Lila the Ladybug Learns Self-Care by Susan L. Fink is a charming children’s book that creates an easy way for parents to engage in conversations with their children about self-care. Lila loves to help others in whatever way she can, whether it’s helping a friend feel better or sharing her lunch with someone who doesn’t have any. But she is so busy doing homework, helping others, and doing chores that she doesn’t have time to play. She does so much that she even forgets to take care of herself until she gets sick. Seeing the problem, Grandma Bug steps into action to help. First, they pray together and then Grandma teaches her about the importance of self-care. The book also features delightful activity pages after the story that add to the message.
Susan L. Fink highlights that what Lila does are good things but there is a limit that children and adults aren’t always aware of. The illustrations by Holly Backus show Lila pale and with fewer shiny spots in appearance to visually represent the impact overdoing it has on her. The steps taken in the story are spiritually-based such as praying together and praying over Lila. However, the central message of self-care is a universal concept. The spiritual undertone provides the story with a richness that feels inspiring. Lila learns that she needs to eat healthily, take time to rest, and how to moderate her activities, such as chores and helping others. Through illustrations, young readers will see that she does too much and looks increasingly unhappy until she is run down and sick. The activities help to reinforce the message and add to the conversation with a bookmark, a ‘can you spot them all’ activity (in which children can go back and look for hidden objects), and a coloring page. Lila the Ladybug Learns Self-Care is a lovely conversation starter to broach the topic of self-care with children and how to strive for balance even at a young age.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite
“Lila the Ladybug Learns Self-Care teaches children the importance of taking care of everything Jesus gave us, including ourselves! It’s a great reminder for Christians to take care of themselves so they can serve more fully. “
— Dr. Jennifer Londgren, Author, A Guide to Mental & Emotional Wellness
“In her continuing quest to encourage, author Sue Fink takes her message to a younger audience in Lila the Ladybug Learns About Self-Care.” This children’s book would hold the interest of pre-readers through early readers. It addresses our swirling culture that can easily leave even the littlest among us overwhelmed with activities. As children grow and face more and more competition for their time and attention, “Lila the Ladybug Learns About Self-Care” will help them be prepared for handling life. The message is set to rhyme which makes it easy, even fun, to read. The unique illustrations also help the book to stand out from your average children’s book. Suggested activities, such as looking for hidden items, make this little book very engaging. It is, quite simply, practical and delightful.”
— Pastor Martin Wildauer
“This was a refreshing book to read to primary grade children. The concept of self-care is a timely one in this day and age. I liked that Lila was such a good role model to children because of her caring ways. It was a good idea to have Lila being busy, in fact, she was overcome by busyness. In our world today that is a problem for children and for adults . . . I loved the illustrations by Holly Backus. The ladybug pictures were adorable, especially the freckles on their faces. Instructions on making a ladybug bookmark, and finding the hidden objects were great ideas for a children’s book. I enjoyed the fact that this was a Christian children’s book too! I would certainly recommend this book to public libraries, primary and preschool class-rooms.”
— Linda Verlinden, early education teacher (28 years)
“Sue Fink’s adaptation of her book about Self Care for adults has been wonderfully transformed into a version for children that concisely and cleverly shows children the need to not only be helpful and caring, but also to pay attention to their own needs and their own health. The text and the illustrations both get at the heart of the message in a way that children will enjoy and understand. The illustrations are colorful, cute and engaging and they have included a few fun activities for the child to enjoy participating in after they have read the book. As an Elementary and Middle School art teacher for 35 years with a Masters in Art Education, I believe this book will be a real asset to any library and especially appropriate for children of Christian parents!”
— Renee Couture, retired art teacher
Lila leads us on a journey of helping others, while still taking care of yourself. The artwork is beautiful, the rhyming story is cute and engaging. The bonus pages with activities are wonderful. This book is especially suited for pre-readers through 1st grade. Although the message is applicable for all ages.
— Renee Couture, retired art teacher
Amazon Reviews
Lila leads us on a journey of helping others, while still taking care of yourself. The artwork is beautiful, the rhyming story is cute and engaging. The bonus pages with activities are wonderful. This book is especially suited for pre-readers through 1st grade. Although the message is applicable for all ages.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
J. Bart
How to help children care for themselves properly
Lila is actually not your average little lady bug. There are many children out there who care, but it is a pretty much, “Me 1st” Country. But for what ever reason a child is so caring whether buy choice or circumstances, you pray that someone intervenes on the child’s behalf. Prayerfully this book is helpful to care givers of any age. The children’s book is colorful, welcoming and has fun activities at the end!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kathleen J Koeslin
Important message and adorable illustrations. Perhaps we all know adults who are always helping others but don’t take time for themselves (see author’s other book, Self Care: Selfish or Sacred), so wouldn’t it be good for children to learn early that it’s okay to be nice to themselves as well? Like, put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. Love this book and highly recommend it.
★★★★★
pcooke
Lifetime habits are ingrained early in life. In this sweet book, Lila the Ladybug learns that she needs balance in her life. While helping others is good, Lila also needs rest, nourishment, and fun to maintain her well-being.
Geared for pre-K through early readers, Lila the Ladybug Learns About Self-Care, has a great message in fun-to-read rhyme. Great for home and school settings.
★★★★★
Ruth Schmeckpeper
A precious book sure to entertain and encourage young children to develop both body health habits and good spiritual care.
I received a copy to give my honest opinion and definitely recommend this children’s book.
★★★★
Beth Ann Ziarnik