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The Bad Idea and Other Stories (Earl & Worm, #1)
CCBC Review:
(Reviewed with Earl & Worm: The Big Mess and Other Stories and Earl & Worm: Snow Problem and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli) When Earl E. Bird moves into the tree next door (The Bad Idea and Other Stories), Worm is not sure what to think of her new neighbor. He’s up at dawn, and he’s cheerful. “Worm was cranky. She did not like new things. And Earl was new.” Eventually, over glasses of sweet lemonade, the neighbors discover what they have in common: Neither likes to be alone. Thus begins a new Frog and Toad-esque friendship in a delightful trio of early reader books, each containing three stories. In The Bad Idea and Other Stories, Earl and Worm meet, make bad paint-color choices, and appreciate poetry. In The Big Mess and Other Stories, Earl and Worm learn that one person’s junk is another’s problem, contemplate what constitutes luck, and stay awake all night. In Snow Problem and Other Stories, Worm eagerly awaits wishing Earl a happy birthday, the friends fail to take a perfect selfie, and they cement their best-friend status. Charming pastel illustrations, clean layouts, and amiable humor make Earl & Worm a welcome addition to the early reader scene. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Animals (Fiction)
Difference/Individuality
Friendship
Humor
Problem-Solving
Publishers:
Alfred A. Knopf, Random House
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 69
ISBN: 9780593649664
CCBC Location: Fiction, Pizzoli