Jake, Dad And The Worm [Paperback]

JAKE, DAD and THE WORM 978-0-9886784-1-5 by Martha Sears West (paperback). Also available in Deluxe Case Laminate 978-0-9886784-5-3 for $20.95.

Annotation:

A lowly earthworm teaches Jake that, even when you're small and ignored, you can still do big, heroic things-especially when encouraged by a sensitive father. Forty years ago the debut author, summoned by a commotion, rushed to the front porch. There, other family members cheered on an acrobatic worm dangling precariously over a step. The worm, to applause, righted itself and survived, as did this true tale that gave Jake fresh courage. 8.5 x 11. Full water-color illustrations. 40 pp. (Available now).

The story of the worm encourages children to seek out simple experiences with a sense of wonder, says West. She invites readers to appreciate the worm as a hero of nature which enriches soil and doesn't need superpowers or a cartoon face to win our admiration. (Naturalist Charles Darwin wrote of the worm: ...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world... )

West has been called a sister-in-rhymes to Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. (Karen McCarthy, ForeWord Clarion Reviews) In this, her first book, West enlivens the story with watercolor illustrations and rhythmic phrases that roll naturally off the tongue.

Reviews:

This story demonstrates how each of us fits into the big picture of the universe in small and significant ways we can be proud of. The illustrations alone are meaningful, but coupled with the text, they make the experience one you won't want to miss. -Deborah K. Ilardi, editor, School Nurse News

Superbly rendered visual images...stunning...Young elementary school students will identify with Jake's situation, and the easy reading levell“ã