Official Review: When You Were a Worm (and Other Stories ...

jcheiser · Post by **jcheiser** » 22 Apr 2015, 12:03

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When You Were a Worm (and Other Stories and Creepy Crawlies!)" by Neil Roy McFarlane.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

When You Were a Worm (and Other Stories and Creepy Crawlies!) by Neil Roy McFarlane is a cute series of short stories for children. Each story starts with the narrator telling the reader about a time when the reader was turned into a different creature (a worm, a spider, a fly, and others) and the adventures they had while they were that creature. Based on the level of writing and the target age group of the stories, I would say it would be best for this book to be read to a child (rather than having a child read the book on their own).

I think this would be a great book to read to a child. Each story includes the main character losing their memory of their name when they are in the form of an animal, and they finally remember their name at the end of the story, but rather than providing the main character with a name, it’s written as, “’...my name is...’ Well, you know what your name is, so you don’t need me to tell you what you said next, do you?” I think this is a great way to make the child feel as though they really are the main character. This book is also a great way for kids to learn a little about each animal, though some things are fictional; it would be a great opportunity to discuss what’s fictional and what’s non-fictional.

When You Were a Worm is very well edited, and I didn't notice any errors; while that doesn't necessarily mean that there are no errors, it does mean that if there are errors, they are very minor and do not cause the reader to stumble or get confused. The stories are very clear, and since they follow the same basic outline, the child being read to will sort of know what to expect.

I would like to note that there are some British-English terms that may need to be explained to children who are unfamiliar with them, but that is a great learning opportunity. I would also like to note that a few of the stories have some gross things in them, such as When You Were a Fly has the fly characters talking about eating poo and there are a couple of discussions about eating “magic elephant poo,” though it’s presented in a humorous way.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would definitely recommend it as a book to read to children; it is creative and educational and allows the children to feel like they are part of the story.

******
When You Were a Worm (and Other Stories and Creepy Crawlies!)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like jcheiser's review? Post a comment saying so!

Amheiser · Post by **Amheiser** » 25 Apr 2015, 12:16

This sounds like a very cute and imaginative series of short stories to read to children. The idea of children being able to put themselves into the stories as the main character seems like it would appeal to small children. The stories seem like they would be a cute way to find out a little about different animals, and also help children develop their imagination. Good review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 28 Apr 2015, 17:29

Great review! I love the catchy title and the cover artwork is fabulous! The book sounds very imaginative.

memory · Post by **memory** » 01 May 2015, 14:32

Great review! I think this would be a lot of fun to read to kids.

Rachaelamb1 · Post by **Rachaelamb1** » 04 May 2015, 02:56

Sounds adorable! I love the idea of the children being the main character!

addseo1115 · Post by **addseo1115** » 04 May 2015, 03:21

That's cute! Thanks.

Beth Davids · Post by **Beth Davids** » 21 May 2015, 06:56

I'm always looking for new stories to read to my book-loving daughter. This one sounds interesting, and I'm certain she would enjoy it! I like books that have something from which we can learn rather than just being a story.