The earthworm is one of the oldest living inhabitants on this planet. It was only with the arrival of human beings that their presence in many parts of the world came under threat. This book takes readers through the relationships between the earthworm, the natural world and human beings through time and up to the present day.

Review This highly original book charts the history of the earthworm from the days of the dinosaur, through the arrival of the human race and the impact that modern humans have had on the lives of earthworms. Written from the point of view of a worm called Wilbur children learn about the central role that earthworms play in maintaining that fine ecological balance created by the production and recycling of natural waste (of course, that’s one reason why children will love this book - lots of references to poo). According to Wilber that balance was broken by the changes in farming methods such as the use of chemical fertilizers and changes in how humans dispose of their waste. Only now, with a growing interest in both organic farming and building large-scale worm farms as a replacement to landfill.

Whether young readers are interested in science, history or environmental matters this book will appeal to them at one level or another. There are clear explanations of how bacteria break down waste into fertile soil, how urbanisation affected the earthworm and how children can create their own worm farm at school or at home. The thoughts of Arisototle, Shakespeare and Charles Darwin on the earthworm are also woven into the story. Of course this book is really a metaphor for our impact on all living things. Many of our activities have unintended consequences. The earthworm, the tiger or the gorilla have all been badly affected as we damage or strip away their habitats. That makes it an excellent (and entertaining) introduction to the possibilities of living a sustainable lifestyle for younger readers. It will also help teachers in the classroom as it covers a reasonable amount of Key Stage 2 Science.

2008-08-22