Diary of a Worm
Diary of a... Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (29,543)
What’s inside...
This is the diary of a worm who shares many similarities with humans as he lives with his parents, plays with friends, and attends school. However, unlike humans, he enjoys unique perks such as never needing a bath, eating his homework, and not being able to do the hokey pokey due to his lack of legs. His appearance is also quite humorous as his head resembles his rear end. Written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss, this book provides a comical glimpse into the hidden world of a lovable underground dweller. It is recommended for children who are reading with help and building independent reading skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Worm
Spider
Discussion points
What do you think a day in the life of a worm is like after reading this book?
How do you think Worm felt when his diary entries shared his experiences?
What are some ways Worm's life is different from ours? What are some ways it's similar?
Why do you think Worm's friendship with Spider is important in the story?
If you could write a diary like Worm, what would you write about your day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they relate to Worm's experiences. Highlight the humor and creativity in Worm's daily adventures to make the discussion enjoyable. Use comparisons between the worm's underground world and the human world to enhance understanding and engagement. Lastly, get creative together by imagining and discussing what other animals' diaries might look like.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Diary of a Worm', the young worm character learns about his responsibilities such as going to school and helping in composting.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their daily tasks like doing homework, chores, and understanding their role in environmental care.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book showcases the worm interacting with various insects and creatures, educating about diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by encouraging them to embrace and respect people from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story depicts the worm spending quality time with his family, illustrating strong family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and spend quality time with their own families, understanding the support system it offers.
Example Lesson: Keeping a Diary
Explanation: The protagonist keeps a diary documenting his daily experiences, emphasizing the benefits of reflection and expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep journals, which aids in improving writing skills and serves as a tool for self-expression.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The worm shows the significance of friendship through various adventures and support from friends in the story.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about building and maintaining friendships, and how to support and care for their friends in real life.