Independent Reading Level: 4th
Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award, Child Choice Parenting Best Books of the Year, Notable Children Book in the Field of Social Sciences. ( )

As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits of friendship and good manners. For generations, The Grouchy Ladybug has delighted readers of all ages with the story of a bad-tempered bug who won't say "please" or "thank you," won't share, and thinks she is bigger and better than anyone else. Readers will love how this testy ladybug introduces them to many new animals and learns that maybe being grouchy isn’t always the best option.

This story is written for primary readers. It tells the story of a grouchy ladybug who tries to pick fights with animals bigger than herself, but then finally pays for her attitude when she is beat by a whale. She then learns to cooperate with others and finds that it can be fulfilling to be friends.
This story can be used to teach students how to keep peace with one another. Students who enjoy bugs or animals will really enjoy seeing them come to life in this classic story. ( )

Excellent as always. ( )

This book was illustrated by Eric Carle, who uses collage style art in his illustrations. This story has a Scholastic Readability Level of Grades K-2. In the book, a grouchy ladybug turns down the chance to share aphids with the friendly ladybug. Throughout the day, he proceeds to challenge bigger and bigger competitors but moves on saying they aren't "big enough." At the end of the day, he ends up tired and hungry, but the friendly ladybug still offers to share the aphids with him. He eats them and realizes that it would have been easier to share than to try to pick a fight. The story has a great moral message that I would use to share with students. It also shows the events as a sequential progression of time. At the end, I would have students take turns (sharing) placing different events into the correct designated section of the clock that the event occurred with the support of the book and their classmates. ( )