Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, and mainly just perfect for those who love to read picture books. Here is a list of books by category. This is very handy for finding books for lessons in the classroom, or for finding books on a particular topic to discuss with your children at home. Each book listed has a link to a review and information about that book. There is also an alphabetical list.
The book I’m reviewing today is What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson.
What the Ladybug Heard
Written by Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Lydia Monks
Henry Holt and Co. 2010
Ages: 2-7
Themes: Animals
Synopsis: (From Booklist) The ladybug in this rhyming story lives on a farm with the usual assortment of animals, each with his or her own special sound (“And the cow said, ‘Moo!’ and the hen said, ‘Cluck!’” etc.), but “the ladybug never said a word” until she overhears “two bad men” plotting to steal the prize cow. The ladybug alerts the others and develops a plan to avert the heist involving each animal taking on the sound of one of the other farm animals. The men are caught, and the animals return to making their trademark sounds while the ladybug goes back to being silent. Filled with drama, lively action, and a large supporting cast of characters, this is a mini play more than a fully fleshed story. The appealing and brightly colored collage illustrations, rhyming text, and assorted animal sounds make it a natural for individual or group read-alouds.
Resources: North Carolina Children’s Picture Book Award Classroom Or Library Activities (page 9), Activities from Teaching Ideas
Beginning Lines: “Once upon a farm there lived a fat red hen,
A duck in a pond and a goose in a pen,
A woolly sheep , a hairy hog,
A handsome horse and a dainty dog,
A fine prize cow, two cats that purred,
And a ladybug who never said a word.
And the cow said, “MOO!”
and the hen said, “CLUCK!”
“HISS!” said the goose
and “QUACK!” said the duck.
“NEIGH!” said the horse.
“OINK!” said the hog.
“BAA!” said the sheep.
“WOOF!” SAID THE DOG.
And one cat meowed while the other one purred…
…and the ladybug never said a word.”
Why I Like This Book: This is a playful, fast-paced rhyming story that flows seamlessly. The repetition of the animals sounds throughout the story will be an invitation for children to join in. I love the how the ladybug (who never says a word) comes up with the plan to outsmart the robbers. Monk’s colorful collage illustrations are full of detail that will invite a second look. If you read my reviews, you know that I read a lot of rhyming picture books. This has to be one of my favorites. There are times when I finish a book and I think, “Oh, how I wish every child could hear this book!” This is one of those books. It is a delightful treat!
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This book looks really cute! I would LOVE to hear how the “two bad men” try to steal the cow! BUT do not tell me! I want to see how it goes with my eyes! :)
Great review! Sounds wonderful. I do love Julia’s other books Gruffalo and Room on a Broom. Will definitely have to check this one out.
Wha a clever and hilarious book. Love the rhyming too. The cover even draws one it because it is unusual and fun. Such a fun pick today!
Ooo the rhythm and rhyme there have me tapping my foot! This sounds, fun, bright, jaunty and a great read for littles!
It is a foot tapping, finger snapping read!
This book sounds absolutely delightful, and I’m dying to find out how the ladybug pulled it off (especially without speaking!) Thanks so much for another wonderful addition to our list!
Well….maybe I exaggerated a tiny, little bit! She’s quite MOSTLY :•)
This book sounds like fun — I especially like your idea of doing a group reading of it! What fun kids could have with all the sounds.
Thanks, Beth. I actually saw that idea on a website and just had to include it! It would be fun!
Oh, this made me laugh out loud:
“but ‘the ladybug never said a word’ until she overhears ‘two bad men’ plotting to steal the prize cow. The ladybug alerts the others and develops a plan to avert the heist involving each animal taking on the sound of one of the other farm animals.”
Sounds like fun. Thanks!
It’s really adorable, Christie! So fun how they fool the bumbling thieves!
This book sounds great for little ones who are learning animal sounds! And the rhyme is great, sounds like it would be great fun to read. Thanks, Penny!
They would be so cute acting it out because the sounds are repeated often.
Ohh, our ladybugs should hatch imminently. I’ll have to get this book for the boys.
Get it! Get it soon. It will be so much fun to have when the ladybugs hatch!
I love the playfulness of the words, that’s something I need to work on so I’d better get this book. The storyline is so similar to the cockerel one I did was is last week? Perfect for kids.
The storyline is different, I think, but wouldn’t both be cute for a farm unit with little ones????
Oh yes :)
This sounds really cute Penny. Reading the first few lines I could almost hear you reading it aloud. So catchy Kids will LOVE IT!
Yes, it’s very catchy. I was pretty much bouncing up and down as I read it…Loved it!