The Secret Time Machine and the Gherkin Switcheroo

Worm & Pigeon #2

by Simone Lia

Comic artist Simone Lia brings back the unlikely duo from They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School! in another buddy comedy.

Marcus is in trouble. He didn’t think his friend Laurence would actually believe him when he said that his super brainy aunt built the very first time machine. He only made up the story in a spur-of-the-moment bid to win a silly argument! Now how on earth will he make the story come true? In a quirky new adventure starring the most unexpected of friends — a worm and a bird — Simone Lia pulls out all the theatrical stops to deliver a laugh-out-loud companion to They Didn’t Teach THIS in Worm School!

Genres: Humor, Middle Grade, Fiction, Friendship

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Simone Lia is a graphic novelist and a comics artist, and her work has been exhibited across Europe, including at the Tate Britain. She lives and works in London.

Reviews

[Mady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus the worm and Laurence the bird are best friends and live together. However, when Laurence becomes addicted to crossword puzzles and doesn’t want to go out anymore, Marcus gets frustrated and talks about an imaginary time travel machine to get his friend to go out of the house.

This book brushes on different topics, from relationships that are seen as different by others, communication problems in a relationship to bullying. It was fun and there were many topics to talk about throughout the story.

A middle grade book that was read to me.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not hilariously funny, but funny in bits story of a friendship between a bird and a worm, who live together.

The whole story is that we should be truthful with our friends, and tell them how we really feel. Because, when we don't, we get in a world of lies, including claiming that you have access to a time machine.

And, in order to pull it off, Marcos has to come up with some way to get his hands on a time machine.

The simpler thing to do would be to explain to Laurence that he doesn't want to sit around all day doing crossword puzzles.

Good way to introduce kids to the concept both of being direct, as well as ways to help their friends.a

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[AmberBug com* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and clever series. I'm sad to see it's only 2 books!! I'm reading this with my 5 year old at bedtime and I keep wanting to read the next chapter 😄

[watermelonreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marcus and Laurence are best friends. They’re not the usual kind of friends. Marcus is a worm and Laurence is a bird. Somehow, they make it work. All because of a silly argument, Marcus lied about a time machine his aunt has been building. It did not occur to Marcus that Laurence would believe him. Now, Marcus has to find out how time travelling works and how to build a time machine. Those two things have to be done before it stops raining.

The illustrations are adorable! They supplement the story and brought the characters to life.

I thought the plot sounded promising and went into it with high hopes. Unfortunately, it was a let down for me. It was basically about Marcus lying to Laurence and Marcus finding ways to prevent the lie from being exposed. In a sense, Marcus was digging his own grave throughout the book. There were many times I face-palmed myself (internally, of course). At one point, the story started to digress to being about bullying and the importance of being confident in your own skin. Don’t get me wrong, I do love when such messages are embedded in stories. However, I felt that it was like adding more salt to a dish that tastes fine. It appeared more like fillers to substantiate the pages.

I did love how the book ended by inserting bits of how the other characters are doing. It’s nice to see a closure.

I would recommend it to older readers who are looking for a quick and mindless read. Younger readers would be drawn to the time travelling aspect and the illustrations which are a joy to look at! Thank you #pansing @definitelybooks for the review copy 😆.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat ridiculous, and yet incredibly entertaining. Marcus (the worm) and Laurence (the bird) are good friends, but their communication breaks down a bit at the beginning, and a series of irritating behaviors combined with outright lies leads them both on a journey through a time machine where they meet their Mole nemesis. Mistakes are made and apologized for, and understanding is ultimately achieved, but not until after a full-scale medieval feast, some time in the stocks, and a daring rescue by the catapaulted slugs.

Reminds me in some ways of Skunk and Badger. It's another friendship duo that plays on relationship struggles that should be tired and yet somehow are not quite overused yet.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these characters. They are so dramatic and ridiculous.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, silly, illustrated chapter book for 2nd+. Would also make a fun read-aloud for younger kids.

[Jane Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the characters and the drawings.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest books of 2019/2020, no doubt.