Happy Book Birthday, Harriet's Hungry Worms by Samantha Smith!

This month is a huge celebration of book birthdays! This one, actually, came out two days ago, but you know me...always willing to celebrate as long as possible. Today's read looked so cute that I couldn't pass up taking a quick peek. And I think I might want to get some worms of my own now.

HARRIET'S HUNGRY WORMS

by Samantha Smith

Illustrated by Melissa Johns

EK Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu. Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING.’ Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee! Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use. Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/91327755-harriet-s-hungry-worms

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1922539473

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harriets-hungry-worms-samantha-smith/1141812481

MY TIDBITS

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.

Review: Growing Pains by Alison McLennan

 Today's review takes a gentler turn toward kindness, nature, and simply being concerned about others. 

GROWING PAINS

by Alison McLennan

Illustrated by Melissa Johns

EK Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

When Finn’s family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn’t seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn’s kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.

GOODREADS  /   AMAZON   /  B&N   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Kindness and innocent curiosity make Finn a child to like from the very first page, and one young listeners will easily identify with.

Finn planted a tree in the yard with his family, but when he's told not to leave the house because it's cold, he begins to worry that the tree might be cold, too. Wanting to make sure the tree is as happy and comfortable as possible, Finn finds himself spending more and more time with the tree. But the tree might offer him something as well.

Finn's concern for the small sapling is already sweet and makes him a character, who is easy to like. He has a big heart, and listeners will have no trouble sympathizing with Finn's concerns. But this book is only about Finn's worries. Finn's shared time with the tree creates a gentle and calming atmosphere, which shows how wonderful simple things can be. But there is a bit of tension, too, which the author weaves in toward the end...and even this is a situation many listeners will identify with.

The text is just right for the age group and sticks to a few lines for each scene. The story flows smoothly and allows the illustrations to add their spark and even  a pinch of humor. These are done in a textured style, which allows artistic flair while keeping everything easy to identify. 

This is a sweet read, which is perfect for those more calm moments. And after reading this one, parents might find a scarf around one of their own trees.