Lucy Lady Bug

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray Public Library, Gray, Me, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Sharon King-Chai has introduced the concepts of counting, colors and the seasons to young readers as she tells the story of a little lady bug that feels she doesn't fit in because she has no spots. Lucy, feeling she doesn't belong, wishes she were like the frog with his green spots whom she meets in the spring the caterpillar with her yellow spots whom she meets in the fall and the fish with her blue spots she meets in the winter. They each in turn remind her of how special she is and then give her one of their spots. When she returns to her lady bug family, she realizes that she is still different as are all the creatures she has met. Lucy is like all of us , wanting to fit rather than embracing our own uniqueness. Readers are reminded of this while counting the spots of varied colors that Lucy is given. Text is not overwhelming for the reader and is supported by illustrations that are big, bold,bright and clearly show our non readers what the story is about.It is visually appealing as well as sending a gentle message about celebrating who we are.A fun book that can be paired with books about insects, the Ladybug girl series, Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd and other concept books featuring counting and colors.

Overall Book Score: very good