_Ladybug Girl at the Beach_ by David Soman and Jacky Davis

When my oldest daughter was but a wee babe and crawling about on the floor, she enjoyed eating ladybugs. While I found ladybug remnants in all three older brother's diapers, she had, by far, the most.* That, plus the fact that lots of people bought her ladybug-themed clothing, sort of caused me to associate her with ladybugs.

This spring when she turned 5, she received another ladybug gift-- a book by David Soman and Jacky Davis. Ladybug Girl at the Beach is one of several books about Lulu, aka Ladybug Girl, a young girl who loves wearing her ladybug outfit. This girl reminds me of my daughter. Headstrong. Sensitive. Energetic. Enthusiastic.

In this particular book, Lulu joins her family for a day at the beach. She just knows she loves the beach, even if she's never been to it. Once she sees the big waves, however, she's not quite as excited. Over the course of the day, Ladybug Girl learns to overcome her fear.

This is a fun picture book. My daughter wanted to read more like it, so we checked a few out at the library. I like that each book teaches a nice lesson (about being brave, saying you're sorry, etc.) without hitting you over the head with it. Best of all, they can open discussion with your own girl about important topics. My own daughter isn't often receptive to such talks, but using these books as a starter, she was immediately engaged.


*Please note that our rural, woodsy location puts us in the way of seasonal invasions of both ladybugs (or Asian lady beetles, to be more precise) and stinkbugs. We try to keep them vacuumed up, but we don't always win the battle. There are just that many of them.

_The Secret School_ by Avi

Ida wants to teach school when she grows up. She studies hard and works hard on the farm at home in Colorado. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond her control threaten her chance to be promoted in school. They say, "Where there's a will, there's a way," and Ida has a will.

This story, while no great literary masterpiece, is a good read with nothing I found objectionable. Ida and the other characters are good role models with several desirable character traits. While the main character is a 14-year-old girl, my 8-year-old boy enjoyed reading it, too.

_Raggedy Ann Stories_ by Johnny Gruelle

Legend has it that when I was a little, little girl, my family was driving from our home in California to my grandparents' house in Seattle. My parents were good parents, trying to teach me that the big city before us was called Seattle. They pointed out the front windshield and tried to teach me a new word, "Seattle, Seattle, Seattle."

Evidently, my little (less than 3 year old) mind only saw my Raggedy Ann doll on the dash, and to this day, her name is Attle.

I still have Attle, but for Raggedy Ann Stories, she came off the shelf in the top of the closet. I held Attle in my lap while my oldest daughter held her own Raggedy Ann, and over the course of a couple of weeks, I read the stories for bedtime.

These stories are delightful stories from a time past. My daughter and I liked them. If you or your little girl have one of the dolls, take the time to have a tea party and read a story from this book together.

Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood

When my daughter was born, I wanted no part in the Disney princess nonsense. Sure, I like the movies and all, but I have concerns about what the princesses do for a girl's body image and her ability to fend for herself. So I was not going to have any of that princess stuff in our house.

I realize now that resistance is futile. In addition to gifts and hand-me-downs, we've caved and bought a few such coloring books and nightgowns. The girls love princesses.

Last week, however, I found a better princess alternative in Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood.  This regular girl by day and princess by night digs pink, sparkles, frills, and tea parties, BUT she also is one awesome firefighter who fences, plays with frogs in the Royal Mud Puddle, and dances with trolls.

While she does dance with a handsome prince she may marry when she grows up, right now she's just too busy being a girl.

Did I mention she has an awesome relationship with her mother?

This picture book illustrated by Cambria Evans is fun, but also has a good message. So much in our culture pushes girls to either be pink and frilly or to be sporty and achievers. This books lets girls have it all; Part-time Princess shows girls they can be feminine and fun and accomplish important things (and get along with their mothers).

If you don't want to buy it, at least check it out at the library.