By: Elizabeth T. Renteria

In today’s digital world, children spend more time with screens than with nature. The sight of kids exploring the outdoors, digging in the soil, or observing tiny insects is becoming rare. Yet, the natural world remains one of the greatest classrooms we can offer them.

Outdoor play does more than entertain; it teaches lessons of empathy, patience, creativity, and science that no tablet can replicate. The children’s book Alexis and the Bug Hotel by Zenia Phoenix beautifully illustrates how a simple project like building a bug hotel can transform the way children see the world.

Discovering Curiosity in the Backyard

Children are naturally curious, but they need the space and encouragement to let that curiosity grow. In Alexis and the Bug Hotel, the young girl Alexis wonders where bugs sleep. Instead of brushing her question aside, she begins to explore, and soon her dad helps her build a hotel for insects in their backyard.

That small spark of curiosity opens the door to a much bigger adventure. This shows how vital it is for parents and teachers to support children’s questions. A backyard or garden can easily become a science lab where imagination meets discovery. Every stone lifted or stick moved can reveal new life that inspires learning.

Building Empathy Through Small Creatures

One of the most powerful lessons Alexis learns is empathy. As she builds different “rooms” for her insect guests, she begins to think about their comfort, creating a Beetle Bedroom, a Ladybug Lounge, and even a Wormy Worm Tunnel. Naming these spaces gives personality to creatures most people overlook.

When children learn to care about small lives, they begin to understand the value of kindness. Caring for bugs may seem simple, but it plants the seeds of responsibility and compassion. It shows that every living thing has a place in the world. Zenia Phoenix captures this message with warmth, making the story both playful and meaningful.

A Gentle Introduction to Science

Not every child enjoys sitting with textbooks, but hands-on projects bring science to life. A bug hotel is a creative way to teach biology, ecology, and environmental balance. Children learn about habitats, food chains, and the importance of insects in keeping the earth healthy.

In the story, Alexis records her observations in a Bug Book, mirroring how real scientists take notes and study the world. Without even realizing it, children who follow her story begin to see science not as something difficult, but as something exciting and accessible.

The Gift of Time Outdoors

Spending time outside is not only fun—it’s essential for children’s well-being. Studies show that outdoor play reduces stress, improves focus, and encourages creativity. Building a bug hotel involves collecting materials like sticks, leaves, and stones—physical activity that connects kids with nature while fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Alexis’ joy at seeing her insect hotel come to life reminds us how rewarding outdoor projects can be. The experience becomes more than a story—it becomes an invitation for families to create their own adventures in gardens, parks, and beyond.

Sustainability Starts Young

Teaching children about the environment early helps them grow into responsible adults. Bug hotels are not just fun—they’re small acts of conservation. They provide shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees, which pollinate plants and control pests.

Through Alexis and the Bug Hotel, Zenia Phoenix shows that even a child can contribute to protecting the planet. The story reminds us that big change often begins with small, thoughtful steps.

A Story That Inspires Action

At its heart, Alexis and the Bug Hotel is more than a bedtime story—it’s a guide for families to connect with nature, nurture curiosity, and teach values that last a lifetime. By following Alexis’ journey, children are inspired to ask questions, explore their world, and build something meaningful with their own hands.

Parents and teachers who share this story will find practical inspiration for encouraging outdoor play and discovery in children’s lives.

Alexis and the Bug Hotel by Zenia Phoenix is a gentle yet powerful reminder that the best classrooms are sometimes right outside our doors. Give your child the gift of curiosity, empathy, and discovery by exploring this heartwarming story together.