Smell Detective Marigolds Coloring Pages for Ages 3-5

Coloring page story

Lily the Ladybug landed on a big, ruffly orange flower. "Phew! What is that funny smell?" she wondered.

The flower was a marigold named Sunny. "It's my special smell!" Sunny said proudly.

Lily sniffed the grass. Sniff, sniff. It smelled green and fresh. She sniffed a rose. Sniff, sniff. It smelled sweet. But Sunny the Marigold smelled... different. Spicy and strong.

"I don't like it," said a little green caterpillar munching on a tomato plant nearby. "Your smell is too stinky for my lunch!" And he wiggled away. [Interactive Element: Pretend to be the caterpillar and wiggle away!]

Twist: Lily realized the "funny" smell was actually a superpower! "Your smell is a shield!" Lily buzzed with excitement. "It keeps the munching caterpillars away from your friends!"

Sunny ruffled his petals. "It's my job! I'm a garden guardian." Lily the Smell Detective had solved the mystery. The funny smell was a friendly smell after all.

Coloring page Age Appropriateness

The 'Cute Animal Cartoon' style is perfect for ages 3-5. The characters are adorable and engaging, turning a lesson about pest-repelling plants into a fun story. The simplified forms of the marigold, ladybug, and caterpillar are easy for young children to recognize and color. The large, open areas of the flower petals and leaves help build coloring confidence.

Coloring Page Coloring Instructions

Are you ready to be a smell detective? You can give Sunny the Marigold big, bright orange and yellow petals! Lily the Ladybug would love a bright red shell with black spots. And look at that silly caterpillar wiggling away! You can make him any color you want. Maybe a bright green or a rainbow caterpillar?

Coloring Page Printing Tips

Print this page in 'portrait' orientation. Using a slightly thicker paper, like 24 lb weight, can make the coloring experience more satisfying for little ones, as crayons will glide smoothly over the surface. A good print will make the marigold's bold outlines pop!

Recommended Tools

Washable markers will make the characters stand out with bold color. For developing fine motor skills, triangular crayons can help promote a proper grip. Have your child try making little dots for the ladybug's spots!