little boy with no friends finds his way to a world with no lack of them.

Why you should read this book: Aside from a little sizeism directed at the terrible, abusive guardians, this book stands up pretty well for its age.

Insects Are My Life

Written by: Megan McDonald and Paul Brett Johnson

First line: The night that Andrew caught the fireflies in a jar, Amanda set them all free.

Why you should read this book: Amanda likes bugs, and only bugs, because insects are her life. This predilection leads to various conflicts with people who cannot understand her, her fascination with creepy-crawlies, or the way she expresses her love. The budding entomologist eventually makes friends with a young herpetologist who may not share her love of insects but does understand her obsession.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You hate bugs.