Worm Pie

Sheree Haughian is an elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Dufferin County Board of Education and the author of The Private Journal
of Day Applepenny, Prisoner.

Tara is a Grade 3 student who doesn’t enjoy things that are outside
her ordinary experience. She likes peanut butter sandwiches for lunch,
milk and cookies for snacks, and the routines set by her regular
teacher, Mrs. Jay. She mistrusts the unusual lessons taught by the
substitute teacher and is disgusted by the unfamiliar food that her
Vietnamese friend, Tam, brings to school. When Tara adopts an earthworm,
it is Tam’s turn to be appalled, and the two quarrel. Tara pauses to
reflect, and emerges with a greater tolerance for new people and strange
food.

Primary readers who have ever argued with a best friend, been reluctant
to taste a new food, or been repelled (or fascinated) by nature’s
critters will enjoy this chapter book. They may also wish to experiment
with the recipe provided. Highly recommended.