The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken

March 22, 2021
When her mother schedules a family photo portrait, Emma the worm is beset with anxiety: What could the camera possibly love about worms? They don’t have big toothy grins like her rodent friend’s family, or dazzling colors like the butterflies. Eager to save her family from what she’s sure will be a big letdown, Emma insists they dress up in brightly colored clothes, fake lips and teeth, and wigs—a moment that Caldecott Honoree Stein’s elegant ink lines and washes portray with a superb mixture of dubious acquiescence, humor, and mortification. Authenticity prevails at the behest of the photographer (“AHHHHHHHH” says the relieved family as they discard their uncomfortable costumes), and the worms “wriggled and squiggled and squeezed into a delightful pose only a worm family could make.” Though the plot payoff feels abrupt, the story is otherwise a terrific pairing of new and veteran talent, as well as a gentle but firm nudge for any child who’s felt the pang of familial embarrassment. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Jennifer Cohen, Jennifer Cohen Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

April 1, 2021
A warm, witty, wonderful worm tale. When Mrs. Worm has the bright idea of taking a family portrait, her eldest daughter, Emma, is very excited. That feeling fades, however, when Emma worries that their picture won't be special like those of her friends' families. They can't smile like the beavers since they don't have teeth. They can't style their hair to be fluffy like a cat's since they don't have hair. They can't be colorful like a family of butterflies. Or can they? Emma comes up with a plan to deck her family out in wigs, clothes, and fake teeth, but then they just don't look like themselves--as the muskrat photographer comically points out when he doesn't even recognize them. Throughout, Stein's expressive, sly, wobbly-lined art enhances the humor of Frank's text with details that will delight readers, such as the worms' use of piles of earth to blanket them as they sleep upon rooted carrots in their underground home or the worm parents' use of a simple sling to carry the baby of the family. When the worm family sheds itself of Emma's costuming, they come up with an ingenious plan to get "into a delightful pose only a worm family could make," the illustration of which will surely bring smiles to readers' faces. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 21.4% of actual size.) Sure to worm its way into readers' hearts. (Picture book. 4-7)

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April 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 Learning about the upcoming worm family picture, no one is more excited than the eldest daughter, Emma. But when she tells her friends, their remarks on their own family portraits dampen her enthusiasm. Ellie, a chipmunk, comments on her family's toothy smiles. Abigail, a cat, reminisces about a beautician enhancing her poufy hair. Olivia, a butterfly, mentions her family's beautiful colors. Reflecting that worms have no teeth, no hair, and no bright colors, Emma feels dejected until she makes a plan. Wearing fake teeth, poufy wigs, and loud clothing, the worms arrive for their appointment, but the photographer doesn't recognize them. After they remove their costumes, he apologizes and takes a picture that showcases the worm family's special attributes. Even in picture books, worms seldom take lead roles, but this well-structured story is engaging, and the artwork expands its gentle humor and quirky charm. In the illustrations, created "with ballpoint pen, photocopy, watercolor, toothbrush, and Crayola-airbrush," the characters' expressions and body language are easy for viewers to read. An amusing picture book with a fitting conclusion.

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