Ladybug Girl and the Big Snow

A heavy snowfall offers a blank canvas for Ladybug Girl’s imagination, as well as some frustrations. Bundled up in a many-layered winter version of her trademark ladybug outfit, Lulu explores the yard, tries to build a snow castle, and invents pretend games involving snow giants and dragons. However, snow can be cold, unwieldy, and difficult to navigate, and Soman and Davis highlight the value of perseverance as setbacks threaten to dampen Lulu’s spirits (and clothing). Some of Lulu’s successes owe a bit too heavily to “winter magic” rather than her own efforts, but her seventh picture book should have fans watching the skies for first snowflakes. Ages 3–5. (Sept.)