Ladybug Longlist: Flying Creatures

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by Devin Elle Kurtz

"Beautiful illustrations. a great message.  Don't give up keep learning, if you want to try something new - come to the library where you might find a book to help you learn." -- nominator

The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest by Lynn Street

"Interesting science facts that describe how forests grow with the help of Blue Jays. Great illustrations too! " -- nominator

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor

"What seems at first like a straightforward story about being nice to others if you want to keep your friends includes a plot twist that turns it into a story about persistence and taking care of others. It's humorous and includes a secret code to solve as well." -- nominator

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Andy Chou Musser, Corey R. Tabor

"Clever collaboration between three accomplished author/illustrators about the life cycle of a butterfly." -- nominator

The Red Jacket by Bob Holt

"Aside from the charming illustrations, this story of a lonely seagull who feels invisible, receives a wonderful gift (spoiler- it's a red jacket. With fries in the pocket!!!) that makes him feel like people finally notice him. When tragedy strikes, he realizes that the jacket wasn't what made him special, and that he's had friends all along. A nice little pay-it-forward ending as well. I've read it to preschool groups through high school, and it's a hit every time!" -- nominator

Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell

"Hilarious book with a case of mistaken identity. A fun twist on the "fish out of water" story that celebrates uniqueness." -- nominator

Seven Little Ducklings by Annette Leblanc Cate

"Super sweet story with beautiful pictures about a mother taking on all of the babies that need her, not just her own. A little silly, with lots of love and sweetness." -- nominator

To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell

"An exquisitely illustrated ode to patience, devotion -- and owls. A young girl (with support from both her mother and teacher) puts in the legwork that finally yields a sighting, like a more realistic, kid-driven version of 'Owl Moon'." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.