From Ponds to Pages: The Best Dragonfly Books for Kids
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Updated: November 7, 2023
As an early childhood teacher with a deep love for nature and a background in children’s literature, I’ve handpicked the best dragonfly books to share with your child or classroom.
Categories
From fiction to nonfiction, these children’s books will introduce the life and life cycle of the dragonfly.
Fiction Dragonfly Books
Mika and the Dragonfly by Ellen Delange, illustrated by Martina Schachenhuber
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.
Dragonfly by Aimée M. Bissonette, illustrated by Catherine Pearson
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.
Dragonfly Kites/Pimithaagansa by Tomson Highway, illustrated by Julie Flett
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.
The Garden Creatures of Fairfax Lane: The Dipping Dragonfly by Lanna Breetzke & Heather Larson
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’s Tale by Kristina Rodanas
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.
Are You a Dragonfly? by Judy Allen, illustrated by Tudor Humphries
This dragonfly book balances information and storyline. Readers will learn all about dragonfly facts and decide, “are they a dragonfly?”
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Nonfiction Dragonfly Books
Dazzling Dragonflies by Catherine Ipcizade
Dig into the species of dragonflies in this facts and photographs book.
Dragonflies: Catching – Identifying – How and Where They Live by Chris Earley
This book is an introduction to studying dragonflies in your backyard. The book includes facts, observation tips, and photographs of dragonflies and damselflies.
Soar High, Dragonfly by Sheri M. Bestor, illustrated by Jonny Lambert
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.
A Dragonfly’s Life by Ellen Lawrence
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.
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