cover image Look for Ladybug in Plant City

Look for Ladybug in Plant City

Katherina Manolessou. Frances Lincoln, $19.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-78603-029-0

After Daisy the rabbit’s pet ladybug goes missing, she enlists the help of Basil, a reptilian detective. Over 11 scenes, readers follow along as the two visit a school, train station, fair, and other locations that are home to small animals and insects. The easy-to-follow narrative keeps readers connected to the unfolding mystery while introducing other items to locate (“Basil explored the museum and discovered twelve masked burglars, a painting of a pineapple, and a green spoon, but he did not find Ladybug”). Manolessou stuffs her brightly colored cartoons with mini-dramas and humorous details to pique readers’ interest, creating a full sense of Daisy and Basil’s miniature world. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)