Lydia: The Story of How the Ladybug Earned her Wings (Paperback)

~ Marie Lawrence (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Lydia, the ladybug is rejected by all the other ladybugs in her colony because of her size. It seems that she is just too small to matter. She is ignored by them, and isn't allowed to take part in social events or in town hall meetings. Despite this, Lydia continues to live her life with hope and courage.

However, still longing for approval from the other ladybugs in her colony, Lydia learns of someone who can perform magic that can help her. Someone who has studied under the great wizard, Merlin, and knows the magic potions that could help Lydia win the approval from the others that she is seeking. She must go deep into the forest to find her.

This is a wonderful adventure filled with surprise, mystery, and funny moments too! It's inspiring message teaches children the value of believing in oneself, and that letting our heart guide us through life is the secret to realizing our dreams. Recommended for children ages 4-10.

About the Author

Marie Lawrence lives in Tucson, AZ with her family and two rescued dogs. She has won awards as an artist and writer. Her interests include music, painting, and humanitarian causes. She has enjoyed working with children in schools to cultivate a love of poetry, music, and art. She believes that the arts not only enrich our lives but help nurture empathy in children by giving them a deeper appreciation of their humanity. "The arts, essentially, open a window for us to become more attuned to the world around us, inspiring a love of nature and feeling a profound sense of joy in being a part of it." Through charming heroines like Lydia the Ladybug, Ms. Lawrence helps children to realize that we are all special in our own way, and that each life has something valuable to offer the lives of others. Her stories have a theme of the magic of being, to be happy with who you are, and that our dreams can come true if we believe in ourselves. Her first book, "Lydia, The Story of How the Ladybug Earned her Wings," is praised by both critics and readers alike as a wonderful book that helps build children's self-esteem as a little ladybug realizes the value that her own life holds. A second book in this children's series, "Lydia the Ladybug in Paris," continues with Lydia's adventures as she receives an invitation to a fashion show hosted by the King of France where all the animal queens will be invited to display their royal attire. Once again, your child will be treated to an enchanting reading experience with a delightful cast of characters and an inspiring message.

Product Details

• Paperback: 46 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (April 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419662317
• ISBN-13: 978-1419662317
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #515,690 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lydia and self-esteem, January 23, 2008

By	Nathaniel Branden - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a delightful and benevolent story! The combination of humorous rhymes and charming illustrations had me smiling from beginning to end. The theme of this story, at least as I see it, is the power of optimism. The message is that an affirmative response to life can help lift us to the height where dreams are beckoning. Reading this book is a happy experience and I recommend it to everyone who wants to help young children build self-esteem.

Nathaniel Branden

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What could be more important?, August 22, 2008

By	Howie Jacobson, PhD "The AdWords Juggler" (Durham NC USA) - See all my reviews

I see it every day in my life and in my business: the folks who are most successful, who make the biggest difference in the world, are those who feel good about themselves.

It's not like they run around bragging, or flexing their muscles. It's just an ease with which they operate, a "comfort in their own skin" that shows in everything they do.

It's self-esteem.

Without it, or enough of it, we walk around hauling giant question marks on our backs: do I deserve this? do I have the right to do this? what if people don't like this? etc. etc.

With it, we instinctually and simply DO. We help out without self-doubt. We shine without self-consciousness. We live big because that's our nature, just as it's the lion's nature to roar and the sun's nature to shine.

Lydia the Ladybook uses colorful and playful illustrations and a charming story to introduce the concept of self-esteem to young children. Through fable, metaphor, a bit of history (don't be surprised when your kid starts asking you more about Merlin and King Arthur!), and rhyme, the author tackles the one thing that can make a difference between a so-so life and one that is full of passion, achievement, contribution and happiness.

Go Marie!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Children's Story!, December 17, 2007

By	A. Butterfly - See all my reviews

I bought this book as a Christmas present for my niece - I have always liked ladybugs and was convinced by the positive reviews I saw on Amazon. Upon receiving the book, I was definitely not disappointed! The story was enlightening and funny, as well as meaningful. It shows children that they can succeed despite obstacles, or other's disapproval, and fulfill their dreams when they remain true to their ideals. A really charming book! In a society that discourages individuality, this book underscores the concept that individual differences don't have to be a negative, they can be a positive in achieving one's goals. It clearly illustrates that it is okay to be different, and often times essential in fulfillment of one's true destiny.

I also think the book can enrich a child's vocabulary - there are a lot of excellent words used and a small dictionary in the back. A history lesson is woven throughout the book as well.