Ladybug Girl's Day Out with Grandpa

May 1, 2017
A trip to the natural history museum—with its dizzying array of things to see, do, and learn about—proves to be an opportunity for Lulu to gain a newfound appreciation for mindfulness in this warm addition to Soman and Davis’s long-running series. Dressed in her ever-present ladybug outfit, Lulu dashes from dinosaurs to gemstones to marine mammals at top speed, and just when she starts to get overwhelmed by how much there is to learn, Grandpa reminds her that “If you take your time and are still for a moment, you’ll learn more.” Lulu’s eagerness and Grandpa’s affection for his granddaughter are powerfully felt in each scene. Ages 3–5.

April 1, 2017
Ladybug Girl learns the importance of slowing down on a visit to the natural history museum.Readers (and their knowing caregivers) will know exactly how Lulu feels when her grandfather takes her to the museum: there is so much to see, and Lulu wants to learn everything about so many things! This leads her to flit through, barely learning the name of one thing before another catches her eye and she's off! Finally, she must face the realization that she can't learn it all in one day, comparing this experience to her dog's in the forest when faced with myriads of smells. Wise Grandpa tells her "Bingo explores one thing at a time, so he can fully appreciate it. If you take your time and are still for a moment, you'll learn more." Lulu takes this to heart in the butterfly habitat. Running up to the butterflies scares them into flying, but when she's still, one butterfly actually lands on her. Gray-haired, jeans-clad Grandpa is the epitome of patience in Soman's ink-and-watercolor illustrations; hands in his pockets, he patiently follows his excited granddaughter and stoops down to her level. The interior pictures of the museum emphasize just how big the displays are and how little the girl is in her ladybug costume. Both characters are white, though other museumgoers are diverse.A gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses. (Picture book. 4-7)

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April 1, 2017
PreS-Gr 1-There is something magical about the curiosity of a preschooler. Just about everything is interesting; their minds are wide open, waiting to embrace new knowledge. In the latest installment of the popular series, Ladybug Girl embodies this insatiable curiosity. She is visiting the natural history museum with her grandfather. Ladybug Girl is excited about so many exhibits-from dinosaurs to elephants to emeralds-that she flits from one to the next, just like a ladybug. Although her grandfather tries to tell her to take her time and be still in order to learn more, Ladybug Girl isn't able to heed his advice until she discovers the butterfly room. It is a magical moment when she slows down enough to allow a butterfly to land on her, and she whispers, -I can fly too.... I am Ladybug Girl.- The child's vibrant personality and exuberance shine through the sweet story and the charming illustrations. Soman uses natural tones, mostly in browns and blues, to depict the exhibits in the museum, allowing Ladybug Girl, in her red costume, to be the star of every page. This book highlights the joy children feel when sharing a special day with a beloved relative, without their parents around. VERDICT A wonderful addition to the series for one-on-one and small group sharing.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
At the natural history museum with Grandpa, "Ladybug Girl" Lulu is overly eager to know "everything about everything"--dinosaurs, gems, whales, etc. She learns a lot but realizes that she can't discover all the museum (and the world) has to offer in one day. Ink and watercolor illustrations emphasize Ladybug Girl's endearing zeal in this enjoyable entry in the popular series.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)