Ladybugs Do Not Go to Preschool

by Ali Rutstein, Niña Nill (illustrator)

Ladybugs Do Not Go to Preschool is a spirited, funny and empowering picture book to encourage even the most nervous of children to spread their wings and try something new.

Mom says it’s the first day of preschool, but Ravi’s dressed up as his favorite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybugs do not go to preschool. In fact, this ladybug would rather stay home and eat aphids, thank you very much!

Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School

24 pages, Hardcover

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Zewlan Moor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, such a cute book! Ali Rutstein has such a lively voice and fresh perspective on the world of young children, and Niña Nill’s illustrations are energetic and ADORABLE!

This is a wonderful book to start reading in advance of attending daycare or nursery school, just to name and clarify that it’s normal to have a bit of ambivalence about attending. The gentle humour and sweetness will enable further discussion if you sense any similar feelings in your child.

A wonderful back-to-school picture book—highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I am a critique partner of the author, but this is an honest and unbiased review.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute back to school story that will help kids who are nervous to start school -- this time for preschoolers. I love how the mom enables Ravi to adapt to preschool and navigate the new experience on his own, while empowering him to try something new. Great illustrations and good use of white space.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally delightful and touchingly funny story about a boy about to start preschool. Charming illustrations help readers feel all Ravi is feeling, and I love Ravi’s mom’s encouraging manner. A story that shows the importance of letting kids be kids, encouraging them to explore and learn in imaginative ways, but also helping them navigate their fears so they can take the next big step.

[Sue Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravi is such a cool kid with him mandibles and love of aphids… not cornflakes!…. Such a lovely book, esp those children starting daycare and a little worried about the future. They need not worry, they just need to be themselves. Beautifully illustrated and cleverly written with correct scientific language fo educate our little ones.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Themes: preschool
Ages: preschool, however lengthy text might need some summarizing/shortening
Pub year: 2024

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so cute!

[Evelyn Medrano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had some beautiful illustrations, it’s a creative way to gently explore the anxiety of trying new things in this case a child starting preschool.

[Louise Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect read before starting day care and helped open up some really lovely conversations about feeling nervous when trying something new. The story is sweet, funny and reassuring, and the illustrations are gorgeous. My kids were completely drawn into the ladybird adventure and asked to read it again straight away.

[Teaching Little Fishies · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐞 What a beautiful book to read to your little ones! A perfect way to explore the feelings your child or students might get when they are going somewhere new for the first time.

👦🏽 Ravi is nervous about going to his first day of day care and he attempts to get out of it when getting ready and even on his walk to the day care. Luckily for him, his Mum is super helpful and Ravi has a strategy to help calm his nerves — deep breathing and positive affirmations.

🐞 I liked the fact that this book mentions the physical feelings that someone might get when they are feeling anxious or nervous about something — a great way to explore this feeling with your child or students.

👦🏽 This book ends with a positive and a smile when Ravi notices others children at day care who are dressed up too and he finds his comfort with these new little people.

🌟 Teaching Point:
As I mentioned above, this book explores the emotions of anxiety and being nervous. This book could be used to support the discussion around anxiety in the classroom. It would also be great to read to your child before their first day of day care or school.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravi, dressed in his ladybird costume does not want to go to playschool for his first day. Mum is quietly supportive providing sound reasons to allay his fears. Of course, when he finally arrives he fits right in with the other children, dressed in an array of costumes.

A gentle story ideal for young children hesitant to start at play school or to leave their mothers. Mum is an excellent role model - kind, supportive, positive and firm.

Expressive, simple illustrations with bold colours reflect the story and add many furhter details.

2024 CBCA Notable in the Early Childhood and Picture Book categories.

[Derek Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that my son loved. Having recently started daycare and being an animal lover it really struck a chord. It manages to be fun, sensitive and quirky all at the same time. This is definitely a favourite.

[Black Flamed Candle Books 🕯️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the ebook version (26 pages) and I adored the illustration style; soft colours and imagery that reminded me of the animation style of ‘Luca’ and ‘Up’ combined. The story was cute with great messaging about (separation) anxiety dealt in a metaphorical and memorable way.

[Billie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story to help children go to day care/school. I read this on my Libby app and now want to purchase a copy for my son!