Yucky Worms

PreS-Gr 2—Vivian French's fresh and interesting book (Candlewick, 2010) offers fascinating facts about earthworms. The information is revealed in a flowing narrative style as a young boy learns about these creatures through a conversation with his grandmother. Myths are debunked. Cool, and occasionally gross, worm facts are presented. The style of the book makes it perfect for a video format. Scott Nilson narrates as Jessica Ahlberg's soft and expressive pencil and gouache illustrations are scanned iconographically. He creates unique voices for grandmother and child, as well as for the worms and other animals whose conversation bubbles appear in the pictures. There's a fascinating close-up look at worm anatomy, cool wormy facts, and information on how to be a "wormologist." As a bonus, there's an interview with the author where she describes her path to authorship, her fiction and nonfiction endeavors, and the inspiration and research that went into this book. This is an exceptional and fascinating production that has a multitude of curriculum applications and merits a place in all libraries serving primary grade children.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA