**UPDATE** This story was published in the Natural Wonder issue of Little Thoughts Press!
Oh, how excited I am that Spring is finally here! This year, I’m kicking off my favorite season with a Spring GIF inspired writing contest. You can read more about the contest here. I met my wonderful critique partners during the Fall version of this contest (Fall Frenzy) and I’m so proud of how far we have all come on our writing journeys. Check out their blogs below:
I hope you enjoy my story and Happy Spring!!
The Lost Ladybug Project
By Lindsey Hobson
Word count: 137
Millie peered through the magnifying glass. “Nope.”
She inched through the grass, pausing to inspect a blade. “Not quite.”
“What are you doing?” asked her little brother, Max.
“Shhh… I’m on an important mission for the Lost Ladybug Project.” She lifted a leaf and inspected underneath. “YES! I found one!”
Max hurried over, startling the little red and black bug who prepared to take flight.
“Careful!” Millie warned.
They both held their breath.
Soon, the ladybug relaxed, tucking its translucent wings back under their spotted shell.
“Whew,” Millie exhaled. “Go ahead, count the spots!”
“One, two, three-four-five, six, seven, eight…”
“NINE!” blurted Millie. “I found a NINE-SPOTTED ladybug!”
“Oh, do you win a prize?” asked Max.
Millie lifted her camera and snapped a picture. “Finding this rare ladybug IS the prize! Come on, let’s look for more!”
The End
🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞
Author’s Note:
The nine-spotted ladybug used to be one of the most common species in America, but their population has dramatically decreased — at one point they were thought to be extinct! The Lost Ladybug Project utilizes community participation to find, photograph, and upload data to help scientists understand what is happening to this helpful insect.
Visit www.lostladybug.org to learn more!
Lindsey Hobson, author 
I love this story, Lindsey! Great job weaving such a cool informational fiction story into such a small word count! Always cheering for you!! ❤️
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😊 Thank you!
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I love how you created suspense in your story. Spring bug hunts are fun and I appreciate how you’ve included an educational element in this story.
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Thank you! I’m glad you liked it
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Suspenseful and educational-well done!
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Thank you!
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I love ladybugs and the young explorers on their quest to find them. Well done!
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Thank you!
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This is adorable, and I love the educational component! I’ve never heard of the Lost Ladybug Project.
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Thanks, Sarah! I hadn’t either but thought it was very interesting
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I hadn’t heard of that project before, but I know some kids who will want to check it out.
Thank for sharing such a neat idea and you wove it into a story so well! The finding is the prize 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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Wonderful story! I can’t wait to find a lady bug and count its spots. Well written, too : )
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Thank you!
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Wow love the citizen science and so glad they’re not extinct! Thanks for sharing this important story for Spring Fling Kidlit
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Glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by, Kaitlyn!
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Thanks for the CP shout out! 🙂 As you know, I love this Spring story. You have such a knack for writing highly engaging and educational pieces! Proud of you too, frenzy friend! ❤
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Of course! I couldn’t do it without you girls!!
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Wow! Great story! Love how you included the educational aspects! 🙂
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Thank you!
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Lindsey! Love the science connection and the sweet sibling interaction! So cool! My daughter loves ladybugs!
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Thanks, Ciara! My daughter does, too!
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