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Ladybug Stuff: Books, Poems, Gifts for Building Children's Self Esteem

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Welcome to the Magical World of Lydia the Ladybug

This enchanting children's book about a little ladybug reveals the importance of thought in shaping destiny. Lydia's simple belief in herself, and positive outlook about life allows her to cope with the rejection of others, while still continuing to have faith in her dreams. It also has a strong message of kindness toward others. As it is ultimately, her compassionate heart which helps her to succeed in the end.

What I Learned from a Ladybug- Part 1

My 7 yr.old daughter came to get me one day to show me a spotted little bug which she found on one of our climbing rose bushes. "It's called a ladybug," I told her. What she found so amazing, was despite her little size this little bug seemed impervious to almost any obstacle that nature seemed to devise for her. It was a very blustery day, and the little lady bug seemed undaunted in her task to continue to climb up a very tall branch with sharp thorns, inorder to get to some aphids for her dinner that day.

"Wow," she exclaimed, "nothing seems to stand in her way." Knowing that my daughter had some difficulties with arithmetic, I thought that this might be a wonderful way to teach her about the value of persistence and it's rewards. I told her that great strides can be achieved if we work at something, a little bit, each day, just like the ladybug who despite her very small size, through sheer tenacity can go considerable distances. The ladybug doesn't stop to compare herself with others who might be faster, larger, or have a more intimidating appearance; instead it accepts itself for it's strengths and limitations and tries to do the best with what it has been given.

That day, I thought about the wisdom that this little ladybug could teach us. She could be thought of as a symbol for self-acceptance but not self-complacency. By accepting our strengths and weaknesses, we can all do better by making the most of what we have. Yet, we can also strive to do better by improving upon what we have through our determination. It was not only my daughter who learned something valuable that day; I thought about what I had learned from this little bug as well. Smaller may not always be less, but could be thought of as just a different way to tackle important objectives.

What I Learned from a ladybug- Part 2

Simply by applying this little ladybug magic, we can all accomplish considerable feats. If you look at all the great achievements that mankind has done throughout the ages from the pyramids in Egypt to the great structures in Rome, breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces has brought about astounding results! Many scientific theories, works of art, and political ideologies originating from more simple beginnings have evolved into more complex and sophisticated forms. They have profoundly influenced our government, our technology, and even our humanity.

For a long time, I had been putting off going back to school, and getting a degree simply because I thought that I couldn't do some things as well as others, but now I realize that this isn't a good reason. In some ways, I will always be defficient. So instead of focusing on my weaknesses, I must concentrate on my strengths and overcome weaknesses by dilligence, and the desire to do more with what I have been given. By living with courage and the will to do the best with what we are given, our lives can have significance.

The ladybug analogy has important implications not only for our lives as individuals but how our lives affect others, and contribute to a greater destiny for humanity. We cannot flee or run from opportunity to accomplish our own subjective goals just as we cannot avoid responsibility to contribute on an individual basis to the greater good of society and all the living beings that it encompasses- people as well as animals.

What I Learned from a Ladybug- Part 3

I once knew a woman who excused herself from doing any good on the basis that it wouldn't change the whole world; therefore, she didn't put forth any effort to help anyone or any cause. If an animal needed help she would refuse, if a person needed help she would do much the same. She eventually excused herself from her own humanity, and her life became utterly devoid of any substance. In the end, even her own children rejected her because she became so totally unable to relate to them in any meaningful way. What she was doing was looking for an excuse to be indifferent, and essentially invalidating her own existence. The person that she was hurting the most was actually herself but she could never apprehend this.

This little bug not only teaches us the value of determination in the face of incredible odds, but it also teaches us something more subtle but equally profound. If we want our lives to have any lasting effect after our demise, we must think about our actions during our lifetime as it effects the greater whole- just as a stone cast in the water makes ripples long after it disappears.

I have finally gone back to school, as I couldn't any longer excuse myself on the basis that I might not be as "smart" or as young as someone else. It's just the thought of taking what I have and trying to improve upon it that motivates my actions now and gives me the courage to accomplish my goals-no matter how they may be judged by someone else. In order to find meaning in our lives, we have to look at ourselves independently from others and see that everything is indeed, relative- even achievement. For as long as we are making headway, and there's some distance that we have come every day, then our lives aren't futile but have value just like the little ladybug.

By each of us playing our little part we collectively make a great impact, and this is how we move mountains, or change the world.

Ladybug books

Wonderful children's books

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Poetry book for Adults and Children

The Ladybug Book of Poetry

This is a magical book of poetry for children and adults about ladybugs who teach us to celebrate our lives, to be in touch with our hearts, and to be happy with who we are. Whether it be a poem about a little ladybug who enjoys having tea with her friends and finds contentment with life's simple joys, a poem about a child who visits an enchanting town of ladybugs, another about a ballerina as she recalls her childhood and a ladybug who inspired her to become a dancer, or a poem that expresses the importance of being free to follow our dreams; each one is a little gem about a ladybug who has something to say about happiness and the precious gift of life. The lovely imagery of the poems is accompanied by illustrations that are as richly imagined and lovingly rendered as the words of each poem.
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Ladybug Poems

The Ladybug's Birthday Party

The ladybug wakes up
and remembers,
it is a most special day-
her friend's birthday
is today.

Her abode,
a sweet little rose
with crystal droplets of dew,
reflecting sunlit petals
into a rainbow of hue.

Now she must hurry,
no time to tarry,
as she makes cupcakes-
vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry;
making a pot of rose hips tea,
she spices it ever so carefully.

She then tidies up-
picking a fresh
bouquet of buttercup
to place on her table,
with party favor
for little bugs to savor.

Ribbons are hung
and balloons strung
to celebrate such an occasion...
she hears the doorbell ring,
the guests have arrived-
oh, what presents they bring!

Then they all dance to a tune
that the ladybug wrote,
by the light of the full moon,
ending on a most harmonious note
as they all sing "Happy Birthday to you!"

- Marie Lawrence

Featured Lenses

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Children's Poetry Knols at Google

How to Cultivate a Love of Poetry in Your Child

A four part guide in helping your child better understand and develop a true appreciation of poetry.
Children's Poertry Guide (Part 1)
The reason I created this knol is to cultivate a love of poetry in your child and encourage them to express their feelings and experiences by writing their own poetry. What better way to introduce children to this wonderful art form than to have their parents read poetry to them.
Children's Poertry Guide (Part 2)
These poems with their creative imagery, humorous themes, and meaningful messages with catchy
rhymes are a great way to introduce your young child to the magic of poetry. They will soon be able to recite some of the short poems from memory. A fun way to do this, is you could start the poem and then let them finish it, or vice versa. Also after you finish reading these poems with your child, see if you both can find words that rhyme, or figure out if the poem has a regular rhyming pattern (that was discussed in part 1) or if it is free verse.
Children's Poertry Guide (Part 3)
I endeavored to select poems that would engage your child's imagination; some of these poems are fun, some are serious. These poems express the beauty of nature, its cyclical pattern, and about a world of fantasy where children can be mentally trasported by reading them. Many of these poems also have an important message to communicate to us. I recommend these poems for children ages 8-10.
Children's Poertry Guide (Part 4)
This final section of this series is more appropriate for older children (ages 11-15) as these poems rely on a more advanced reading level, an expanded vocabulary, greater learning acquired from personal experiences, and a maturation of thinking processes enabling them to understand these poems on a deeper level. Many of these poems have a message to say about our present social conditions, the struggles and challenges that we all must face, the cycle of life and death, and our endeavor to find meaning or purpose in our lives.

Ladybug links to ladybug stuff

Lydia The Ladybug Website
Delightfully imaginative tale about a little ladybug shows how simple belief in oneself and kindness toward others can bring about magical changes in one's life.
Ladybug Poems
Charming and inspiring poetry about ladybugs for children and adults.

Ladybug Feedback

Share your ladybug comments, info, and suggestions...

  • PastorCher Jan 28, 2012 @ 5:35 am | delete
    Your children's books sound delightful. I clicked on Amazon and read the wonderful reviews. You have done well. Congratulations.
  • slotowngal May 29, 2011 @ 5:47 am | delete
    I love ladybugs - so great to see one in a sweet children's book setting! Nice lens.
  • RuntFarmSeries Oct 21, 2009 @ 11:01 pm | delete
    What a great story, and a great lens! I'd love for you to drop by my children's books lens and say hello when you have the chance.
  • Brian Aug 4, 2009 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    Love your Lady Bug poem inspired by St. Francis !

    www.abookofeverything.blogspot.com
  • jan147 Oct 23, 2008 @ 6:12 am | delete
    wow i really loved your lady bird analogy..it was great :) thank you..if you get a chance check out my Building Esteem blog
  • Amelia_Marie Aug 17, 2008 @ 3:37 am | delete
    Your lens is excellent. This children's story really has something to say, on a profound philosophical level, about the power of the individual and the way we choose to live our lives. Yet, it is funny, light-hearted, and a story that children will love!
  • Mr.Universe Oct 27, 2007 @ 10:37 am | delete
    We all could learn something from Lydia The Ladybug. Your delightful lens brings this front stage. You present lessons that would be magical for any child, like "by each of us playing our little part we can collectively make a great impact, move mountains, or change the world." I love your poems too
  • The_Kats_meow Sep 28, 2007 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Beautiful! I love lady bugs your lens is great. Drop by my lens http://www.squidoo.com/The_Garden_A_fairy_story/ and enjoy.
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Marie-Lawrence

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