Caroleann Rice introduces the wisdom of love to readers in dealing with bullies.
The Tucson Festival of Books
Caroleann Rice author of the book The Ladybug and the Bully Frog will be set to join the 27th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 23-24, 2022, at the University of Southern California, this time with her the latest addition to the Solomon the Snail series- Solomon Snail Goes to the Beach. This children’s book gives readers the essence of using love to change bad behavior such as bullying. Understanding these circumstances can help in dealing with bullies peacefully.
Further, The Ladybug And The Bully Frog is a 2018 children’s book illustrated by Caroleann Rice. It is the second book to feature the character of Solomon, the Snail. However, Caroleann Rice writes about another important character, a ladybug named Dot, in this book.
The Storyline
This story sticks to a group of pals who cannot play in the pond because of a bully famously known as Milton the Frog. Clover the Rabbit raises the assistance of Mrs. Ladybug, known to her friends as “Dot”. They search for Solomon the wise Snail’s advice on making Milton aware that he is being bad. It can only be done by someone who can fly over the pond’s water to him and be bold enough to face him.
The only one who can share the news, the only one who measures up the Mighty Wondrous Voice of Love with the bully terrorizing everyone around the pond. This is a little Ladybug named Dot. But she has to face the bully alone. Or will she? Bearing in mind, the Mighty Wondrous Voice of Love is with her.
Like Caroleann Rice’s other children’s books, The Ladybug and the Bully Frog is rich in lessons and moral values. The book emphasized the importance of fellowship, acceptance, and kindness to one another. One highlight of the books focused on the peaceful means to resolve conflicts. Other values featured in the book are patience, tolerance, and love.
Season artist and illustrator Charles Berton did the illustrations for Ladybug and the Bully Frog. His other well-known projects include Mother Nature’s Gifts, Kitty Cat and Rotten Rat, Meeting My Brother, and the latest book by Coleen Perrone about the coronavirus pandemic- Children Are Heroes, Too.
The Book’s Takeaways
The Ladybug And The Bully Frog by Caroleann Rice is a children’s picture book that shares a heart-warming tale about friendship, community, and acceptance. It does not condone violence as a way to stop bullying. Instead, it calls on patience, understanding, and love to change a person’s attitude and make them open up to others. This book is a beautiful short story rich with symbolism and meaning.
Author’s Corner
Caroleann Rice is a mother to her grown-up children, Kevin and Colleen. Rice is also a grandmother to Colleen’s twin daughters, Paige and Madison. Aside from spending time with her granddaughters, she is also a minister and chaplain to a Wednesday night prayer group called “The Women of the Well.” They regularly held it at her home for fourteen years. More presently, as the author of the book “The Song of Solomon the Snail” (this book is a sequel), she enjoys writing-making characters come alive to share a message of overcoming struggles and challenges. Caroleann’s life journey made her overcome many challenges. Having been widowed young at thirty-three, she raised her son and daughter as a single mom and enjoyed having quality time with her family. When Rice lost her husband, she was compelled to change her direction in life, which brought her to new heights and challenges. She enjoys traveling, music, cooking, and her most recent hobby is writing children’s books.
On the other hand, among Rice’s other books are The Song of Solomon the Snail and Solomon Snail Goes to the Beach.