15 Best Dragonflies Books for Children: Stories & Nonfiction
Once upon a time, someone asked me, “But have you ever seen a dragonfly land?” My Indiana Hoosier answer was, “uh….well, yeah….” Okay, so actually, that’s a pretty lame story when I type it out, but it remains a fantastic inside joke in my family.
If you’re a parent or educator with a bug-obsessed kid, you can use these dragonflies books to help them pursue their passion. This particular list includes stories with dragonflies and nonfiction, fact-packed dragonflies books. Extend learning even more with 25 dragonfly facts for kids (free PDFs available).
Dragonfly Story Books
The Garden Creatures of Fairfax Lane: The Dipping Dragonfly
By Lanna Breetzke & Heather Larson
Available in: paperback & hardcover
This book follows an overly active dragonfly. Along with the storyline, readers will enjoy the rhyming text and whimsical illustrations. Ultimately, the dragonfly (and readers) will learn the importance of slowing down and fully enjoying a moment or activity.
Dragonfly Kites/Pimithaagansa
By Tomson Highway, illustrated by Julie Flett
Available in: paperback & hardcover
Two brothers enjoy exploring the outdoors, and then the story takes a magical twist. This multi-lingual story is written in English and Cree. Julie Flett’s illustrations are indescribably lovely as always.
Little Ant and the Dragonfly
By S. M. R. Saia, illustrated by Tina Perko
Available in: paperback
This book is part of a larger, insect-based series. This time ant and dragonfly learn that every story has two sides. Readers will enjoy the cute, cartoony illustrations in the book.
Dragonfly’s Tale
By Kristina Rodanas
Available in: paperback & hardcover
This Native American folktale focuses on the lesson that we should not take what we have for granted. While is a longer story, readers will love learning about Zuni culture.
Mika and the Dragonfly
By Ellen Delange, illustrated by Martina Schachenhuber
Available in: hardcover
A (slightly) fantastical story about a shy girl who befriends an injured dragonfly. In this book, you’ll find the themes of compassion, friendship, and shyness. The cool-toned grey illustrations are an interesting contrast to most dragonfly books.
Are You a Dragonfly?
By Judy Allen, illustrated by Tudor Humphries
Available in: paperback & hardcover
This dragonfly book balances information and storyline. Readers will learn all about dragonfly facts and decide, “are they a dragonfly?”
Eliza and the Dragonfly
By Susie Caldwell Rinehart, illustrated by Anisa Claire Hovemann
Available in: paperback & hardcover
While intertwining facts and storyline, this book follows inquisitive Eliza as she learns about the lifecycle of dragonflies.
Informational Dragonfly Books
Dragonfly
By Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Catherine Pearson
Available in: hardcover
I absolutely love the kaleidoscope illustrations in this dragonfly book. Readers will learn about dragonfly science and the species’ history over millions of years. The book does an incredible job sharing dragonfly facts using narrative language.
Dragon in the Sky
By Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Bob Marstall
Available in: hardcover
The beautiful illustrations in this book make you want to learn more about the life cycle of dragonflies. A little text-heavy, but you’ll get the chance to follow every move of a green darner dragonfly. This book is a great inclusion for a dragonfly unit or study.
Dazzling Dragonflies
By Catherine Ipcizade
Available in: paperback
Dig into the species of dragonflies in this facts and photographs book.
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Dragonflies: Catching, Identifying, & How and Where They Live
By Chris Earley
Available in: paperback & hardcover
This book is an introduction to studying dragonflies in your backyard. The book includes facts, observation tips, and photographs of dragonflies and damselflies.
Explore More: 110 Outdoor Activities for Your Own Backyard
Soar High, Dragonfly
By Sheri M. Bestor, illustrated by Jonny Lambert
Available in: paperback & hardcover
This dragonfly book is an excellent introduction for younger readers. Compared to more text-heavy, fact-packed dragonfly books, this book lets the colorful illustrations do the talking.
Fast Facts About Dragonflies
By Julia Garstecki-Derkovitz
Available in: hardcover & paperback
Fast facts for fast bugs. Readers will learn all about dragonfly habitats, behaviors, lifecycles, and more. This book also includes dragonfly crafts and additional resources.
Life Cycles: Dragonflies
By Robin Nelson
Available in: hardcover & paperback
This book is a beginner’s guide to the unique life cycle of dragonflies. The book features real photographs of each stage of the cycle.
A Dragonfly’s Life
By Ellen Lawrence
Available in: paperback
This book will make you want to get out and explore nature! This book approaches insect science a little differently. Readers will follow along as the narrator tracks her dragonfly observations in a nature journal. You might be inspired to start your own nature journal after reading this book.
We hope you found your next book in our list of dragonflies books for children. If you’re looking for more bug or critter books, be sure to explore our nature-based book lists including ocean creatures, penguins, spiders, bees, and more. And if you have any favorite dragonfly books that we missed, please share them in the comments below. I’d love to add the book and credit you for your find.
