When the chameleon mistakes a caterpillar for a worm it starts out funny, gets funnier, and then leads to a jaw dropping and laugh out loud ending. I love picture books that draw the reader in and keep them hooked, and really enjoy picture books that allow you to share the story reading with someone else - whether that is a little person, a (mostly) grown up colleague, or to a group with someone sharing the lines.
There is something amazing about shared energy and enthusiasm that really shines through when you have a book that you really enjoy reading aloud, and books that allow more than one person to read the story can really suck an audience in. I am not a worm! takes the best aspects of a shared read (two really clear voices), throws in a large dose of silliness and childishness (I am not a worm! - then what are you then?), and ends with the crescendo of an unexpected twist at the end (which I will not spoil for you). This is childish, juvenile, and totally adorable - make sure you practice your voices before you jump in.
For years a colleague and I have enjoyed reading the "Elephant and Piggie" books by Mo Willems because they have a great energy and are fabulous when read out loud (and because quite frankly they are some of the best read alouds in the world!) - so it was a stroke of luck to find not only a read out loud that is just as amazing, but it turns out to be a New Zealand author too!
If you like this book then try:
- If I had a raptor by George O'Connor
- My friend is sad by Mo Willems
- Barnaby Bennett by Hannah Rainforth; illustrated by Ali Teo
- How does the giraffe get to work? by Christopher Llewelyn; illustrated by Scott Tulloch
- Elephants cannot dance! by Mo Willems
- Tadpole's promise by Jeanne Willis; illustrated by Tony Ross
- New socks by Bob Shea
Reviewed by Brilla
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