  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2008 K-Gr 2-Informed that she's on her own for the morning, Lulu, aka Ladybug Girl, and her basset hound glower mutinously at her room full of toys and clutter ("There's nothing to do") before heading outside. There, in her first dazzling act of heroism, Ladybug Girl removes a rock from the path of a long line of ants. With loyal Bingo at her side, she bravely goes into shark-infested waters (a puddle), builds an impenetrable fortress (a crumbling stone wall), and briefly considers how small and insignificant her brother and the other big boys (who won't let her play baseball) seem. When Mama calls her home, she "flies down the hill with her wings bobbing behind her." "Feeling as big as the whole outdoors," Ladybug Girl hurries home to tell about her busy morning. Readers' eyes are inexorably drawn to Lulu's red ladybug costume, which sets off the subdued earth tones, both in and outside of her house. Winning touches include Bingo's floppy ears almost audibly flapping in the mid-morning breeze and Lulu's steely gaze throughout her adventure. Simple sentences throughout the story usually express just one thought or directive at a time, usually in just one sentence per page. A super book for lap-sits and storyhours.-Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. - Copyright 2008 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 04/01/2008 Festively dressed in red-and-black polka-dot wings, a red tutu, and antennas, Lulu is “Ladybug Girl,” and she’s ready for fun. Her parents, though, are busy, and her brother says that she’s too little to play with him and his friends. Venturing outside, accompanied by basset hound Bingo, Lulu makes up her own games—lifting rocks to help ants, making a fort—and discovers that she “feels as big as the whole outdoors.” This picture book will resonate with little ones, who, like Lulu, know the rewards of letting the imagination loose and finding new perspectives. The well-paced text effectively captures Lulu’s emotions and young voice, as do the colorful, detailed watercolor-ink illustrations that show Lulu's shifts from sighing disappointment to spunky exuberance. Witty touches, including expressive Bingo, add to the book’s appeal. An entertaining, positive story that shows how everyday activities can inspire creativity, fun, and self-confidence. - Copyright 2008 Booklist. Loading...
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