Picture Book Review: This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen

Image: Charlesbridge

This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen. Illustrated by Margaret McCartney. unpgd. Charlesbridge, March, 2020. 9781580898973. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

This terrific STEM title is narrated by a worm who sports spectacles and a blue scarf. After advising the reader to find a worm and also to treat it gently, he(?) she(?)* relates information about all things worm, from where they live to what they eat and more. This book is jam-packed with accessible information and so pleasingly illustrated that little fingers (and mine) just itch to participate. It is perfect for this virtual learning time! All the tools should be fairly at hand. And it'll get the kids outside, moving and wondering.

Back matter answers other questions a young reader might have about worms and a list of three books and a website for further exploring. This is a Book to Read with a Worm belongs on every kind of library shelf and would make a splendid fiction/ nonfiction pairing with ...Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin. My students and I just adored that book when it pubbed back in 2003.

*Worms are hermaphrodite, so they have both male and female genetalia. Calling our wormy narrator, "It" didn't seem nice. He/she is a perfectly wonderful narrator.