Jake, Dad and the Worm

JAKE, DAD and THE WORM 978-0-9886784-1-5 by Martha Sears West (paperback). Also available in Deluxe Case Laminate 978-0-9886784-5-3 for $20.95. Annotation: A lowly earthworm teaches Jake that, even when you're small and ignored, you can still do big, heroic things-especially when encouraged by a sensitive father. Forty years ago the debut author, summoned by a commotion, rushed to the front porch. There, other family members cheered on an acrobatic worm dangling precariously over a step. The worm, to applause, righted itself and survived, as did this true tale that gave Jake fresh courage. 8.5 x 11. Full water-color illustrations. 40 pp. (Available now). "The story of the worm encourages children to seek out simple experiences with a sense of wonder," says West. She invites readers to appreciate the worm as a hero of nature which enriches soil and doesn't need superpowers or a cartoon face to win our admiration. (Naturalist Charles Darwin wrote of the worm: "...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world...") West has been called a "sister-in-rhymes" to Shel Silverstein, A.A. Milne, and Ogden Nash. (Karen McCarthy, ForeWord Clarion Reviews) In this, her first book, West enlivens the story with watercolor illustrations and rhythmic phrases that roll naturally off the tongue. Reviews: "This story demonstrates how each of us fits into the big picture of the universe in small and significant ways we can be proud of. The illustrations alone are meaningful, but coupled with the text, they make the experience one you won't want to miss." -Deborah K. Ilardi, editor, School Nurse News "Superbly rendered visual images...stunning...Young elementary school students will identify with Jake's situation, and the easy reading level and engaging illustrations make this an excellent offering for both shared and independent reading." -Carolyn Bailey, ForeWord Clarion Reviews "A delight to read-fun rhymes and playful use of language. The illustrations are AMAZING. The page with the worm in the superhero cape never fails to produce a hearty belly laugh from our 5 year old. And yes, a beautiful message too." -L.D., Amazon.com Biographical Note: The daughter of a professional writer, Martha Sears West grew up in Bethesda, Maryland where she enjoyed composing poems even as a child. She found it more fun to create rhymes than to play hopscotch. West taught languages briefly in a junior high school before rearing three children of her own with her supportive husband Steve. Her fascination with wordplay increased when in her fifties she earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of Maryland. Publisher Marketin