What the ladybug heard next

PreS-Gr 2-The second book for What the Ladybug Heard fans introduces readers to the residents of a small farm, starting with the ladybug who looks after it all, including the farm's fat red hen. As a mystery develops with the recurring morning disappearance of the hen's eggs, Ladybug overhears an exchange between robbers with a plot to steal more than just eggs and directs the farm animals to team together to lay a trap for the unsuspecting thieves. Couplets frame each page of text and a vibrant palette features smiles and frowns of the robbers, the alerted eyes of each animal at the farm, and a busy flying Ladybug. Collage art complements the painted detail of cartoon characters, weaving dotted lines loop across pages leading Ladybug or residents of the farm hive to the next page of action, and onomatopoeia highlights the cacophony of farm resident's voices in a final "deafening sound," celebrating capture of the robbers. VERDICT A suggested general purchase for all libraries, this adventure encourages inference plus awareness of the characters' teamwork and plot development for younger readers.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The ladybug returns to foil another barnyard theft (What the Ladybug Heard, 2010).Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len (white and brown-skinned respectively, with names that indicate body type) are fresh out of jail and up to their old tricks. Not content simply to steal delicious speckled eggs, the thieves scheme to steal the farm's fat red hen. Luckily, Donaldson's ladybug is on the case, and so are the farm's cow, hog, cat, duck, and other residents. The author employs rhyming couplets to weave her cat-and-mouse, or shall we say thief-and-ladybug, game. Monk returns to illustrate the barnyard, employing googly eyes, bright colors, and crisp compositions. Incorporated elements of photo collage (the hoods' knitwear, the sheep's fleece, and selective other fabric highlights) add visual interest to the bright, matte paintings. The silly scheming tone will have little readers giggling with glee. While the book contains larcenous villains, the tale is light and fluffy, flitting here and there and making Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len as threatening as jelly doughnuts. Nevertheless, the choice to cast a fat person and a brown-skinned person as the villains while the kindly farmer is a thin, white man sours the taste somewhat.A whimsical sequel. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.