A Big Juicy Earthworm

Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s April 2024 “Hot Off The Press” Reading List

Featured in April 2024 CBC Hot Off the Press Spotlight

"There’s nothing friends can’t accomplish together. Chicken pals Pipo, Bud, and Kenny create ingenious playthings from found objects: A box becomes a pirate ship; a bag becomes a kite. Above all, they love being together. One day, they find half a watermelon. While Bud and Kenny immediately start devouring the succulent fruit, Pipo is more interested in the nearby earthworm whose head temptingly rises aboveground. But, as hard as Pipo pulls, he can’t dislodge it. Finally, Pipo uses a fishing rod to yank it out: success! Except…this worm’s no worm. Pipo’s actually extracted a bootlace attached to a huge boot, which turns out to be a jolly plaything. (Sharp-eyed readers will spot something very interesting peering from the boot’s hole.) Meanwhile, Bud and Kenny have been closely observing Pipo’s activities from the now-empty watermelon rind, to which they’ve added inventive touches. The friends, realizing they miss each other on this hot day, reunite and, pulling out their most creative (and wettest) stops, devise their best project yet—“something the whole neighborhood could enjoy.” Originally published in the Czech Republic, this joyous romp about friendship and cooperation is a comic delight. Kids will savor both the narrative and the winning illustrations and the endearing, adorable characters; they’ll also marvel that the friends’ found objects seem always to be readily handy. A juicy, entertaining charmer. (Picture book. 4-7)" —Kirkus Reviews

"Cute little story, and a fun one to read. Loved the illustrations." —Rebecca Hill, Blogger

"This story is really cute and sweet. The illustrations are funny as well! Poor Pipo never ate though. Still an adorable book!!" —Joseph-Beth, Booksellers

"This is quite an adorable story. The little chicks are bright yellow, Pipo wears glasses while Kenny wears a red baseball cap. The illustrations are full of kid appeal. A super fun storytime readaloud." —Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Youth Services Book Review

"This is my fourth visit to her world and they've all been four star successes." —John Lloyd, Reviewer

"A wonderful and fun book! Three adventurous friends—Kenny, Pipo and Bud— have different interests, and it’s okay. Pipo goes off on his own adventure one day, and discovers something very unusual. But he knows it would be much more fun to play with if he includes his friends—so they all team up. Absolutely heartwarming, and highly recommended." —Shonatiger, Blogger

"The highlights of this story are threefold. First, readers see how the friends navigate diverging tastes in a respectful, healthy way. Second, creativity and imagination are given free reign. And third, the fun illustrations and funny story engage draw in the reader and supply a delightful reading experience for young and old. A Big Juicy Earthworm is a perfect book for spring!" —Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk

"Three inseparable chicken friends have their world turned when one friend wants to do eat something different! Pipo’s request leads to a battle with a resistant earthworm. His friends end up helping him and the story ends surprisingly. LOVE THIS ONE!" —Bookish Burnssss, IG

"A Big Juicy Earthworm is such a fun and bright story about perseverance, creativity, and flexibility when things don’t happen the way you think they will! I adore Pipo and his determination to catch a very odd earthworm, and loved even more what happened after he finally caught it!" —Square Pegs Round World, IG

"The charming illustrations and engaging storyline make this book a perfect read for kids aged 3-6! Share this one with your littles for some giggles and good life lessons." —Read with a Rescue, IG

"This is cutest book I have read in a long while. These adorable characters find a big, juicy earthworm, or should I saw hose and the adventure begins! It’s cute and funny and begs to be read again and again. We especially love the last page where it shows all the things they imagined and created. We could look at that page for the longest time!" —Beccas Book Box, IG