Diary of a Worm: Nat the Gnat

PreS-Gr 1—Based upon the books by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, this beginning reader features the elements that made the earlier "Diary" books popular—a first-person commentary with humor in both art and text and a likable set of down-to-earth characters. Through nicely separated chapters within a diary format written by a baseball-capped Worm, readers learn a few basic facts about gnats and observe a personal report of crisis in the making. Worm is thrilled with his responsibility of caring for the class gnat, listens carefully to Mrs. Mulch's information about the tiny creature, and even helps to name him. Worm's eager anticipation quickly evaporates when the gnat disappears while under his attentive care. "'Today is the worst day ever. I LOST OUR CLASS PET!'" Familiar characters from earlier titles include Worm's pal Spider in a supportive friend and listener role. With colorful watercolor cartoon illustrations that enhance the action, simple sentence structure, excellent examples of dialogue, large font and wide spacing, and an admirable Worm displaying responsibility and honesty, this addition deserves a place in all easy-reader collections.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX