The Lady Bug and the Caterpillar

This drama is based on John 20:11-18 with the purpose of presenting the feelings and mystery of Easter in a way young children can understand. It can also be used as a way to introduce the story of Mary Magdalene’s experience of the risen Christ.

Preparation: minimal

Cast/Characters: 2 children, 1 adult

Scenes: 2 (2pp)

Main Props: Garden setting, piano stool, grey blanket, shells, broom (Garden setting. Cocoon should be visible but off to the side. Lucy is sweeping with a small broom.)

Lucy
Hi boys and girls. I’m Lucy, a ladybird beetle. Most people call me a ladybug. My very best friend Carla Caterpillar is coming over in a few minutes for a cup of fresh dew water with me. Would you excuse me for a moment, I still have a little tidying up to do. (She sweeps and Carla approaches.) Hi Carla, come on in.

Carla
My, how beautiful you look. I have always admired your shiny red coat and I do so wish I had wings. It gets a bit exhausting dodging big feet in the grass.

Lucy
Really? I have always envied your long slender body and the graceful way you move. Come, have a shell full of fresh dew water with me. (They both drink from the shells placed on piano stool “rock”.)

Carla
How I do enjoy our visits together—sitting and talking with you. You have been such a special friend. Remember that time I was caught in a jar by a little girl? It got hot in there, I couldn’t breathe. I was so frightened with this one big eye looking at me. I don’t know what made her change her mind but just when I thought I couldn’t last another minute, I found myself dropped back into the tall, cool grass. And you were the first insect to come by. You gave me cool dew water and bathed my hot dry skin.

Lucy
Yes, I remember how out-of-breath you were. I was so worried. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you. Before you came to the garden I was very unhappy. A lot of the other insects made fun of me. Even I had become convinced that I was not of much worth to anyone. But when you became my friend the other insects looked at me differently. Well, life has sure been full of special moments since we became friends.

Carla
This water is delicious. I’ve been feeling very tired recently—very strange—not really feeling myself.