Diary of a Worm

In celebration of all things green this month, we can’t neglect to mention a real live, recycling helper of the environment: the worm.  

A worm’s life has its ups and downs and I don’t mean just wiggling through the dirt.  In "Diary of a Worm," a young worm journals his daily activity but also remembers the important role his mother told him that he and his worm family have on the earth, along with a few other important reminders. 

Mama worm said there are three things the worm must always remember: “1. The Earth gives us everything we need.  2.  When we dig tunnels, we help take care of the earth.  3. Never bother Daddy when he’s eating the newspaper.”   Written by Doreen Cronin, "Diary of a Worm" is a hilarious story of a young, baseball-capped worm who journals his adventures through spring and summer. 

On July 4, the young worm dreams of being a secret service agent when he grows up.  The illustration of “secret service agent” worm wearing dark sunglasses, an ear piece, a suit jacket and no pants will have you laughing out loud.

Another diary selection noted that worm’s older sister was constantly admiring her own reflection and that he told her that no matter how long she looked in the mirror, her face would always look just like her rear end!

Being a worm is not all fun and games.  Birds, fisherman and hopscotch players after a rainstorm are always dangers to be on the look-out for.

There are some pluses to being a worm, however.  July 29:  “Three good things about being a worm:  1. I never have to go to the dentist.  2.  I never get in trouble for tracking mud through the house.  3. I never have to take a bath.”  With these benefits, any child would be green with envy to be a worm for a day! 

"Diary of a Worm" is a fun and humorous read to share with kids ages 3 -10 years.  The pictures add much to the telling of worm’s diary.  The illustrations are expertly detailed to capture the hilarity of each diary entry, making it a wonderful picture book to own and read over and over again. 

Don’t miss the inside front and back covers of the book where it looks like a scrapbook with pasted pictures of worm.  My favorite is the shot of worm posing with his favorite pile of dirt.

The message that worms are Earth’s helpers is present at the beginning and the end of this story and sandwiched in between is the imagined, quite funny life of worms living right beneath our feet.  Don’t forget about the journal writing done by worm and use "Diary of a Worm" to explain how journals and diaries are places to record dated events and thoughts. 

Make a date today to read "Diary of a Worm" with your child and next time, please step over the worms!