Ladybug Stories, Poems, and Songs Magazine for Young Kids and Children April 2015

Kate is confused. Her juice has turned into jello. Max just laughs and turns his glass upside down. Kate’s daddy runs by in his winter clothes. “It’s snowing!” he yells. Kate looks outside, but she only sees sunshine. Now she spots her mommy in the kitchen—wearing her daddy's old suit and tie. Am I dreaming? Kate wonders. She picks up her slippers, but they don't fit anymore! They are stuffed with newspaper. “What's going on?” she shouts. Max laughs out loud. “It's the first day of April, Kate! We are playing tricks on you!” Kate chuckles. “Happy April Fools’ Day!”…

I t’s springtime! My father climbs a ladder all the way up to the roof to fix a shingle. “I’m making our home safe and snug,” he says. “Can I help?” I ask. “Sorry. You’re too little, son,” he answers. My big brother is painting the doghouse for Bailey, our pet. “Can I help?” I ask. “No. You’re too little,” he replies. I look out the window and see birds flying, carrying things in their beaks. “What are they doing?” I ask Mom. “They are starting to build their homes,” she says. “Can I help, or am I too little?” I ask. Mom thinks and says, “No. You’re just the right size.” I smile. “What do the birds need?” I ask. “Think about a bird’s nest. What do you think…

I know by heart the shapes of leaves, the smell of dirt, the buzz of bees. And when it rains I hear each drop and count them all until they stop. I know how ants move in a line and where to pet a porcupine. I imitate the songs of birds and love to hear their chirpy words. I know how pussy willows feel and what a tree trunk’s rings reveal. As I explore the earth each day for hidden treasures tucked away, I wonder what the world can see when it sits back and looks at me.…

Old Mac-Don-ald had a farm, E - I - E - I - O; and Old Mac - Don - ald had a farm, E - I - E - I - O; and on his farm he had a cow, E - I - E - I - O; with a on his farm he had a cow, E - I - E - I - O; with a moo-moo here and a moo-moo there, here a moo, there a moo, ev-’rywhere a moo - moo here and a moo - moo there, here a moo, there a moo, ev-’rywhere a moo-moo, Old Mac-Don-ald had a farm, E - I - E - I - O. moo - moo, Old Mac-Don-ald had a farm, E - I - E…

One day in early spring, Calliope turned to admire her freshly laid, white egg. “What lovely eggs I have,” she told Hector. “I would like to keep one someday.” “Yes, dear,” said Hector, preening his shiny tail feathers. The next morning when Farmer Bean came to collect the eggs, Calliope sat down, ker-PLOP, on top of her egg to hide it. Farmer Bean wasn't fooled. He patted her head fondly before reaching under her to collect the egg. “Hmmph,” said Calliope. “He found it!” The next day, Calliope tried again. “I am immovable,” she told Hector. “When Farmer Bean comes to take my egg today, I will be ready for him.” “Yes, dear,” said Hector. He tilted his head to admire his comb. Calliope hunched down on her egg and…