This story follows Lydia, who is fascinated by bugs, as she collects all different types for her school’s show-and-tell. The colorful illustrations are perfect for keeping children entertained during a read-aloud and encouraging them to ask questions in an attempt to learn more about different insects. The standout component in this book was the educational illustrations of the various types of bugs. Overall, it is colorful, sweet, engaging, and with creative illustrations, kids are sure to enjoy. This one is perfect for the little nature lover in your life, as well as for classroom read-alouds, bedtime stories, and any curious early reader.

Such a cute love letter to bugs. Way to go to the author and illustrator for making the bugs less icky and scary and more accessible to kids. The joy and love of the main character shines through. The illustrations were bright and inviting. I loved the backmatter.

This one was such a delight. I absolutely loved it—fun, engaging, and the illustrations and text work so well together, making it the kind of book kids want to linger over and reread. A definite must-read for kiddos who love bugs (or who might after this).

The pictures are gorgeous, thoughtfully placed across the pages to enhance the reading experience. I love the playful alliteration in the writing. This is a fun book for kids, but it’s also educational—all the bugs mentioned are real, with a handy bio at the back. Cleverly done for enjoyment and learning. Eye-catching, engaging, and a book that kids will love reading while parents, aunties, and uncles will happily pick up as gifts.

I loved this one! The illustrations are beautiful and Lydia is such a fun character. I really enjoyed seeing Lydia interact with the bugs in the book and her family members. I especially appreciated the author's note explaining what Lydia's mom does as a job and the last couple pages that taught about all of the bugs in this book. This book was a great mix of fiction and facts that teach the reader all about bugs!

I could see bug lovers going for this book! The text was simple and perfect for 3-5 year olds. I liked that she was a girl who loved bugs and so was her mom. (And the boys were the ones who didn’t like bugs.) I was worried that she was just collecting the bugs and not letting them go, but it all turned out all right in the end. The illustrations clearly showed her love of bugs- bug bedspread, bug stickers on her door. I appreciated the bug facts at the back on the book describing the different bugs featured in the book while also using kids friendly language.

Lydia Loves Bugs is a perfect educational and engaging read! This book would be fantastic with a lesson plan on various insects. The illustrations are beautiful and will easily be a book that will be reached for time and time again. The bug guide at the end of the book is wonderful and will be a great resource for kids of all ages. Highly recommend!

If you have a child who loves nature, asks “why?” a lot, or collects tiny treasures from the backyard, Lydia Loves Bugs might be a perfect pick. This picture book celebrates curiosity, science, and loving what you love—even when others don’t quite get it yet. With its engaging illustrations, science-friendly theme, and love for all things creepy-crawly, it’s a great choice for young readers who adore bugs—or might just learn to.

Lydia Loves Bugs and I love this book! The illustrations are beautiful and the story concise. This will be a great way to introduce the insect unit in my Pre-K class. One of my goals is to help everyone in my class feel comfortable with insects and this book will help.

5⭐️

Lydia is a curious young girl who has inherited a fascination with and respect for insects from her entomologist mama. She gathers a selection of her favorites to take to school and share with her classmates, and teaches them how wonderful these little creatures are. The book ends with a more technical explanation of the types of insects pictured throughout the story, making this ideal for home use as well as classroom or library shelves. Recommended for ages 4-7.

I love this book! I want to buy a copy for all my friends’ kids and every school library nearby. Let me introduce myself as a huge fan of insects and a proud parent of many Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches over the years, and one beautiful female black widow spider named Maleficent.

Two really big lessons from this book: representation matters, and those we don’t understand are worth to getting to know and love.

Lydia Loves Bugs by Heidi E. Stemple is a cute and informative boo showing a variety of real bugs throughout a curious little girl's piqued interest!

This book is vibrant and has a simple plot of reflecting what may be an unusual love of insects that is encouraged in a young girls life.

The topic of a young girl being interested in bugs is initially an eye drawer, but it gets even better when you crack open the book and there are no stereotypes to be had. Dad works as a scientist? NOPE! he's home doing laundry! Our main character then only child of color in their classroom? No! We have a collection of cultures here!

The Illustrations are also phenomenal, with drawn insects that very clearly reflect real insects!
This is certainly one I could see including in my library's collection, but also one that I'd purchase for my children's personal library.
Thank you Familius Books for the Advanced Reader Copy of this title!

We absolutely adored reading Lydia Loves Bugs together. We’re always drawn to a good STEM-focused picture book, and this one completely delivered. The story felt joyful and affirming, with such a sweet message about being seen, supported, and embracing what you love.

My daughters were fascinated by all the different bugs throughout the story, and the playful word choices and charming illustrations made it feel fun rather than intimidating. I especially loved how Lydia’s curiosity and enthusiasm were celebrated, and how the story naturally wove in learning without ever feeling heavy-handed. The bug facts at the end were a wonderful touch and sparked even more curiosity after we finished reading.

This is such a delightful read for little nature lovers and budding scientists, and it’s one we would happily revisit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Familius for allowing us to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Having four grown daughters and five grandchildren, I have seen and read a lot of children’s books. Every once in a while I come across a learning book that is also fun to read, beautifully illustrated and seeks to draw the child into the story!

The cover is stunning - featuring Lydia and a myriad of bugs - many printed with a shiny surface that encourages the child to touch and explore the bugs!

Lydia has always loved bugs even though her father and brother shy away from them, in some cases run away!!! Her mother, an entomologist, encourages Lydia in her passion and they sometimes work together to collect bugs.

A sample of the wonderful rhyming throughout the story. “She loves balled-up, brown bugs and you-can-bearely-seem-’em bugs. She loves singing bugs, and silent bugs, and even slightly stinky bugs.”

This is a book that can grow with your child. At age 2 he/she will enjoy the illustrations, rhyming and bright, bold colors. As the child grows you can encourage them to love bugs by reading the information/along with illustrations at the end of the book which includes all of the bugs in the book. There are 24 in all including ‘Bumblebees - the world’s best pollinators” They flap their wings more than 130 times per second, shaking pollen loose.”

I highly recommend this beautiful addition to any child’s library - get outside and explore!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Familius. It was my pleasure to read and review this title. Please check their website for more family themed books!