LADYBUG GIRL AND HER PAPA

The polka-dot–winged and red-clad heroine of the Ladybug Girl picture-book and board-book series enjoys exploring a variety of activities with her father throughout the day.

The white father-and-daughter pair take a hike, skip stones, cook, make a birdhouse, hang laundry, and enjoy a game of “pirate tea party” together. Each double-page scene includes a few short lines of serviceable text, ending with a few words uttered by Ladybug Girl and directed to her father: “This was a very fun day. Let’s play again tomorrow, Papa.” To his credit, Papa doesn’t look a bit tired after this eventful day. Soman does a yeoman’s job of making the art, resembling pen, ink, and watercolor, look both fresh and intimate. For added interest, a die-cut Ladybug Girl, sporting sparkly wings and sitting on her father’s shoulders, has been glued to the front cover.

Adult readers may wonder how long Ladybug Girl can keep up the cosplay, but older toddlers will, nonetheless, be pleased to see the beloved character in cozy scenes.