  | Today we'll be eaten Author: Barillaro, Alan | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Ladybug and Dragonfly are caught in a storm, floating upside down and helplessly on the river. They are certain that today they'll be eaten. But as they stare nervously up at the sky, waiting for that terrible fate something vastly different happens.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/15/26)
Booklist (06/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/05/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Publishers Weekly - 03/30/2026 Featuring a slightly sinister fake-out title, this reflective picture book debut from animator Barillaro (Bunns Rabbit) extols the rewards of being fully present, however inadvertently. When a "great storm" sends buddies Dragonfly and Ladybug tumbling into a stream, they end up supine in the water, flowing with the current and staring straight into the open sky above. "My wings are stuck!" Dragonfly frets; "Today we’ll surely be eaten!" Ladybug suggests. But the enforced stillness turns out to be clarifying, yielding realizations about lives generally spent hiding under a shell or zipping quickly around. The unintentionally meditative drifting looks so blissful that even would-be predators want in, and soon, every member of the habitat is floating on its back, encountering the natural world-the sun’s warmth, the stars’ beauty-as it comes. Gossamer digitally finished pencil and watercolor illustrations feel like an animation storyboard; landscapes offer a vast-feeling background for sophisticated characterizations and visual comedy. Prizing ideals of slowing down and reaching out, this pleasant work makes a buoyant and persuasive case that sometimes the best way forward is to go with the flow. Ages 4-8. Agent: Janine Kamouh, William Morris Endeavor. (June) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.
Booklist - 06/01/2026 Caught in a downpour and swept into a river, “Ladybug and Dragonfly had no choice but to let the current take them downstream.” Convinced of their certain demise, the pair “stared helplessly up at the sky, worrying and worrying . . . waiting to be eaten.” Instead of panicking, though, the floating friends find serenity in accepting that the situation is out of their control. When likely predators Fish and Frog spot the waterlogged pair, they join them, two in a growing crowd that eventually floats the day away together, all quietly aware of their surroundings. Contrary to the menace of its title, the story is overwhelmingly peaceful. Its economy of text suits the expansive and immersively fluid, submerged landscapes. While this mindful tale suits both lap reads and nature-themed storytimes, its rather philosophical tone suggests it’ll enjoy crossover appeal as a gift for adults. Pick this one up when the world is getting to you—it’s the picture-book equivalent of Xanax. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
