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Amelia May has created a simple narrative that makes a direct connection with children. Set to lilting couplets with bright and bold construction paper depictions, May's story focuses on a ladybug that is looking for, as he states, "a friend who’s just the one for me, who’s caring, fun, and kind.” Older preschooler on up to early elementary-aged children will have no trouble identifying with the rejection the ladybug receives from a bee and a butterfly. Excited to make a friend, the ladybug approaches a bee, but did not anticipate that the bee would rather keep busy than stop to play. Trying yet again, the ladybug approaches a butterfly. But to his surprise, he is turned away a second time. This time the butterfly's condescending remark "I'm not sure I need someone like you" brought the poor ladybug to tears. The facial expressions that May uses for each rhyme aptly capture every part of ladybug's encounters.
May's clever utilization of insects that differ from the ladybug is so indicative of a younger child who sees no distinction between other children, whether size, shape, or color. Younger children's instinctive needs are to be loved and accepted. When they are not accepted, they are easily hurt. As they get older their feelings magnify. Distinctions also begin to form. Indeed, the bee and, especially the butterfly fit the category of older children who so easily pick and choose their friends and have no qualms about uttering demoralizing comments.
Another aspect that May deftly incorporates in her story is bullying, an issue that has plagued and continues to plague children, especially in schools. After the ladybug's disheartening encounters with the bee and butterfly, May adds an interesting twist to the ladybug's antagonistic experiences. The downcast ladybug is on his way home when he bumps into a group of mocking aphids. The twist, of course, is that in reality ladybugs are predators to aphids. So in this ironic move, the aphids stand up to the ladybug -- (three against one) by calling him a loser and "that ladybug's so weird." May's use of the aphids is a reminder that when a child is emotional hurt, they are vulnerable to attack most often not by one, but by a group of bullies.
Lastly, May brings to the attention of the ladybug whose wallowing almost missed the lone cry of an ant. The ladybug's reaction is a perfect picture of a child's natural default to self-absorption. Yet, again, shows the importance of thinking of others, instead of getting stuck in a pity party – a lesson that children as well as adults can learn! By reaching out to ant and forgetting about himself, he not only helped the ant solve his problem, but also serendipitously gained a friend.
The Little Ladybug is a great book and one that children will not only enjoy, but also appreciate. I give her story a rating of 4 out of 4 because of its profound messages and its versatility since it can be read aloud (for younger children) or read alone (for early elementary children).
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