What the Ladybug Heard Next

Written by Julia Donaldson · Illustrated by Lydia Monks

Part of the What the Ladybug Heard series

Two robbers plot to steal a hen, but a clever ladybug has other plans.

4.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 908 ratings

32 pages· ~430L

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, fresh out of jail, target the fat red hen for their next heist. Confident in their scheme, they overlook a tiny, silent adversary—the ladybug. Having thwarted them before, she's ready to outsmart the bumbling thieves once more. Will the ladybug's cunning be enough to save the hen from their clutches? Dive into a tale of mischief, wit, and unexpected heroes, where the smallest creature might just have the biggest impact.

From the publisher

Out of jail and up to no good, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are robbers on a mission. They’ve been stealing eggs from the fat red hen, and now they have their eyes set on the real prize—the fat red hen herself. They think their plan is foolproof, but they haven’t counted on one very tiny, very quiet thing. The ladybug has outsmarted these bandits once—and she’s ready to do it again!

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 2–6
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~430L

Themes & topics

Books about stealing Books about farms Books about animals Books about bugs and insects Books about problem solving

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.0

out of 7

3.5

“I like the repetitive animals sounds that would help reinforce learning to a young reader however, I do not enjoy stories with a main story line that includes bad behavior.”

The Notorious RAD

Trusted reviewer

4.5

“Rhyming text and colorful mixed-media illustrations make this a fun romp through the barnyard. When thieves plot to steal the hen, the farm animals hatch a plan and come together to keep everyone safe. The story moves along quickly, but there is quite a bit of text on each page, so it's best for pre-schoolers and older, and would probably need some trimming down to keep toddlers engaged.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

The author