I Can Only Draw Worms

This picture book for children is about worms. It is exclusively about worms and deviates at no time from the exciting subject of worms. This is because its author, Will Mabbitt, can only draw worms.

The first worm we are introduced to is called Worm One. It is drawn in a simple, juvenile form and it does very little other than sit in the centre of the page – because Will Mabbitt can’t draw anything else. Worms two to ten soon follow (though there are a few hilarious surprises along the way) and all bear incredible resemblance to Worm One. Occasionally, readers are promised something new or exciting on the next page – a worm riding a unicorn, for example – only to be met by more pictures of just worms.

The entire book is one extended joke that children will find hysterical. They will love the fact that their own emerging artistic skills are mimicked in this real book and will giggle continuously (as will grown-ups!) as each page promises all kinds of excitement but inevitably ends with another picture of a worm!

I Can Only Draw Worms works perfectly as a short, funny picture book, however, it is also an accessible and entertaining way to introduce children to various interesting themes: are all the worms really the same? How important is colour…or size? Despite its short length, children will find new jokes and ask different questions with every read.

His artistic repertoire may be severely limited, but Will Mabbitt has created something funny, stimulating and provocative that children will return to again and again.