Samantha Smith

Wiggly, squiggly worms smile and eat on every page to create a composting delight.

Everyone in Harriet's family has an animal/creature they are responsible for. Harriet's job is to look after the hundreds and hundreds of worms living in a box in the yard. She feeds them every day, watching them munch through leftover granola and more. But as the days go by, the worms do nothing more than eat and wiggly...so boring! But then, Harriet discovers something on the box, which completely changes her view.

These pages swing around worms and composting in the cutest way. The content worms crawl and play on every page, while Harriet watches and feeds them. It creates a very cheerful atmosphere, which will have even those, who aren't so taken by worms, wishing they could have some of these to take care of.
While these worms are, indeed, entertaining, the reality of worms not really being exciting pets doesn't go unignored and Harriet's disappointment is understandable...at least, in reality. (These worms are anything but boring.) The idea of composting and how it benefits gardens rounds off the tale, and what I especially appreciated, makes the theme clear but very concise. So, young readers/listeners learn the purpose behind it, but the worms in all their cuteness, remain on center stage.

The illustrations are colorful, busy, energetic, and bring across the same style as compost. These are created with a mix of various mediums to give it a texture and vivid atmosphere. The worms are multi-colored and patterned but hold earthy tones, which seem to mix with the background, and yet, they don't. It makes it fun to search through each image and see what there is to find.

At the end of the book, there are tips and hints concerning composting and worms, which inspires young readers/listeners to try it themselves. Which also means that this is a great way to launch into a composting project for both groups and individuals.… (more)