Diary of a Worm- Picture book #4

The Book
Cronin, D. & Bliss, H. (Illus.). (2003). Diary of a Worm. New York: Joanna Cotler Books an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary
Diary of a Worm chronicles the everyday life of a funny, intelligent young male worm. His diary spans from March 20th to August 1st and through these entries he details the amusing adventures that occur during this time. Some of his adventures include trying to teach his friend Spider to dig a hole, pestering his sister, hiding from shovels during fishing season, trying to dance to the hokey pokey and so many more. Through his diary entries he also explains how worms play an important role in caring for the earth. His humanistic qualities are shown through various entries and the scrapbook like beginning and end of the book. He concludes his diary by stating it's not always easy being a worm and shares both what he likes and does not like about being a worm in this great big world.

Response
This book was both funny and endearing and to my suprise it was also quite informative! It really increases the reader's ecological awareness and allows them to see the world from the perspective of a worm. Through his diary entries children can see how he is not that much different from themselves, besides the whole eating his homework thing, never having to bath and the obvious physical differences. He dreams about the future, creates relationships and learns through trial and error like all of us.The illustrations are wonderfully done and they really add character to the book and the worm's diary entries. There were many times I laughed out loud reading this book, especially when he told his sister that no matter how many times she tried her head would always look like her rear end. I also enjoyed how one of the journal entries demonstrated the importance of manners. I believe learning about manners is very important and think this book could have a great influence on young children. This book would also be great to read during Earth Days, many fun activities and discussions could be motivated by it. It is a good book to increase the student's awareness and knowledge about the roles different inhabitants play in keeping the Earth healthy.

Awards received/Reader's advisory information
Diary of a Worm has won multiple awards. The awards are as follows: School Library Journal Best Book, IRA/CBC Children's Choice, Nevada Young Reader's Award and Parents' Choice Silver Honor. The years in which this book won these awards was not stated and I found them on the Harper Collins website. The book jacket states this book is for ages 4-8 and I agree, this is a wonderful book for young children. It's themes are family, friends, personal attributes and talents, diaries, worms and ecological awareness.