A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Pily Rivero

A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs is a children's book that trusts wonder to do the heavy lifting. There is something quietly powerful about this. The story starts off by reminding us that magic doesn't always come with noise or sparkle. It can show up in the everyday places in a child's life, but we have to slow down long enough to see it.

Reading this book is like stepping into a peaceful afternoon where your curiosity leads the way. The surprise of a bedroom full of ladybugs makes you happy, but the feeling that stays with you is softer. A feeling of safety, curiosity, and being connected to the world around you. The story is both calming and interesting because it invites both kids and adults to feel awe without rushing.

The book is about being aware, respecting nature, and finding beauty in small things. These ideas are much bigger than the story. They talk about how kids learn to care, how families share awe, and how being aware of the world around them can help kids learn to care early on. The themes are universal because they remind us of the first time we realized the world was alive in ways we didn't expect.

Amy's writing is easy to read and understand, and it doesn't go on and on. Because the pace is slow, you can really enjoy each moment. The watercolor pictures fit her words perfectly, especially when she calls the ladybugs "magical loveliness," which sounds both fun and poetic. The book's emotional anchors are scenes of watching, being curious in a gentle way, and being happy in a quiet way.

A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs doesn't leave a lasting impression through spectacle, but through tenderness by the end. Anyone who wants to keep their curiosity, kindness, and sense of wonder alive after childhood should read this book.

About the Author 

Amy L Stark PhD

Amy Stark, Ph.D. is a highly respected clinical psychologist based in California. She received her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego. Her background in education is in child psychology. Dr. Stark is best known for her work with children in high-conflict divorce situations. 

Her newest illustrated children's book A Magical Loveliness of Ladybugs is based on a true story about a little girl who finds her bedroom filled with ladybugs. This is Dr. Stark's eighth children's book. In 2024, her book You are More Than: A Primer for Finding the Light in Your Heart won the prestigious Nautilus Book Silver Award. You are More Than inspires children to connect with people, nature and the world, to help find their purpose. 

Dr. Stark also published a series of books helping kids with self-esteem. Whole Heart for Girls, Whole Heart for Young Women, and Whole Heart for Boys help children and teens feel good about themselves. She facilitates Whole Heart for Girls self-esteem workshops for Girl Scouts and other groups. Each of the Whole Heart books in the series include a discussion guide for parents to have conversations with their children. 

Her first illustrated children's story The Fairy Godmother Next Door was published in 2015 with two more books in the series available now The Fairy Godmother Babysits and The Fairy Godmother Helps the Monarchs. 

Dr. Stark appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show many years ago to discuss her business book Because I Said So about how office life can represent the characteristics of a dysfunctional family. Her expertise is sought after and published in U.S. News & World Report, Reader’s Digest, Women’s Health, and Parenting OC magazine.