Prince James had a very unusual hobby. He loved collecting beetles. The queen was terrified of entering his room because all kinds of funny-looking beetles would crawl out of boxes and jars. She would end up standing on a chair, screaming for help! One day, the queen announced, “James, get rid of those beetles! Otherwise, I shall have to send you to a boarding school!” This made James worry a lot. He tossed and turned on his bed at night, wondering how he could continue his hobby and not be packed off to school! One day, he found a ladybird and showed it to the queen. “Do you like this, Mother?” he asked. The queen loved the glowing red, spotted ladybird. Since that day on, James collected only ladybirds and the queen came into his room without getting scared. She didn’t know that the other beetles were in the attic!
James and the Ladybird
