What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday
What The Ladybird Heard Series
What’s inside...
In 'What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday', the beloved ladybird character from Julia Donaldson's series goes on an adventure in London. While on holiday, the ladybird overhears a new plan by Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len to steal a monkey from the zoo and use it to pinch the Queen's crown. With the help of her animal friends, the ladybird devises a plan to stop the thieves and save the day, teaching children about the power of teamwork and clever thinking. The book features a host of noisy zoo-animal characters and a cameo from the Queen, making it a fantastic rhyming adventure from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. As Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len plan their heist in the city, they are unaware that the crime-busting ladybird is also in the city and has a good idea to thwart their plans. The story continues the adventures of the clever ladybird, with previous titles including What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard Next, and What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the ladybird did on her holiday that was so special?
Why do you think the ladybird wanted to stop the thieves?
How do the other animals in the story help the ladybird?
What would you have done if you were in the ladybird's place?
How do you think the ladybird felt when the holiday was over?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and voices for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Ask your child how they would feel in the situations presented in the story to foster empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to guess what might happen next in the story to enhance their predictive skills.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s own experiences, such as a trip or solving a problem with friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday', the ladybird and other animals work together to outsmart the thieves and save the day.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in team activities at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The clever ladybird devises a plan to thwart the thieves’ plot, showcasing critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and solve problems they encounter, whether it’s figuring out a puzzle or resolving a dispute with a peer.
Example Lesson: The value of quiet observation
Explanation: The ladybird, being small and quiet, observes and listens carefully to the thieves’ plan, using this knowledge to prevent the crime.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being observant and listening, skills that are vital in learning environments and in understanding others’ perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Despite being the smallest creature, the ladybird doesn’t hesitate to take on the challenge to save her new friends, depicting bravery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face challenges courageously, regardless of their size or age, and stand up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of speaking up
Explanation: The ladybird communicates the thieves’ plan to the other animals, demonstrating the importance of speaking up when witnessing wrongdoing.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the impact of their voice and the importance of communicating issues or concerns to trusted adults.