The Gift of the Ladybug

The Gift of the Ladybug is a magical story of love, joy, and radical acceptance through the eyes of two horses who learn their son is actually a ladybug.

This book was born during one of the author's darkest moments. After learning that her son TJ had a progressive mitochondrial disease, Carole Mac did not think she could go on. Suddenly, she saw horses and ladybugs floating in her mind. The horses were crying because they just learned the news about their ladybug. The ladybug was confused. "Why are you crying?" he said. "But I don't know how to be a horse. I only know how to be a ladybug." This divine metaphor gave Carole Mac instant relief in that harrowing moment, and helped her reframe her circumstances. It allowed her to cherish TJ exactly as he was, be in the present moment, live with more peace and joy, and radically accept her circumstances. Because this story was so transformative for her, she hopes that it brings comfort, peace, and love to other families facing difficult diagnoses.

What started as a children's bibliotherapy book has quickly become a movement in how to face difficult diagnoses with peace, love, and power. It's embraced by children, parents, teachers, therapists, hospitals, and communities with children facing medical differences.

A percentage of proceeds is donated to critically ill children.

After turning the death of her 14-month-old son into the #1 Amazon Mover & Shaker THE GIFT OF THE LADYBUG, Carole Amber is on a mission to celebrate children with life threatening illnesses and their families. Carole is a sought-after speaker, and has been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN. She has donated over 10,000 books and raised over $25,00 to help children with life threatening illness. To read the story behind her story, visit GiftoftheLadybug.org. Carole is also an Editorial Director & Executive Producer/Video Host in New York City.