
E-text prepared by Joe Longo
Mrs. Ladybug is the tireless guardian of Farmer Green’s orchard, patrolling the trees and devouring the tiny pests that threaten the fruit. She takes pride in her work, never lingering long for anything other than a quick chat, and her bright red coat with black polka‑dots marks her as a steadfast presence in Pleasant Valley. Though diligent, she can’t resist a bit of gossip, and her opinions about her neighbors are as sharp as her appetite for insects.
The other creatures of the meadow—Freddie Firefly, Buster Bumblebee, Daddy Longlegs, and the flamboyant Betsy Butterfly—each draw Mrs. Ladybug’s scrutiny. She views Betsy’s carefree fluttering and vivid wings as frivolous excess, preferring plain, practical attire. Her blunt remarks often sting, yet her unwavering commitment to the orchard earns her a grudging respect from those she critiques.
When a gentle dispute with Betsy escalates, the usually quiet Buster Bumblebee steps forward, determined to smooth the tension. Their emerging dynamics hint at a story where hard work, vanity, and community intertwine, inviting listeners to watch how the valley’s colorful cast learns to balance duty with friendship.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (74K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-12-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1877–1949
A prolific American children's writer, he filled his stories with talking animals, birds, and insects while quietly weaving in facts about the natural world. Best known for series like Sleepy-Time Tales and Tuck-Me-In Tales, he wrote with a lively style that treated young readers as smart and curious.
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by Arthur Scott Bailey

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