Worm Loves Worm
on Goodreads (2,464)
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of And Tango Makes Three and The Sissy Duckling, this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato. You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm . . . and a worm. When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Worm
Discussion points
How do you think Worm felt when his friends wanted to help plan the wedding?
What do you think this story teaches us about love and acceptance?
What would you have done if you were one of Worm's friends?
How do you think the story would change if Worm and Worm couldn’t get married?
Why is it important that everyone in the story supports Worm and Worm's choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by expressing your own thoughts about the book's themes and ask your child if they agree or see things differently.
Encourage your child to think about the different characters and their roles, asking what they might have felt or thought during the story.
Relate the story's messages to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.
Highlight the importance of love and support by discussing family and friendships in both the book and your child's experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Love and acceptance
Explanation: Worm Loves Worm demonstrates that love is universal and inclusive, showing that it transcends traditional norms.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept and appreciate people for who they are, regardless of differences, promoting inclusivity and empathy in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Equality and fairness
Explanation: The story illustrates that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their roles or expectations in society.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to advocate for fairness and treat everyone equally, be it in school activities or in playing games with peers.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: By depicting worms who challenge gender roles and wedding traditions, the book encourages questioning societal norms and stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think independently and creatively, not bound by conventional norms but exploring new ideas and identities.
Example Lesson: Celebration of love
Explanation: The central theme of the book revolves around the celebration of love, showing that true happiness comes from loving and being loved.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of expressing love and care within the family and community, enhancing emotional bonds.
Example Lesson: Importance of personal choice
Explanation: Worm Loves Worm empowers characters to make their own choices about their wedding, reflecting the importance of personal choice in real life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of making decisions for themselves and respecting others' choices, fostering a sense of autonomy and respect.