Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Ladybug Girl at the Beach
Illustrator: David Soman
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 8
Penguin, 2010 ISBN: 978-0803734166
Lulu and her family are going to the beach, which is very exciting for Lulu because she has never been to the beach before. The beach is everything that Lulu dreamed of, though the ocean is a lot bigger and noisier than Lulu expected. In fact, she is rather intimidated by the waves, so she decides to build a sandcastle, fly a kite, eat an ice cream, and play with a piece of driftwood. Lulu looks at the ocean, and she longs to go in it, but those waves are just so big.
Lulu finally decides to get her feet wet, and suddenly a wave crashes into her. Lulu is almost knocked over, and the water “tries to pull her in.” Feeling unnerved by this experience, Lulu decides that she and Bingo will be explorers and they wander up and down the beach finding all kinds of interesting things. Then the tide comes in and the water takes Lulu’s favorite pail. Lulu decides that enough is enough. Ladybug Girl is going to have to come to the rescue.
In this charming picture book, we meet a little girl who is challenged by a fear that is altogether new. Though she tries to ignore the source of her fear, eventually she has to face it and find a way to overcome it.
Young children who have been intimidated by the ocean will be comforted and inspired by this story. Surely they can overcome their fears if Lulu, a.k.a Ladybug Girl, is able to.
Throughout this book, wonderful illustrations are paired with the engaging story to give young readers a memorable reading experience.
