Worm and Caterpillar are friends by Kaz Windness

I have been greatly intrigued by the new expansion of graphic novels in early reader format. Interestingly, I find that they're not as wildly popular as beginning chapter graphic novels, possibly because they are so closely aligned with the format of "regular" easy readers. However, kids do certainly enjoy them and the favorites, both of kids and myself, so far are definitely the titles from Ready to Read. Bright colors, cartoon characters, and simple storylines are a hallmark and I've noticed that several of their most popular titles are produced by creators who have previously made picture books.

This new series, Worm and Caterpillar, was made by creator Kaz Windness who has previously done some adult comics and then debuted in picture books with the sweet and funny Swim, Jim. This story introduces the classic odd couple of easy readers, but with a few twists. The characters begin the story by introducing the reader to how comics work, including what direction to read and a few simple explanations of word and thought bubbles.

Purple and orange-hued illustrations introduce the two friends, pink and purple striped worm and green and orange striped caterpillar. Worm begins by declaring that they are the same... but Caterpillar rebuts this at every turn. They do not both eat dirt, Caterpillar has legs, Worm does not, but they have some things in common, like being afraid of birds! Worm realizes that even though they are different, they can still be friends. But what will happen when Caterpillar changes even more? When Caterpillar goes through their metamorphosis, their friendship is tested, especially when Worm thinks they're a bird, but in the end they realize they can be friends no matter how different they are.

The story ends with a simple description of the caterpillar and worm life cycles and a guide to drawing the two friends. This is a Ready to Read level 1 - I do find it mildly frustrating that they don't use any of the regular leveling systems but their own, however, I really hope that as there are increasing issues with the leveling system and the way reading is taught that we will eventually move away and it will no longer be an issue. I do find most early reader graphic novels to be at an intermediate or advanced level, but I think it's not realistic to expect kids to be able to learn the basics of reading while following both the textual and visual clues of a graphic storytelling. To be able to offer a smoothly blended visual experience, at least some fluency is needed, especially in following dialogue.

Verdict: Cute, funny, and with attractive artwork, this is a strong addition to the genre of early reader comics and to Ready to Read's offerings in this area. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781665920018; Published January 2023 by Simon Spotlight; Review copy provided by publisher; Purchased for the library