Inch by Inch

In the book a green inch work shares his skills of measuring with everyone. He is the master of measuring almost anything; he measures a robin, flamingo, toucan's beak, and many other animals. This is a great way to introduce to younger children the enjoyment of learning how to measure all sorts of things.

Story about a smart little inch worm who uses his clever ways to escape a rut he's stuck in. Lionni's illustrations are gorgeous as always and he has a unique and successful way of simplifying his text so that children may read and understand while adults can read and comprehend in another deeper level. ( )

Genre: Fantasy
Genre Critique: This book is a good example of fantasy through the use of talking animals that reason and think. The setting is believable to the characters and the plot, and although unrealistic, the story is held together through the author's illustrations helping the reader to believe the unbelievable.
Characterization Critique: The little inchworm (our protagonist) is a dynamic character. Starting out shy, he continues throughout the book and uses his measuring abilities to work his way out of a life or death situation. His round character is consistant, but adapts and changes over time for the better, creating a dynamic, protagonistic, little guy.
Review/Critique: I enjoyed reading this book. From the first page I instantly thought I knew the ending to the story (thinking the inch worm would measure the bird up to his beak and get eaten) but I was in for a pleasant surprise.

Genre: Fantasy- In this book the many animals come to life as they ask the inchworm to measure them. In real life we know that inchworms really can't measure anything for this is a humanly task to complete. As well most of the animals the inchworm helps measure, in real life, would be the prey to the inchworm and would not spare the inchworms life to be measured.
Plot- The book starts off right away with a conflict between the main character, the inchworm, and nature (predators). The inchworms life is threatened, but using his talents the inchworm manages to save his life. From there the plot levels out as the inchworm measures many other birds, until the climax in the story when the inchworm is asked to measure something that does not physically exist, the nightingales song. It is at this point that the story reaches it's highest climax and the inchworms life really is in danger. Being a clever inchworm he manages to escape the nightingale and death to bring peace to the ending of the story.

This book is all around amazing. I loved how the illustrations make you feel like you are actually in the story; everything seems almost life-size. The little inchworm is so clever, and is able to use his measuring skills to avoid being eaten. He even outsmarts a song bird who wants him to measure his song, by inching out of sight at the song bird sings. This is a great book to read to children to inspire them to be imaginative and creative. ( )