Kids Corner: Pistachio Shell Ladybugs

This activity is brought to you by the author of the children's book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed.

Materials: 

• Pistachio shells

• Red paint or red sharpie/marker

• Paintbrush

• Black sharpie

Directions:

Step 1: Paint the pistachio shells all red. Let the paint dry completely, approximately 30 minutes. Another option: With a red sharpie color the pistachio shell completely. 

Step 2: With a black sharpie draw a curve on the top of the pistachio for the ladybug head. 

Step 3: With a black Sharpie add two dots for the eyes.

Step 4: In the middle of the curve draw a straight line down to separate the pistachio shell into half.

Step 5: Draw 3 or 4 dots on each side of the line.  Voilà!

Step 6: Optional, glue ladybugs on leaves.
To purchase a book, visit your local Barnes and Noble and follow Jacob's story on Instagram @jacob_the_gnome.