Spring Sprouts (6 page)

Some bugs are harmful to gardens. One example is the aphid. Because they eat plants, aphids are pests for gardens.

Ladybugs, on the other hand, can be a gardener’s best friend. That’s because ladybugs
eat
aphids and other pesky bugs. So the more ladybugs there are around your neighborhood, the better.

For that reason, you can actually buy ladybugs online. After you receive your insects in the mail, you can set them free in your yard. Then they’ll be able to help your parents’ or neighbors’ gardens. Who says bugs are icky?

Judy Delton was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was the author of more than 200 books for children. She was also successful as a teacher, a speaker, and a class clown. Raising a family of four children, she used the same mix of humor and seriousness that she considered important parts of any good story. She died in St. Paul in 2001.

Alan Tiegreen has illustrated many books for children, including all the Pee Wee Scouts books. He and his wife currently live in Atlanta, Georgia.