What the Ladybird Heard: questions to ask and activities to try
Two robbers plan to steal the farmer's prize cow, but the ladybird heard everything. What the Ladybird Heard is a funny rhyming adventure about the smallest, quietest creature saving the day.
What age is it for? What the Ladybird Heard is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Being small, quiet and clever.
What the Ladybird Heard (Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Being small, quiet and clever
Make all the animal noises and let your child spot the ladybird on every page. The plan is great for talking about how quiet people notice things.
What it helps with
- Being small and quiet but clever
- Listening and noticing
- Teamwork to solve a problem
- Farm animal sounds
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.
- “What did the robbers want to steal?”
- “Who heard their plan?”
- “What was the ladybird’s plan?”
- “How did the animals help?”
- “What happened to the robbers?”
- “When has noticing something helped you?”
5-minute activities to try together
Spot the ladybird
Hunt for the ladybird on every page, then hide a toy ladybird around the room.
Animal mix-up
Take turns making the wrong animal noise for an animal, like the farmyard did.
Free printables: What the Ladybird Heard 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.
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If your child liked this, try
The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Feeling scared, and using your wits
- Age
- 3-6
The Snail and the Whale (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Children who feel small, or too little to make a difference
- Age
- 3-6
The Leopard's Drum (Jessica Souhami)
- Best for
- Being small, clever and brave
- Age
- 3-7
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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.