Why Ladybugs Count Courage — Under the tallest weeds, Orla kept her feet tucked tight. Read the full story →
Under the tallest weeds, Orla kept her feet tucked tight. She wanted to land on the big daisy by the stone path before the bees rang their noon buzz, but the petals looked wide as sails. The air smelled like warm grass and peppery leaves. Then a voice whispered, “Psst. Spots know the way.”
Orla froze. The daisy’s yellow middle was freckled with tiny pollen dots, and one loose dot clung to Orla’s shell like a secret. “I only need one landing,” she said. The daisy shivered. “Then take one dot with you.” Orla stepped onto a petal. It dipped. She nearly squeaked, but the dot stayed. So she took another step, and another, until her little black feet touched the fuzzy center.
Ever since, ladybugs have worn black spots to remember the first brave steps across a daisy. If you peek among the petals and stones, you might catch Orla still counting hers softly.
