Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Categories
Children’s picture books

WORM LOVES WORM

J.J. Austrian Mike Curato

This irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato.

You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm . . . and a worm. When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because Worm loves worm. J. J. Austrian is a graduate of Hamline University's masters of fine arts program in creative writing for children and young adults. He lives in Minnesota with his family. Mike Curato is also the creator of the popular Little Elliot series. He and his husband, Dan, were married in a very wormy wedding. They live in New York City.

Available products
Book Published 2016-01-05 by Balzer & Bray

Comments

This timely title is a warm and easy way to introduce the idea of same-sex marriage to children... Many children will grasp the larger message—marriage is about love—while others may simply enjoy the warm characters and comical story.

The story is nicely paced and can be a great way to introduce children to what might happen at a wedding. Most important, though, are the subtle yet effective messages of what’s important when two individuals decide to wed. VERDICT With its cute critters, sweet story, and messages of equality, this is a first purchase that celebrates the fact that love always wins.

J. J. Austrian and Mike Curato's 'Worm Loves Worm,' in which two worms of the hermaphroditic variety fall in love, brilliantly explores the idea of love between two beings, regardless of gender (or species) and despite societal pressures. Curato's spare but sure silhouetted images and Austrian's straightforward text are a perfect match to deliver the simple story of two characters who just want to declare their love and commit to each other. With patience and good cheer they accept the various matrimonial trappings offered to them by their well-meaning insect friends, like a wedding party, a cake and ringseven though they have no fingers. The all-embracing spirit of the story is best represented by the worm couple's lack of regard for traditional wedding garb: Each wears bits and pieces of a tuxedo and a wedding dress during the ceremony.

Interview Read more...

Chinese (simpl.): Beijing Baby Cube ; Chinese (compl.): Linking Publishing ; Greek: Kildarithmos

Austrian and Curato turn the simple wedding of two worms into a three-ring circus that slyly turns the whole controversy over same-sex versus heterosexual marriage on its head... Curato’s pencil-and-Photoshop illustrations use white backgrounds to great effect, keeping the characters front and center. As in life, love conquers all.

How do you explain a revolution to a young audience? This book is a terrific start... Debut author Austrian proves that it’s possible to be silly and incisive at the same time, while Curato (the Little Elliot books) works in a stripped-down style that subtly reinforces the ‘all you need is love’ message.