The cicadas are coming!
Kids in your life may be concerned about the impending influx of cicadas expected any minute now in some parts of the country. To help alleviate some worries, here are some Magination Press books that feature friendly bugs in fun stories.
Lucy’s Light by Jo Rooks 
Lucy is a lightning bug and the most talented flyer in the squad. There’s just one problem: she doesn’t light up! When it’s time to learn night flying, Lucy is anxious. She tries everything to get her light to shine but nothing works. Lucy is about to give up when her friends are captured by a nasty toad and his gang, who hatched a plan to brighten up their bog. Does Lucy have what it takes to save her friends? Or is she just an “ordinary” bug after all?
A sweet story which shines a light on inner confidence, self-acceptance, and courage. Lucy learns that doing a good deed will always make you shine bright!
Layla’s Luck by Jo Rooks 
Layla is a ladybug with a lucky charm for every occasion: lucky socks for running, a lucky pencil for tests, and a lucky watering can for her flowers. When Layla enters a baking event, she is counting on her good luck to help her bake a delicious cake. But is luck the only ingredient that matters?
A clever tale of a ladybug who learns that success comes from her own smarts, skill, and hard work — not lucky charms and chance.
Doug’s Dung by Jo Rooks 
Doug has trouble lifting heavy balls of dung. He just doesn’t feel as strong as the other dung beetles. When Doug feels down that he isn’t tough enough, a passing butterfly helps him see things in a different light and he realizes that strength comes in many forms.
An uplifting story of a determined dung beetle who finds his unique strength in creating beautiful things inspired by nature, flowers, friends, and the garden.
Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation by Frank J. Sileo, PhD
Bentley is a lovable, calm honeybee. He lives in a hive in a tall oak tree.
One day, the queen told the bees to get busy. This sent them scrambling into a tizzy. But not Bentley. He chose to be patient and wait. He decided to look for a place to meditate.
Bee Still is a child-friendly introduction to meditation. It includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more ideas for introducing meditation into your child’s life.
Bee Calm: The Buzz on Yoga by Frank J. Sileo, PhD 
In this companion book to Bee Still: An Invitation to Meditation, Bentley Bee loves to fly around and visit his friends in the garden. One day, he notices all of them in unusual poses. What could it bee?
Bentley’s friends teach him several beginning yoga poses including Mountain, Chair, Airplane, Cobra, and more. Readers will love to follow Bentley and try the poses themselves as he gets buzzing all about yoga in this kid-friendly introduction.
A Note to Parents and Caregivers provides suggestions for introducing children to yoga and instructions for the poses in the story.
Bee Heartful: Spread Loving-Kindness by Frank J. Sileo, PhD
When compassionate Bentley sends loving-kindness thoughts to himself and others, he can feel his heart growing:
May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be peaceful.
When Willie Wasp steals Bentley’s favorite red scarf, it really stings! Bentley has the whole garden buzzing as he works through the situation.
This sweet story shows the power of strong, positive, and loving thoughts.
A note from the author provides more information about loving-kindness and related meditation, and guidelines for how readers can practice being heartful just like Bentley!
Bye Bye Pesky Fly by Lysa Mullady
When Pig’s peaceful, feel-good kind of day is interrupted by a pesky fly, he has to figure out what to do. Can he get his feel-good feelings back, and maybe even make a new friend along the way?
A Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals provides more information on helping children deal with frustration and build positive relationships.
