Picture-book naturalist Mia Posada turns to one of the world's most beloved insects in this engaging title, exploring the life cycle of the ladybug (sometimes also known as a ladybird). In rhyming text, she explores the ladybug's appearance, and its various stages of development, from egg to larvae to pupa to full-fledged beetle. An afterword gives more detailed information about ladybugs...

First published in 2002, Ladybugs: Red, Fiery, and Bright was Posada's second book, and the eighth of her titles that I have read. I found it engaging, but don't think it is quite as strong as some of her later books - titles like Guess What Is Growing Inside This Egg and Who Was Here?: Discovering Wild Animal Tracks. The rhyme scheme sometimes felt a little awkward, and although I found the artwork lovely overall, I thought the depiction of the flora and fauna was more convincing than the solitary human figure - a young girl with a ladybug on her arm. Despite these small critiques, overall I would recommend this one. It makes for an entertaining and informative introduction to the basic biology of the ladybug for younger children. ( )

00012865

This book describes the life cycle of the ladybug in the format of a fun, rhyming story. The story highlights important vocabulary, such as the name of each stage of the ladybug life cycle. At the end of the book, there is a short passage offering more information about ladybugs. ( )

"Ladybugs: Red, Fiery, and Bright" is an informational book chronicling the life cycle and stages of a lady bug, which consist of egg, larvae, pupa, beetle, and finally, ladybug.
Ages: 3-7
Source: Pierce College Library

Mia Posada shows us very cute and colorful pictures, while introducing us to the world of ladybugs. Words like "larvae, molting and pupa" are new to the preschoolers and kindergartner group. The last two pages offer much more scientific information and pictures for the older group, or of the teacher to offer up in their own manner.