Are you looking for some Ladybug children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Ladybugs of any kind are a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Ladybug books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Ladybugs, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons
When you think of a ladybug, you might picture a little red beetle with seven black spots on its back. But did you know there are thousands of types of ladybugs, spread across the world?
With her signature combination of simple text, clear illustrations, and simple diagrams, the author explores the world of ladybugs. These small beetles live on six of the seven continents, ranging in size, markings, and coloration.
Follow a ladybug through the four stages of its development from egg to adult and learn about its behavior and habitat. Plus, learn how little ladybugs help protect crops by eating harmful insects. Bright illustrations and an easy-to-read text make this ideal for young readers studying the natural world.
Literacy Extensions:
- Ladybugs Literature List
- Student Booklet: “Ladybug Counting”
- Ladybugs Counting
- My Ladybugs Story: Student Worksheets
2. The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
For generations, The Grouchy Ladybug has delighted readers of all ages with the story of a bad-tempered bug who won’t say “please” or “thank you,” won’t share, and thinks she is bigger and better than anyone else. Readers will love how this testy ladybug introduces them to many new animals and learns that maybe being grouchy isn’t always the best option.
As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits of friendship and good manners.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Ladybugs” Classroom Book
- “Ladybugs” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Ladybugs vs Bees
- Ladybugs Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. The Very Lazy Ladybug by Isabel Finn & Jack Tickle
Ladybug is so lazy that she doesn’t know how to fly. She wants to find a new place to sleep and decides to ride on passing animals.
But Kangaroo’s pouch is too bumpy, and Crocodile’s tail is too wet. When she hops onto Elephant’s trunk, she gets a big surprise!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Our Favorite Bugs
- Ladybugs Story Parts Worksheet
- Fact Family Ladybug Art Project
- Ladybugs Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Are You a Ladybug? by Judy Allen
This colorful first nature picture book, written by Judy Allen and illustrated by Tudor Humphries, gives children an inside look at how they would experience life if they were a ladybug.
Ideal for reading aloud or as a first reader, the detailed illustrations bring this familiar creature to life in a truly memorable way. Children who love ladybugs will learn all about their life cycles and behavior. The witty, interactive text, beginning with the question “Are you a ladybug?” encourages readers to explore the similarities and differences between themselves and these fascinating animals.
Literacy Extensions:
- Ladybugs Literature List
- Ladybugs Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Ladybugs Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Paper Plate Ladybug Art Project
5. Ladybug on the Move by Richard Fowler
Ladybug on the Move is a fantasy picture book by Richard Fowler. The book follows a ladybug on its path to find a new home.
When a hungry snail starts feasting on Ladybug’s leaf, readers must help her find a new home by removing her from the cover pocket and sliding her through the slots of each picture.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Ladybugs” Classroom Book
- Ladybugs Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Ladybug Fact Family Art Project
- Ladybugs Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Ladybug Garden by Celia Godkin
While the gardener was pleased with the plants, he wasn’t so sure about all the insects that called the garden home. He liked the bright red ladybugs, and he knew that the bees and the butterflies pollinated the flowers, but some of the bugs were nothing but trouble.
One day the gardener thought, If I get rid of the bad insects, my garden will be perfect, so he sprayed all the plants with bug killer. But the results were far from perfection! As his beautiful garden came close to ruin, the gardener began to see that the plants and insects were linked, that they depended on one another to survive. But how could he undo the damage?
Accompanied by vibrant, beautifully detailed illustrations, this simple story of one garden introduces young children to the important concept of the balance of nature. Youngsters will be both reassured and enlightened when they find out how everybody’s favorite insect, the ladybug saves the day.
Literacy Extensions:
- Ladybugs Word Bank
- Ladybugs Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Ladybugs Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Ladybugs Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Lots of Ladybugs by Michael Dahl
This fun and brightly colored picture book introduce children to counting by fives by counting the number of spots on the shell of a ladybug. Readers are also invited to find hidden numbers on an illustrated activity page.
It has a simple storyline that engages little ones to read and count. The first line holds alliteration while the second sentence offers a repetitive phrase.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Ladybugs” Student Booklet
- Ladybugs Make a Short Vowel Word
- Ladybugs Sight Word Games
- Ladybugs Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
This book introduces the concept of counting to children. In the story, ten little ladybugs disappear one at a time. On each page, the child can count each of the ladybugs.
This book helps to strengthen the child’s ability to identify numbers, count, and recognize patterns. The colorful illustrations and short phrases made it easy to read and understand.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Bugs” Classroom Book
- Ladybugs Letter & Sound Match Game
- Ladybugs Build a Word
- Ladybugs Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Ladybugs children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Ladybugs books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
