A BUG, A SLUG, AND A LADYBUG

A bug and a slug appeal to the court to defend their right to marry in this Ruth Bader Ginsburg–inspired picture book.

Celebrations of the work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg seldom involve insects, but the late Supreme Court Justice’s presence as Ruth Bader Ladybug shows just how far her influence reached. Klazkin’s debut picture book opens with a loving couple: Barney the bug, a grasshopper with a ponytail, mustache, and a ball cap, and Sweet Sally the slug, whose blond hair, pearl necklace, and long dress give her a roughly sluglike shape. The pair kiss and cuddle in public, earning them a look of dismay from a bug. “Bugs and slugs do not mix,” a police officer bug reminds them. But they can’t deny their love, so they challenge the law in a court presided over by Ruth Bader Ladybug. After a fierce debate, the law is struck down, and love wins the day. Klazkin’s rhyming couplets generally scan well, although the layout of the text on some pages makes the ends of phrases difficult to find. A glossary offers definitions for more challenging vocabulary words. Laubach’s odd cartoon illustrations are uneven in their mix of human and bug/slug features, although the illustrations of Ruth Bader Ladybug, depicted in a lace collar, are a charming way to honor the justice. Though there are few details about how the court works, the concept of a court ruling on a law is solidly introduced.

A clever take on teaching young readers about the justice system.