About Us
LADYBUG PUBLISHING
Ladybug Publishing originally published The Gift of the Ladybug in a softcover and Kindle version on January 28, 2012. The second edition of the The Gift of the Ladybug will be launching on January 28, 2022! We will be launching a new softcover, Kindle, hardcover, and an adorable 12" stuffed Polkadot (the main character of The Gift of the Ladybug). As always, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to help children with critical illnesses. So far we have raised over $30,000 to help these children by donating funds to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, sending a few special children on once-in-a-lifetime trips, and donating thousands of books to children in hospitals. Help us reach $100,000 in the next three years by buying our special books and products HERE.
THE GIFT OF THE LADYBUG
#1 Amazon Mover & Shaker The Gift of the Ladybug is a magical tale of love, joy, and radical acceptance through the eyes of two horses that learn that their son is actually a handsome ladybug. Inspired by the wisdom of Carole Mac's beloved late son TJ, this book teaches us all how to live powerfully, accept ourselves and each other, and know that we are all perfect exactly as we are. The Gift of the Ladybug is a “A masterful example of bibliotherapy," according to James Cox, Editor-in-Chief of Midwest Book Review, and “The most amazing children’s book I’ve ever read" according to Anita Birk, Founder of Mommies of Miracles (world's largest support group for mothers of children with medical complexities). It has been embraced by hospitals, schools, and parents nationwide as a tool to accept difficult diagnoses with peace and love. If your child, or any child you know, is dealing with a diagnosis or difference of any kind, this book is for you. If you want your child to feel inclusion and acceptance, this book is for you. If you want to love your life right now, regardless of circumstances, this book is for you. And if you are a hospital, school, or charitable organization serving children with critical illnesses, this book is for you! Buy the book HERE.
AUTHOR CAROLE MAC
When Author Carole Mac went to Cleveland Clinic to learn about her son TJ’s condition, she was told that he would probably not see his second birthday. As she drove home from that appointment, she was reeling, barely blinking, and in pure agony. She had no idea how she could possibly live through losing her child right in front of her eyes. Suddenly, she saw horses and ladybugs fly across her mind. The horses were crying because they just learned that their ladybug would love a short life. The ladybug was confused. “Why are you crying?” the ladybug said. “I am a ladybug! And I don’t know how to be a horse. I only know how to be a ladybug.” This profound metaphor allowed Author Carole Mac to find relief in that harrowing moment. When she got home from that car ride, she wrote The Gift of the Ladybug for TJ. She was able to read it to him countless times. Her friends, family, and the entire city of Columbus, Ohio embraced this book as a way of being, and a way to embrace TJ exactly as he was. Two years after TJ passed away, Ladybug Publishing published The Gift of the Ladybug on TJ’s birthday (January 28) to help other children and families who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses. What began as the children’s picture book turned into a national movement celebrating all children with critical illnesses as the heroes that they are. Join our movement by buying the book, joining our Facebook page, visiting Author Carole Mac's Instagram page, or email us via the Contact page.
Author Carole Mac is most proud of being TJ’s mom. Creating this book, and working with children with critical illnesses is the most fulfilling work, and biggest privilege of her life. After TJ passed, she and Ladybug publishing team created Ladybug Celebration Week to honor all ladybugs by donating books, visiting hospitals, and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children with critical illnesses. Carole Mac is also a food personality, sommelier, content creator, writer, and producer. Her latest series Somm School Insider can be found on Wine4Food.com and ROKU. She is an expert in creating “food bliss” adventures to heal grief. She has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN.com, GLAMOUR, and USA TODAY. Follow her on CaroleMac.com, Facebook @GiftoftheLadybug, and Instagram @Carole.Mac.
ILLUSTRATOR EVI SHELVIA
Illustrator Evi Shelvia is a professional writer and illustrator of children's books. She has produced 35 book titles to date in countries such as the United States, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia. She has won several book illustration awards from Singapore and Malaysia. She gives coaching clinics and professional workshops on book illustrations, as well as participates in various literary events internationally. Evi loves drawing and reading. She lives in West Java, Indonesia with her family and her cats. Follow her on @EviShelvia, and visit her at EviShelvia.com.
Comfort Kit Now Available!
Give the gift of comfort to children with critical illnesses. Gift a copy of THE GIFT OF THE LADYBUG and a stuffed Polkadot to the child in your life. Or donate books and toys directly to kids at Make-A-Wish, schools, or hospitals through our donation program. Click below to learn more.