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"Spot Problems" is a delightful picture book that encourages kids to put on their thinking caps as we search for a ladybug's missing spots!
Amelia, a six-year-old girl, has an unusual best friend: Paco, a grumpy, talking polar bear.
During a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard, they discover a ladybug without any spots. They start a well-intentioned mission to "fix" their spot-free friend, causing chaos among the other garden creatures.
After a near-disastrous turn of events, they come to understand what's been hiding in plain sight.
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In this latest adventure from the Amelia & Paco series, your child will once again discover the joy of outdoor play and the power of imagination. Through the misadventures of two unlikely friends, they’ll learn that the best solutions often come from seeing the world through a different lens.
Plus, it’s a great way to spark fun conversations with your kids about bugs, habitats, and all the cool things they can find right in their own backyard or neighborhood.
Amelia and her polar bear best friend, Paco, are back, tackling the burning question: What happened to the ladybug's spots?
Spot Problems possesses many adorable scenes and illustrations beginning from the very first page, where we catch Paco hiding unsuccessfully behind a bush. Amelia is correct; Paco's large size means there are few places he can blend into. But, in time, he stumbles upon a prime hiding spot, perfect for a large white polar bear. (The location will remain a secret until YOU read the book. The intended audience is children 2-6 years of age.)
As readers dive into book two in the Amelia and Paco series, we watch as the friend's hide-and-seek game is momentarily postponed because of what Amelia found: a ladybug with no spots. Did the spots fall off? Where did the spots go? Do all ladybugs have spots? Are spots helpful or harmful to a ladybug's well-being? Even though Paco thought the ladybug looked "okay" without any black dots, he supported Amelia's quest and assisted her in locating the elusive spots. What a good friend!Â
When Amelia and Paco came up empty-handed, the little girl enacted plan B: paint on the dots. This marked the spot for Paco to recall a painting mishap when his fur was splattered with three paint colors. Adorable illustration! Amelia's plan B came with almost dire consequences. During this tense scene, young kids will learn why being a spotless ladybug has its benefits. Readers will learn more interesting facts about ladybugs on the "Did you know?" page. One example: Did you know that NASA sent ladybugs into space? They went for a specific purpose, which you will (again) discover once you read this section.Â
Spot Problems is a delightful picture book that encourages children to guess or investigate questions posed in the book and even take the discussion one step further. Here's a small fraction of questions that'll get their (brain) wheels turning: Do all ladybugs have spots? Should we paint bugs or insects? Besides the hiding spot in the book, where else could a polar bear blend seamlessly into the scenery? What other animals use their coloring to their advantage in the wild?
I recommend reading Spot Problems with your kids or students. Ask them to predict what will happen once Amelia gives the ladybug a spot. Don't forget to read the very important "Did you know?" page, where readers can weigh in on whether a ladybug could catch their food without gravity. I plan on googling an answer or seeking a video on the buggy situation.Â
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Synopsis
Amelia, a six-year-old girl, has an unusual best friend: Paco, a grumpy, talking polar bear.
During a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard, they discover a ladybug without any spots. They start a well-intentioned mission to "fix" their spot-free friend, causing chaos among the other garden creatures.
After a near-disastrous turn of events, they come to understand what's been hiding in plain sight.
---
In this latest adventure from the Amelia & Paco series, your child will once again discover the joy of outdoor play and the power of imagination. Through the misadventures of two unlikely friends, they’ll learn that the best solutions often come from seeing the world through a different lens.
Plus, it’s a great way to spark fun conversations with your kids about bugs, habitats, and all the cool things they can find right in their own backyard or neighborhood.
About the author
Full-time project manager, part-time marshmallow tree cultivator, and children's book author. As a parent and writer, I believe in the power of make-believe play to unlock creativity and problem-solving skills in children. Each of my stories is a love letter to this playful world of pretend. view profile
Published on October 22, 2024
0-1000 words
Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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