Just a Worm: A STEAM Picture Book About Nature, Interdependence, and Celebrating Individuality for Kids

by Marie Boyd

Upset at being called "just a worm," worm sets out around the garden to find out what the other insects do, and discover his own role in keeping the garden healthy.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Animals, Science, Plants, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Marie Boyd is a law professor, author, illustrator, and self-taught quilling artist. Her author and illustrator debut, Just a Worm (Greenwillow Books 2023), follows worm through the garden as he learns about his neighbors and discovers how he helps keep the garden healthy. Originally from Salt Lake City, Marie lives in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband and two young children. You can follow her at www.marieboyd.com and www.instagram.com/artistscholar.

Reviews

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I love the theme of the unappreciated main character realizing that it has an important role to play. And along the way, I learn lots about other small insects, arachnids, and invertebrates. And I get to enjoy the gorgeous quilled art! What a beautiful worm book (didn't really think I'd be saying that)! A lovely mix of humor, nonfiction, story, and vibrant art.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and beautifully crafted book. When a little worm sets off in the world to discover his self-worth, he demonstrates that lesson for us all when someone says, "Oh, it's just you." Incorporating the art of quilling adds a 3D look to each page. I love it. #childrenillustration #children's books #quilling #self-worth

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is one told a million times of being true to oneself, but it doesn’t make it any less impactful. I actually like that the message is so pervasive in so many different contexts and formats so it might have a chance at reaching children everywhere. The real stand out of this book is the incredible quilling illustrations. I was in awe!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this!! It was so informative but also you learn a good lesson. At the end there’s facts and a glossary about earthworms and the other botany terms and such, along with a tutorial to make a quilled butterfly which mirrors the art style in the book. Marie Boyd was giving us everything

[Elizabeth]

The illustrations were what caught my eye and made me pick this up. The story was educational without being awkward, but the illustrations were wonderful and what had me poring over ever page.

[Elley Shin · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute illustrations and dialogue. short backmatter :(

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new picture book, JUST A WORM, written and created by Marie Boyd, intrigued me on many levels. The extra large image above allows you to appreciate that this was imagined and assembled using an eye-appealing paper-quill-scroll technique combined with photographic capture of three-dimensional layouts. More about that quilling technique below, but first, let's meet WORM.
As Worm "la-la-la"s its way across the ground, voices related to two sets of kid's legs share an "Ew" and the remark that it is "Just A worm". Those words echo what my childhood self would likely have said. That incident launches lighthearted, wiggly, squiggly Worm on a journey of discovery to prove he can DO things. Things that matter.

From that point on I was rooting for Worm. My own understanding of what worms DO led the central process for me hold them in high regard, and to my eagerness to share their ecological value with kids. This is an excellent picture book to make that an appealing experience.

In a beautiful garden that expands in color and variety from page to page, Worm inquires of garden creatures about what THEY can do. In each case, (caterpillar, butterfly, dragonfly, bee, spider, and snail, as suggested on the cover), Worm lacks their skills. In each interaction, though, Worm recognizes what it CAN do, but mentally attaches that "just" qualifier to those seemingly unimportant skills, dismissing their value. It is only when Worm realizes that by cleaning, casting, (okay, pooping), feeding, and digging through the soil, it contributed to this gorgeous, healthy garden. This realization makes the sting of that "just" remark fall away.

The illustrations invite close examination and tempt audiences to wonder how they were made and even try it themselves. Boyd achieves an ideal balance between intricacy and seeming simplicity in each element and in the full scene assemblies. Boyd uses a combination of elaborate quilling in flowers alongside carefully cut and shaped papers with curled edges, some twisted, arched, and otherwise raised from the background page to provide shadows and depth. Overhead clouds tell a story of their own, with sizes, color, quantity, and depth indicating changes of mood and rising tension. I was especially intrigued by the tiny fan-folds in Worm and the subtle shading of its shape and color on the cover image. Worm is rendered in pen and ink throughout the book, except for the final spread, which is the only spread in the story where Boyd made Worm from quilled paper. A two-page spread in back matter demonstrates some examples of the scroll/quill techniques used. Scroll down to the bottom of Boyd's homepage to find examples you can observe in the making: HERE.

Take time to check this one out carefully, exploring connections to environmental education, self-esteem, food cycles, and peer pressure/name-calling.The final page turn provides some additional thoughts from Boyd (attributed to Worm in speech bubbles) that readers and families/classes may explore on these themes and topics, as well as a few added facts about earthworms and a brief glossary. This is an excellent example of a book I wish I'd had while teaching about "decomposers", the remarkably efficient and productive trash disposers/composters of our planet. They are seriously unappreciated and under-protected! Recommended for all ages as nonfiction text and mentor work for art and illustration.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one wants to be called “just” something, even a worm. When Worm heads out to explore, he overhears the children exclaim, “Ew! It’s just a worm.” Worm takes offense and decides to find out all the things that make him unique. Along the way, Worm learns all the unique qualities his friends have as well.

From the caterpillar to the butterfly to the spider to the dragonfly, Worm hears all about their special talents like flying, making a silky web, and eating insects. Worm starts to wonder if he really does anything special. After meeting a ladybug, a bee, and a snail, Worm starts to realize even though he doesn’t do the things his friends do, he can do important things. He realizes eating dead animals and plants helps to keep the garden clean and wiggling and digging into the dirt to make holes in the soil helps the plants get air and water.

Worm is pretty proud to realize that even though he is “just a worm”, he is something pretty special and important. The illustrations are quite unique and include the author’s own quilling. The photos of the quilled flowers almost seem three-dimensional. I’ve never seen such beautiful quilling and it truly pops on the pages.

Along with learning about worms, kids will learn about all the other insects and their important roles in the environment. The end of the book explains how to make your own quilled butterfly and also shares a few more earthworm facts. The next time it rains or the next time you visit your garden, see if you can spot a worm and some of the other insects doing their important jobs.

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Toward the beginning of the book, the audience sees two pairs of shoes. One pair of shoes says, "EW!" and the other pair of shoes says, "it's just a worm." In response the worm in question says, "I'm not just a worm. I can do lots of things." I struggle to understand this part of the book because worm can be "just a worm" and do lots of things; both statements can be true. "What can you do?" Worm asks a caterpillar, a butterfly, a spider, a dragonfly, a ladybug, and a bee. After hearing the answers that others give, Worm starts thinking maybe they are "just a worm" but then they meet snail and the two talk about the fact that they each make slime. When snail tells worm "that's pretty cool!" worm agrees and takes pride in helping things grow. On the last page, it just says "I'm a worm!" I think the artwork in this book is unique; it is called "quilling" and there is a tutorial in the back of the book for readers to learn how to do it, too! I can see renting this book again from the public library and having it available for kids during the week of my worm-themed lesson plan, but I do not want to buy a copy.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for spring, Marie Boyd has given us a nonfiction picture book which reminds us exactly how valuable worms are to our gardens. As Worm wiggles his way through the garden, he meets creature after creature who describe how it helps the garden. This causes him to wonder, is he as helpful as a butterfly, a spider, a dragonfly or an aphid? Before he becomes too sad, he happily remembers and shares all the good he does for the garden. As a result, your children will not only learn how worms are helpful, but also how bees, dragonflies, snails and many more help flowers and vegetables grow.

Worm’s journey is exquisitely brought to life with Marie Boyd’s quill work. Every creature and leaf is colorfully and carefully created using this age-old technique. You’ll be fascinated by the artwork and yearning to give it a try. Happily, the author has included back matter which provides step by step instructions to making your own quilled butterfly. You’ll also find earthworm facts and a glossary.

Many thanks to @blue_slip_media for sharing a copy of this book.

[Jackie Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Worm is a beautiful book that intertwines life science with a tale of self-affirmation and belief in one's own worth. Children learn interesting facts about caterpillars, spiders, bees and many other animals, of course including worms. It also highlights positive self-image and not comparing one's self to others for validation. Just a Worm delivers the lesson that all have special gifts to offer, regardless of what others around us have or don't have. This is a brilliant example of creative non-fiction in children's literature.

The quilling artwork by Marie Boyd is both beautiful and a highly unusual medium in picture books. This further sets Just a Worm apart from other picture books on the shelf!

Just a Worm by Marie Boyd would be a great addition to any classroom or home library. It is a wonderful conversation starter for both life science and SEL lessons.

I'm proud to own a copy! You really need to check this out.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable introduction to the earthworm and its place in the ecosystem! In Marie Boyd's endearing story, a worm goes searching for meaning by comparing itself to others in its community—a journey most children will relate to! As it visits caterpillars, butterflies, spiders, and other garden inhabitants, it learns the ways it is both the same and different from these others. By the end, the worm puts together all this information to discover its own importance to the world in which it lives. Boyd does a remarkable job of blending information about the roles that different animals play in the garden environment with the story of self-discovery and pride. Her gorgeously detailed quilled drawings add to the story’s charm. In the back matter, she includes a “how to” guide for children to do some quilling of their own by creating a butterfly. This will definitely make it into my preschool classroom this year!

[Lubna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is stunningly beautiful story with a great story and lots of interesting facts about garden creatures for young readers. It is the story of a little worm who learns that she too contributes to the beauty of a garden just like the other creatures and she learns to take pride in her role. The message is a good one and I love that it is a fun way to learn about insects and other animals that kids see every day. What truly sets this lovely book apart though is the beautiful and intricate quilling used to illustrate the pages. Quilling is a form of paper art that uses strips of rolled, coiled, and twisted paper to create designs. It is really beautiful and I love that there is a quilling tutorial and craft idea at the end of the book - I will certainly be doing that with my kids! This is a picture book that will certainly be a hit with children of many ages!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before even opening this book, its gorgeous cover blew me away. I love paper-cut illustrations and quilling takes them to a whole new level. In particular, the flowers on the back cover—from soft, fuzzy purple ones to lacy white daisies with bright yellow centers. Worm’s story and search to find what makes him special is relatable to all. He begins his day happily singing a little song, but then starts questioning his importance in comparison to others. I love how on the last spread, the plain little worm becomes more bold and three-dimensional. I’m also a fan of butterflies and will be making the special craft included in the back matter. This fun fact-filled book is sure to be a hit for all ages!

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilling is an art from that uses strips of paper that are rolled, coiled, twisted and arranged to create intricate designs, and Boyd uses this process to jaw-dropping effect in this adorable book! Just as simple strips of paper can make wondrous creations, a "simple" worm discovers their vital role in creating a wondrous garden. I've never seen a picture book illustrated quite like this, and readers of all ages will be excited to try quilling themselves using the tutorial in the back matter. Full of fun facts and a sweet storyline, there are so many ways to enjoy this book at home or in a classroom!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when we can learn scientific facts and have fun at the same time. This book will take you on a worm journey to discover its own worthwhile learning about how other animals help nature. Animals such as ladybugs, butterflies, and dragonflies. And in the end, the worm that was feeling down for being "just a worm finds out that in many ways worms are responsible for helping grow a beautiful garden. You don't know how? Get the book and go on this fun discovery trip. I have received an arc to give my honest opinion about this book.

[Aimee Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a Worm is just an absolute delight. When two children mistake Worm for being "just a worm" the sweet invertebrate slinks off feeling quite dejected. Meeting neighbor after neighbor in Boyd's beautifully quilled garden, Worm, and the reader, learn about the factual ways in which each neighbor is special. Worms and children alike will walk away celebrating their own uniqueness. With repetitive text, age-appropriate facts, and directions for children to make their own quilled art, Just a Worm will be a hit at home and at school.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers go on a journey with worm through the garden learning fascinating facts about other creatures. Along the way, Worm discovers they play a key role in the garden ecosystem. The text includes a wonderful mix of dialogue and humor. And the illustrations will blow your mind! Children will enjoy spending time on each spread as they take in the exquisite details. Back matter includes directions on how to make a quilled butterfly, engaging questions, and earthworm facts. JUST A WORM by Marie Boyd is the perfect picture book for curious, nature-loving kiddos. Highly recommend!

[Mary Copp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie Boyd’s Just A Worm is an absolutely delightful book. Worm wiggles and squiggles through the day meeting up with others – a caterpillar, a spider, a dragonfly – reaffirming worm is just a worm. But wait! Worm is definitely needed in the garden - digging, feeding plants, aerating the soil. Worm is a magnificent and necessary worm! Boyd weaves many facts into this wonderful STEAM based story and ‘illustrates’ through a cut-paper technique called quilling. Backmatter explains the quilling technique and offers facts on worms. A wonderful addition to your shelf!

[Erin Buhr]

The artwork in this book grabs your attention right away. It is seriously cool. It is a art style called "quilling" (which I learned in the backmatter) where you cut colored paper into strips and then shape and glue it into pictures. There are directions on how to make a Quilled Butterfly at the end. The story is also darling. It follows a worm who is worried he might be "just" a worm, but ultimately realizes that being a worm means he can do some pretty cool stuff. A great addition to any garden unit or bookshelf.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture book. Worm ventures above ground and meets lots of garden creatures. As they hear about how each creature contributes to the garden, they start to feel discouraged about being "just a worm." But gradually worm realizes their own contributions-- worm castings, tunnels to aerate the soil, and helping to keep the plants healthy. The story is cute but the illustrations are stunning! All of them are quilled paper, with peas and strawberries and clouds coming to life. Back matter includes directions on making a partially quilled butterfly craft, earthworm facts, and a glossary.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: Worm begins its day crawling through the garden when two humans cause it to have self-doubt. The worm crawls through a garden talking with each insect and creature it comes across, asking what it can do. Will the worm realize its importance to a garden and regain self-confidence?

The back pages include Make Your Own Quilled Butterfly, Earthworm Facts, and a Glossary. Illustrated using quilling techniques to make the plants.

I recommend that this picture book be read to supplement a quilling unit.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worm teaches valuable lessons about self-esteem as it learns about the other creatures that share its garden home, including caterpillar, butterfly, spider, dragonfly, ladybug, bee, and snail. Turns out that worm has its own superpowers that are equally vital to the growth of healthy gardens. Colorful paper-quilled illustrations add a 3-dimensional vibrancy that brings the garden to life. End pages include instructions for making a quilled butterfly, some earthworm facts, and a glossary of key terms mentioned in the story.

[Luciana Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic non-fiction title for kids will not be forgotten so easily! With astonishing art made of quilling, a technique you don't see often in picture books, it tells the story of an earthworm discovering its self-worth while unveiling the delicate interconnection of all the living organisms from worms to butterflies to bees to worm poop! (castings) - to make a garden thrive. Back matter includes a lesson in how to make a quilled art Butterfly - amazing - plus earthworm facts and a glossary. A cross-disciplinary winner of a book!

[Astrid Kamalyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quilling in Marie Boyd’s JUST A WORM is visually stunning and so cheerful, that it takes you straight back to your childhood.
The language stays delicious, punny, and kid-friendly while introducing the kids to interesting facts about insects.
All of this while the Worm, the main character, manages to live through a character arc, that is highlighted with lovely visual techniques. With a backmatter that encourages kids to try their hands at quilling, this book is a delight to see, read and apply with kids in your life.

[Angela Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gorgeous pictures in this book will make readers interested in quilling, something I had never heard of before I read it. My kids wanted to flip through the book to examine the pictures multiple times. Along with the stunning pictures, the book is filled with so many informative facts about nature and insects. It also presents a positive message about how even little insects can make a big impact on the world around them. I highly recommend this book!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, educational and simply striking! The story of Just a Worm is heartwarming in and of itself, as a little work realizes that everything about themselves they take for granted are actually what make it special. When you pair that with the story's educational component, which is done masterfully so a child reader doesn't know they're being 'taught', and add to it truly stunning, unique artwork, you have a picture book that cannot be missed.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will enjoy finding all of the garden inhabitants tucked amongst the foliage as Worm winds their way along a garden and finds their self-worth as they go. You will learn about what makes each insect special in their own way and celebrate their different contributions to our world.
I loved learning about the art of twilling as I admired the beautiful illustrations that make this book stand apart. There is even a guide to a fun twilling project included at the end.

[Kate M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces young children to rich vocabulary, teaches them about the nature, and has a great message for how to appreciate everyone’s contributions to the world. On top of all that, the author has layered each page with dazzling quilled flowers. It is a feast for the eyes and the food for the heart, and the jokes and facts along the way keep the book engaging as well as visually stunning. Highly recommend!

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut from author-illustrator Marie Boyd. Boyd's quilling is dimensional and vibrant, and is sure to immerse young readers in Worm's world and perspective. With fun, playful text, speech bubbles, and humorous asides, this book engages, informs, and delights. The final spreads just soar, reminding us that worms have an important part to play in gardens and in the world as a whole. JUST A WORM would make a great addition to school and home libraries. Highly recommend.