Inch by Inch
From SLJ March 2007
B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY -- School Library Journal, 3/29/2007
video or DVD. 7 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. 2006. video, ISBN 978-0-439-90563-3: $60; DVD, ISBN 978-0-439-90570-1: $59.95; cassette with paperback book, ISBN 978-0-439-90584-8: $14.95; CD with paperback book, ISBN 978-0-439-90585-5: $18.95.
PreS-Gr 1–Leo Lionni's 1961 Caldecott Honor Book (HarperCollins, pap. 1995) has finally been brought to the screen in this lively animated film. As the story begins, the inchworm wiggles through some grass blades; the visual depth is remarkable. In order to avoid being eaten, the little worm measures a robin's tail, a flamingo's neck, and more. The hummingbird is particularly breathtaking in the way its iridescent wings are shown rapidly flapping. In the end, the intrepid hero faces the dilemma of how to measure a nightingale's song, but finds an imaginative solution to the problem. Lionni's illustrations are lovely, and the story teaches measurement in a fun way. Ron McLarty narrates with just the right touch of whimsy, and lively orchestral music plays in the background. A good choice for the preschool crowd.
