Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Via this three-story early reader, Pizzoli (Lucky Duck) chronicles an unexpected friendship growing between two new neighbors: extroverted saxophonist Earl, a white bird in a blue jacket, and book-loving introvert Worm, who lives in an apple-shaped abode. In the book's first story, breezy slice-of-life line drawings introduce Worm as peeved by Earl's bumptiousness, but Earl proves to be an attentive listener, and the two critters discover that they each dislike being alone. Tale two sees Worm seeking to discourage Earl's copycat behavior by saying that she plans to paint her home "orange, with green stripes and purple polka dots," and comeuppance arriving in the form of a surprise good deed. The third story finds Worm again fed up, this time with Earl's clumsy attempts to help her complete a poem--until she realizes that Earl's willingness to help makes him a good friend. This look at a warming relationship dynamic considers ways that proximate opposites can not only coexist but learn from each other. Ages 4--8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Apr.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Pizzoli brings the trademark dry humor from his picture books and graphic novels to the early reader stage in this series debut. Earl and Worm are an odd couple in the tradition of Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie, and their progression from reluctant neighbors to best buddies is told with perfect comic pacing over the course of three stories. Young readers will relate to Worm's indignation when Earl copies her good ideas, and Earl's tireless optimism will charm audiences as it gradually endears him to Worm. Subtle halftone shading adds a touch of comic book style to the bold digital illustrations. Perceptive readers may notice visual nods to other favorite books, including Pizzoli's own Geisel Award winner The Watermelon Seed. Just as his picture books are a popular crossover choice for emerging readers, Pizzoli's first dedicated early reader is well suited to shared reading, and individual chapters could even be used in story hours and other group settings. It's sure to be a hit with a broad range of fans. VERDICT New readers are about to start a long and wonderful friendship with this impeccable new series.--Amy Reimann
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An odd-couple pair for new readers to befriend. Right out of the gate, Pizzoli tells readers that "Earl and Worm have been friends for a long, long time." Given that Earl is a bird and Worm is, well, a worm, this reassurance seems crucial, though Pizzoli's illustrations give the anthropomorphic creatures roughly equal physical statures. But it's not Worm's vulnerability as potential prey to Earl that initially makes them unlikely friends; instead, the narrative establishes Worm as grouchy, set in her ways, and unwelcoming of her new neighbor when he moves in next door. Granted, Earl is something of an early bird, making a racket in the morning, and that's just one reason that, try as he might, he can't seem to catch Worm in a good mood. Over the course of three gently humorous short stories, however, affable, patient Earl wins Worm over, and she comes to appreciate his friendship. Throughout, cartoon illustrations excel in conveying Earl's consistently charming disposition and Worm's grumpy, mischievous, and ultimately happy mood. She's the one who changes throughout the course of the tales, thanks to Earl's good-natured, persistent overtures and grace. A winsome tale that charts the ups and downs of friendship with aplomb.(Early reader. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
