The Bad-Tempered Ladybird: questions to ask and activities to try
The bad-tempered ladybird picks fights with everyone, even a whale! The Bad-Tempered Ladybird is Eric Carle's classic about grumpiness, manners and making friends.
What age is it for? The Bad-Tempered Ladybird is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Being grumpy and picking fights, and learning to share.
The Bad-Tempered Ladybird (Eric Carle)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Being grumpy and picking fights, and learning to share
Use a grumpy voice for “Want to fight?” and notice the pages and animals getting bigger. Talk about why the friendly ladybird was happier.
What it helps with
- Grumpy moods
- Sharing and manners
- Sizes from small to big
- Telling the time
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why was the ladybird grumpy?”
- “Who did he try to fight?”
- “How did the animals get bigger?”
- “What happened with the whale?”
- “Why was the friendly ladybird happier?”
- “What makes you grumpy?”
5-minute activities to try together
Biggest to smallest
Line up toy animals from smallest to biggest.
Clock spotting
Look at the clocks on each page and find the same time on a real clock.
Free printables: The Bad-Tempered Ladybird worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
What the Ladybird Heard (Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks)
- Best for
- Being small, quiet and clever
- Age
- 2-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.