When it comes to children’s authors, Julia Donaldson is one of the UK’s most beloved. A prolific author with over 200 published works, including the iconic The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and my favourite, A Squash and a Squeeze, she is renowned for her lyrical storytelling and memorable characters. Another favourite of ours over the years is the What the Ladybird Heard series, and the ladybird is back, along with Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, for another instalment in What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, is a charming, rhyming crime adventure that blends mischief, teamwork and the holiday spirit into a delightful read for young children age 3+.
In What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas, the crime-busting ladybird is back. The story begins on Christmas Eve and the ladybird is visiting her friend the spider in a grand old house inhabited by four alliteratively named children: Flo, Fleur, Fred, and Little Finn, and a lively assortment of pets including a hamster, canary, parrot, Siamese cat, Great Dane and a small white mouse. But the ladybird, who hardly ever says a word, with her keen observation skills spots the very familiar villains Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len and overhears them plotting to steal the kids Christmas presents. But the ever-resourceful, crime-busting ladybird hatches a plan to stop them.
Overall, we have always been big fans of the What the Ladybird Heard series in our house and this Christmas-themed tale was a delight. The fun rhyming text with its playful repetition keeps young readers engaged in the story, joining in with the “Squeak, squeak, squeak!” of the small white mouse and the musical “creak, creak, creak!” of the hamster wheel. Young readers will be eager to turn those pages.
The story starts, as usual, with the ladybird overhearing the two not-so-smart criminals, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, plotting to commit a dastardly crime, and at Christmastime. But as usual, the ladybird orchestrates a clever plan and with the help of the other animals, each contributing in their own quirky way, to stop the robbers and save Christmas. With creaky hamster wheels, mousey squeaks and the Great Dane’s bark, chaos ensues until it ultimately scares away the thieving duo before they get their hands on the presents.
While the story is packed with humour in the wonderfully rhyming text of Julia Donaldson, the illustrations by Lydia Monks are a perfect complement that visually enhances the story. Each page is packed with vibrant visual humour and hidden details. Young readers will delight in spotting the ladybird on each page as well as the antics of the animals and the criminal duo.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas is a delightfully fun festive read. With its humorous rhyming text and fun plot, combined with a heartwarming message of holiday cheer, it’s ideal for snuggling up with during the festive season. It has an engaging crime-busting plot, lots of lovable animal characters and rich illustrations that just leap out of the pages, ensuring that this book will become a festive favourite for years to come.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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