A Bird and His Worm - Hardcover

Kaczman, James

3.54

26 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0618094601 ISBN 13: 9780618094608

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2002

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In a beautiful, green valley somewhere in the North, there once was a bird who did not fly. This bird preferred to walk. All the other birds thought his behavior was very odd, so he led a fairly solitary existence.

That is, until he befriends an extremely affable worm who joins him on his journey south in search of warmer weather. A lot of people might think it strange for a nonflying bird and a sociable worm to be friends, but that’s exactly what happens in this unusual story about the power of friendship, the sway of charm, and the importance of having a good Plan B.

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About the Author:

James Kaczman received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Massachusetts College of Art in 1982 and also studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He lives in a beautiful, green valley somewhere in the North, where he is a full-time illustrator. He resides there with his wife, Libby, his son, Henry, and a wire fox terrier named Chauncey, who is a funny, charming fellow.

From School Library Journal:

reSchool-Grade 2-In this fablelike story, a bird that only eats seeds and berries and does not fly befriends a worm. The two begin walking south for the winter and meet up with a fox. He gives them a ride on his back, with the intent of eating them, but changes his mind. When he leaves, he warns them against accepting rides from foxes, and they ask a snake to carry them. After he tries to eat them, they realize that it is not safe to ask strangers for rides, and the bird and worm walk to an airport and fly to their destination in an airplane. This book addresses an important safety issue. The bird and worm think that they are charming and clever, and that no one will hurt them, but their foolishness nearly costs them their lives. While the message is important, the text is slightly didactic and the ending seems a bit rushed. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are stronger than the text, and Kaczman succeeds at creating interesting characters; the bird is formed out of basic shapes and the elongated fox and snake are threatening, conniving creatures. The colors are lush and vibrant, and objects are outlined in black; curving lines depict movement and energy throughout the mostly full-page spreads. While the illustrations will have appeal, this isn't a first purchase.
Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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