Yucky Worms

Scott Nilsen narrates this adaptation of the 2009 picture book by author Vivian French and illustrator Jessica Ahlberg. Using a framing device of a boy helping his granny work in the garden, Yucky Worms illustrates the daily lives of worms and their environmental usefulness—with some silly worm commentary shown in word bubbles—exploring what worms eat, the way their “cast” poop recycles, and the benefits of their tunnels (which aerate the soil), while also looking at the various predators of worms (and dispelling the falsehood that a worm cut in half will regenerate). Also featured are “Wormy Facts” about these underground farmers, including a diagram with detailed vocabulary (clitellum?!); a “How to Be a Wormologist” segment on respectful experiments that can be done at home; and a conversation with French. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)