Parents' Guide to

Worm Loves Worm

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Love wins in sweet, unconventional wedding tale.

Book J.J. Austrian Picture Book 2016
Worm Loves Worm Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

FeralBlossom
FeralBlossom Adult
December 6, 2020
age 3+

Love is the Important Thing

My daughter thinks this is a great book - multiple requests to read it the month we got it. Reading it I giggle and smile and am very impressed by how clever it is. As someone who does not subscribe to the importance of a public ceremony for my private relationship, I adore this book. As someone who believes that loving relationships should be legally acknowledged in their various forms, I adore this book. As someone who squirms at the emphasis on weddings as grand things that come off as the be all, end all, I adore this book.

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What's the Story?

Worm loves Worm, and they happily agree to be married. But, Cricket interjects, they need someone to marry them, because that's how it's always been done. Then their friends point out they need a best beetle, the bride's bees, and even rings and a band, though the worms don't have fingers to sport their rings or feet to dance with. They agreeably accommodate their friends, eager to be married. The trickiest part comes when their friends wonder how to identify the bride and the groom. No problem for Worm and Worm -- one dons the tux and veil, the other the wedding gown and top hat. And then, finally, they wed.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Love really isn't complicated, and the winsome worms in this charming story are a fine example of the joy and confidence in that simple understanding. Whether you read this as a smart take on same-sex marriage and changing gender norms or a celebration of free and kindred spirits, WORM LOVES WORM is irresistible. It's the debut picture book from J.J. Austrian and features charming artwork by Mike Curato (Little Elliot, Big City), whose hermaphroditic worms are distinguishable only by their eyes. They seem bemused by their friends' fussing about, smiling and playfully resolving every concern -- they can't dance, but they have fun wiggling, and though they don't have fingers they proudly wear their wedding bands as belts. In the end, Worm loves Worm, and that's all that matters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Worm and Worm bend tradition to suit their situation. How have you or your family both honored and updated traditions?

  • How do you respond when people tell you something must be done a certain way because it's always been so?

  • Which wedding traditions do you like? Which would you change if you were getting married?

Book Details

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