Are You a Ladybug? (Backyard Books) - Hardcover

Allen, Judy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0753452413 ISBN 13: 9780753452417

Publisher: Kingfisher, 2000

Synopsis

This colorful first nature picture book, written by Judy Allen and illustrated by Tudor Humphries, gives children aged 4 to 7 an inside look at how they would experience life if they were a ladybug.

Ideal for reading aloud or as a first reader, the detailed illustrations bring this familiar creature to life in a truly memorable way. Children who love ladybugs will learn all about their life cycles and behavior, and the witty, interactive text―beginning with the question "Are you a ladybug?"―will encourage readers to explore the similarities and differences between themselves and these fascinating animals.

And if you love insects, why not collect all ten titles in the Backyard Books series?

About this title

About the Authors

Judy Allen is an award-winning author whose novel Awaiting Developments was short-listed for the Whitbread Children's Novel Award.

Judy Allen, along with illustrator Tudor Humphries, created Kingfisher's award-winning Backyard Books series and many other successful books, including the Reading Rainbow selections Tiger and Seal.

Author Judy Allen and illustrator Tudor Humphries created Kingfisher's award-winning Backyard Books series and many other successful books, including the Reading Rainbow selections Tiger and Seal. Tudor Humphries' recent titles include Hiding and A Floating World.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2-Short sentences in large print are juxtaposed against colorful, close-up, watercolor-and-pencil illustrations. Each accessible book begins with its title question and tells readers how they would experience life as that creature, keeping the familiar form of address throughout, e.g., "If you are [a ladybug], your parents look like this, and they eat-." The books briefly describe their subjects' birth, growth and development, a few outstanding physical and behavioral characteristics, diet, habitat, and natural enemies. The narratives then segue into a reality check, stating, "However, if your parents look a little like this-You are-a human child." Each title ends with a list of miscellaneous facts about the invertebrate discussed. While the texts are simply and clearly written, there are a couple of minor flaws. Ladybug fails to define the word aphid, although the soft-bodied insect is referred to several times, and Snail defines poison as "poisonous." Joanne Ryder's beautifully illustrated, lyrical The Snail's Spell (Puffin, 1988) serves as an excellent introduction for preschoolers, but Allen's titles will attract young nature lovers.
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

“Are you a ladybug? If you are, your parents look like this, and they eat aphids.” So begins a charming little book from the Backyard Books series (Are You a Snail?, not reviewed) that documents the amazing life cycle of the common ladybug. Throughout, Humphries engages the viewer's imagination with clear, close-up illustrations, done in soft watercolors, of beetles from egg to adult. The text invites the listener to be part of the story, growing inside an egg, hatching as a strange larva, resting in the hard, shell-like pupa, and finally emerging complete with wings, spots, and a bright red coat. “Congratulations, you're a ladybug.” With tongue in cheek, the author explains that if your parents look like humans, you are not a ladybug, “You are a human child.” And advises, “Your skin will not split as you grow. You can't fly. It is very unlikely that you are red with black dots.” The author concludes with facts about ladybugs; for example, “a ladybug can eat about 70 aphids a day.” The titles in this series have shiny board covers, glossy paper, a modest price, small size and a great deal of appeal. For reading aloud or reading alone, preschool and early childhood children will find these young information books delightful. (Nonfiction. 4-8) -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kingfisher
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0753452413
• ISBN 13: 9780753452417
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Humphries Tudor
• Number of pages: 31