On a Bright Spot for Today

This has been one of those weeks where things seem to be somewhat off, ranging from feeling rushed to get places, being unable to find matching socks (my drawer must be eating them), and someone taking some of the heart decorations at work, among other things.  

Today, though, there was a bright spot when I found this darling children's book from 1962, Ladybug Hitch Hikes Home, appropriately part of the Sunny Book collection.

It's a delightfully simple book. Mrs. Ladybug decides to go on a walk, beginning with walking over a cabbage. From there she climbs to the top of a pussy-willow tree, which is so soft she falls asleep and, unfortunately, as she's sleeping a storm starts. 
Frightened by the storm, Mrs. Ladybug starts asking every passing bug and insect to take her home. After asking a bee, a grasshopper, and a butterfly, who all turn her down for varying reasons, a measuring worm offers to do so.

The moral of this illustration: hitchhiking can be scary.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Ladybug is unable to bear going up and down, up and down, so she is still stuck in the pussy-willow tree. Uncle Beetle and Mrs. Spider try to make a net for her to jump into, but that fails because it's windy and Uncle Beetle looses his hat. Meanwhile, while all this has been going on Mrs. Snail has been making her way towards Mrs. Ladybug and it is she who saves the day!

In my opinion, charming from beginning to end, both in story and illustrations! And while I would have been happy finding this book at any time, I have to say that finding it today it was very much needed and all the more appreciated! ♥   

On Ladybirds

Ladybirds, or as they known in the U.S., ladybugs, are a marvelous little insect that can do a world of good for one’s garden. An abundance of aphids munching away on your plants, for example, can be easily got rid of with an introduction of some lucky ladybirds who will then happily much away on them. On the less practical side, as a child it can be rather fun to go ladybird hunting to see just how many of them you can find hiding in the grass or on plants. This not only presents something amusing to do outdoors, but allows the nervous child to see that not all insects are icky and out to get you.  

In addition, they also make a wonderful subject for a nursery rhyme. However, in this case, one is left to wonder what reason a ladybird would have for a pudding or frying pan and, in the event of a fire, why the smallest of their children would chose to hide under one instead of fleeing. Aside from this, though, these glossy red and black insects are a favorite of many and will continue to be for a long time yet. ♥