I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood for humor. And I found a Perfect Picture Book that will tickle your funny bone when it hits bookshelves in early May. Enjoy!
Title: Worm on the Job
Written By: Maureen Fergus
Illustrated By: Paul G. Hammond
Publisher/Date: Kids Can Press/May 2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: worms, humor, occupations, self-esteem, courage, heart, ingenuity
Opening:
Worm had been the head librarian so long that he had read every book on the shelves. It was time to find a new job.
Brief Synopsis: A worm seeks a new job to hilarious results.
Links to Resources:
· Learn about earthworms;
· Learn about some interesting jobs;
· Describe in words or pictures some jobs you may be interested in pursuing when you’re an adult;
· Ask an adult you know about their job. Why do they like or dislike it? What do they do each day?
Why I Like this Book:
A three-inch worm working as a security guard to save inventions from a dastardly thief? He might be tiny but with five hearts, this Worm is brave, and it’s clear he has a brain. With a brief nod to Worm’s typical super-powers, eating its weight in soil each day, eating food scraps and turning them into soil, and surviving when cut in two, Fergus then shares attributes that make Worm a terrific guard, including disguising himself as a wet pretzel, elongating himself, and more (I don’t want to spoil the ending).
Of course, Worm succeeds. And does he decide to remain a guard? No. Instead, he plans to achieve bigger and better things. What a terrific lesson for kids that even something as small and seemingly insignificant as an earthworm can aim for the stars and reach high goals.
Hammond’s bright and detailed illustrations that resemble comic book pages will captivate kids as they try to figure out exactly what Worm is doing in each spread.
For a welcome break from more serious subjects, I highly recommend Worm on the Job.
A Note about Craft:
Fergus begins this hero’s tale in a location familiar to writers: the library. What a great way to show how reading and being in the library help prepare us to reach our goals!
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 