Worm on the Job by Maureen Fergus

I saw today's read and knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I am ready to see how this worm tackles his job and what excitement awaits for him. After all, police and security work can be more than just a little interesting. Considering this one also comes from an author, who has more than a few titles in her pocket, I'm expecting a fun read.

So, let's see what this worm has planned!

WORM ON THE JOB

by Maureen Fergus

Illustrated by Paul G. Hammond

Kids Can Press

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

Size isn’t everything. Especially when it comes to Worm!

Worm loves being a librarian, but he’s ready for a new job. He considers many options - lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, window washer - but none of them quite fits his, um, skill set. Until this: A security guard is needed to stop a thief from stealing the Invention Convention’s exhibits. It sounds like the perfect job for him! Unfortunately, the hiring manager doesn’t agree. Worm is too small! Also, he’s a worm. Can Worm convince the manager he’s got what it takes? And can he really capture a dastardly thief?

Meet everyone’s new favorite hero. This worm’s willing to stretch his limits to get the job done!

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Everything is possible for this worm, and he's going to prove that he is capable of much more than some people believe.

Worm has been a librarian for a very long time and has read every book in the shelves. Deciding it's time for a new phase in life, he searches the help wanted ads and begins to apply for various jobs. The ones he directly qualifies aren't exactly his thing, but when he sees the need for a security guard, he knows that it's just for him. Now, he just has to convince the human manager that he, a small worm, is the right choice to keep a thief at bay. But that's just the first step to success. Even if he gets the job, he still needs to take on the thief, and that's a tall order for a very small worm.

This is an adorable adventure, which packs humor, action, and a dose of self-confidence, too. This worm isn't more than a worm...well, mostly not...but it knows its capabilities well. Combine it's willingness to go that extra, extra mile with a bit of clever adaptability, and there's little this worm can't achieve. The first pages mix in a little bittersweet humor as worm first has to figure out what job it wants to have, and readers will understand how hard it is for worm to land its first 'dream' job as a security guard and fever for it. Fun hits with the thief with just enough tension to hold the attention of even reluctant listeners. And all of it wraps off with a nice twist at the end. So, it's a well paced read which keeps the pages turning the whole way through.

The illustrations are well done and give Worm plenty of personality while also producing giggles. The text flows well and works nicely as a read-aloud for the age group. There is a message about pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and reaching for goals which may even seem unsurmountable. So, there's some goodness in these pages as well. Either way, this is a worm which I hope we'll see again. 

And here they are...

Maureen Fergus has written dozens of books for kids of all ages. She has three kids and at various times has been the pet mom of dogs, hedgehogs, fish, rats (!) and bunnies. She graduated with science and business degrees, taught college and worked in the aerospace, biopharmaceutical and financial services industries before finally discovering her love of writing, six weeks after her first baby was born.

Maureen’s books have been translated into many languages, optioned for television, adapted for stage and shortlisted for such prestigious awards as the Sunshine State Young Readers Award, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award. Her novels include The Fractured Kingdom romantasy trilogy and Ortega, which won the McNally Book for Young People award. Mad About Meatloaf, the first book in her graphic novel series starring Weenie the wiener dog, won the Joan Betty Stuchner – Oy Vey! – Funniest Children’s Book Award. Maureen’s picture books include the critically acclaimed Buddy and Earl series, The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold, The Reptile Club and The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten, a Blue Spruce winner.

Paul G. Hammond is an award-winning illustrator working from his house in the woods of Halifax, Nova Scotia.