Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis
When Lulu's brother goes out to play with his friends, telling her she’s "too little," she makes her own fun for the day. Dressed in her (very awesome) ladybug costume, she styles herself Ladybug Girl! Ladybug Girl then sets out to rescue ants, build forts, and other feats she dreams up as she explores her yard, with its fallen trees, stone walls, and deep puddles.
It’s great to see her turn the outside world into her play space instead of flopping around bored when left to entertain herself -- a great example of a girl of about 5 or 6 using the imagination she should still have at that age. That, and I love a spunky girl in boots and a tutu (rendered in a style that nods to both retro and anime) who doesn't come with snarky attitude. Give this to a 3-6 year-old girl of your acquaintance -- her mom will thank you.
A career Children’s Librarian, the Book Fairy (a.k.a. kittenpie) has worked in library systems in both New York and Toronto, and delights in sharing favourite books with kids of all ages. Since she can’t help but force books on people, she’s thrilled to have another place to do it without creeping people out the way she does at the bookstore.