Item: Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs
Rating: 4.5
Author: Dee S

Welcome to my stop on the Tour for Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs, sponsored by P.E. Shadrick, and hosted by The Children’s Book Review. Please enjoy my thoughts on the book below.

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs by P.E. Shadrick
Illustrator: Maya Penzlik
Published by P.E. Shadrick on December 1, 2024
ISBN: 9798991234009
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
Pages: 32
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Do you know what happens at night when you sleep? Ladybugs come out to play!

Lisbeth, a lively six-year-old, wakes up one morning to discover a tangled mess in her hair. Her grandmother tells her the story of how a group of playful ladybugs is the cause of all the knots in her hair. Through Grandma’s fanciful story of the ladybugs’ glorious grand gala, Lisbeth learns the lesson of how shared responsibility can be both necessary and fun.

Inspired by the stories of author, P.E. Shadrick’s own grandmother, this charming story comes to life through the vibrant watercolor illustrations of artist, Maya Penzlik.

Available in a special expanded artwork edition, as well as hardback, paperback and digital versions, Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs draws children into an imaginative world of classic storytelling and traditional illustration, certain to delight audiences both young and old.

Join Lisbeth on a whimsical adventure, and get to know her curious and free-spirited ladybug friends!

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

MY THOUGHTS

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs is a wonderfully creative story! In it, Lisbeth’s grandma imparts important life lessons during the simple act of brushing Lisbeth’s hair. This helps distract Lisbeth from the length of time and potential discomfort involved in detangling her hair.

Having witnessed the significance of grandparents in a family through the relationship between my mother and daughter, my role as a grandma has brought fresh reminders of how vital a loving village is for raising a child.

Parents are reminded of the timeless wisdom of their own parents, while children experience the unreserved love and freedom to be themselves, to learn, and to grow in the presence of their grandparents.

Though I was never particularly fond of pink as a child, I find the combination of pinks and reds in this book to be artfully presented, vibrant, inviting, and heartwarming. While I’m no art expert, the use of chalk and crayon makes the illustrations feel alive. The tangles in Lisbeth’s hair seem almost three-dimensional, enhanced by the swirls and subtle mix of colors.

What I Liked:

* The illustrations are stunning.
* The creativity of the story is impressive.
* The relationship depicted between the grandparent and grandchild is touching.
* The blank pages at the back of the book can be utilized by parents to write their own stories or for kids to draw and color their favorite characters.

What I Would Have Liked to Know:

* Where was Christopher during this process? (Kids might not ponder this, but I did. Lol!)

Key Takeaways:

* You should clean up after yourself.
* Sometimes you may have to clean up the messes that others create.

Recommendation:

This book would work well in various settings: classrooms, churches, homes, and libraries.

Many thanks to the author and TCBR for providing a copy for this review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Author

From an early age, Atlanta, Georgia-born P.E. Shadrick was surrounded by masterful storytellers. Carrying forward a shared love of boundless creativity, she pursued opportunities of artistic expression in design and writing, eventually settling into a profession in marketing & communications. Inspired by her grandmother’s stories, Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs is P.E. Shadrick’s first published book. But with a treasure trove of imaginative stories to tell, it certainly won’t be her last

For more information, visit peshadrick.com.

About the Illustrator

Maya Penzlik is a talented artist and illustrator living in Montreal, Canada. She creates beautiful, whimsical paintings featuring colorful characters and dreamy landscapes full of life and magic. Maya draws inspiration from her dreams, cherished childhood memories, and desire to explore new and exciting places. Her work is also influenced by the special moments she shares with her daughter, Eva.

GIVEAWAY

Enter our giveaway for a chance to win one of seven author-signed hardcover editions of Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs! The grand prize winner will also take home a ladybug bracelet and a $50 Amazon gift card!

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs: Book Giveaway