Our lovely ladybugs are free at last. With morning temperatures above 55 degrees F, we released them near our aphid-infested rose bushes where they can find many critters to munch. We hope they’ll stay awhile so we can visit our “pets” from time to time. Cooper named one “Tickle” after it tickled his arms as it crawled towards his shoulder. My critique partner Julie provided this fabulous illustration of “Tickle.”
Tickle by Julie Rowan-Zoch
Today we’ll read Eric Carle’s “The Very Grouchy Ladybug” in honor of our ladybug friends. While perusing Eric Carle’s site, I found a wealth of activities related to the book, including phonemic awareness activities, time-telling projects, discussions about feelings and much more. Also, check out this pre-k class’s egg-carton ladybugs. If we really start to miss our friends, we might try this.
Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. She’s the author of WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Her Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021); THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023), THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW, illustrated by Cornelia Li (Little, Brown, 2024) and THE LIGHT OF RESISTANCE, illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Roaring Brook, 2023) along with 25 other nonfiction books for kids. She's a geek, LEGO lover, and sock enthusiast. Find her at kirsten-w-larson.com or on Twitter/Instagram @KirstenWLarson.
View all posts by Kirsten W. Larson
19 thoughts on “Ladybug, ladybug fly away home”
Wonderful! They’ve ladybug-ified! What great experiences you’re giving your kids. You rock!
We only hate Ladybugs when they get into our house (without permission or an invitation) during the winter to stay warm, and die in our house, making it smell, and just down right gross! But, if they’re OUTSIDE of the house, we love ’em! 🙂
Our lovely ladybugs are free at last. With morning temperatures above 55 degrees F, we released them near our aphid-infested rose bushes where they can find many critters to munch. We hope they’ll stay awhile so we can visit our “pets” from time to time. Cooper named one “Tickle” after it tickled his arms as it crawled towards his shoulder. My critique partner Julie provided this fabulous illustration of “Tickle.”
Kirsten W. Larson 
Wonderful! They’ve ladybug-ified! What great experiences you’re giving your kids. You rock!
We try to have fun. Kids are so full of wonder. It doesn’t take much to keep them interested.
Sending a ‘little tickle’ per email for Cooper
Oops, via fb instead!
Just posted Tickle’s pic on the blog post. Revisit to see her (or is it a him).
Tickle is a wonderful name for a ladybug. I insist you write a picture book about her!
ME TOO!
Yes great idea! And Julie that Ladybug is awesome!
Yo Catherine – thanks!
I just put a bunch of ladybug books on hold … for research, of course!
🙂
Well, I’ve been looking for a May idea, since my historical/biographical piece would require primary research in Princeton.
Yeah, can’t wait!
I love this! I have just written a picture book about a bee, but includes a major ladybug munch time too!
Too cute! Insects are quite amazing creatures.
What a fun experience! I hope the ladybugs stay around to keep you company and take care of your roses 🙂
We need some pets. My older son just came out of his room and asked for a puppy.
We only hate Ladybugs when they get into our house (without permission or an invitation) during the winter to stay warm, and die in our house, making it smell, and just down right gross! But, if they’re OUTSIDE of the house, we love ’em! 🙂
I was just reading that this can be a problem. I’ve never experienced it, but I’m with you…I love bugs as long as they aren’t in my space.