Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer [Hardcover]

Carol Brendler (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 2009 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Winnie Finn is crazy about earthworms and knows everything about them. When spring arrives in Quincy County, all she can think about is the county fair coming up. This year, she would like nothing more than to win a prize for her worms so that she might buy a shiny new wagon for transporting them around. Trouble is, there’s no prize at the fair for worms . . .

Bright, energetic illustrations accompany this jaunty tale about a young girl’s creativity that will inspire readers of all interests— but especially those with a love for something wiggly.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—With a zest for worm farming, young Winnie cares for her red wiggler companions. Hoping to submit them as an entry in the county fair competition, she asks her neighbors for advice, but they are all preoccupied with their own ambitious offerings. In a quiet twist, Winnie's worms serve a greater purpose by helping the other competitors. Instructions for creating a worm farm conclude the lighthearted narrative. Nimble lines and cool colors depict the energy of the active outdoor scenes. Humorous details abound through animated expressions: Winnie's a hoot as she cuddles her favored worm close to her face while the disgusted cat yowls. She maintains her endearing qualities throughout with her smile, freckled cheeks, and no-nonsense visor pulled low over her hair. Winnie's spunky, good-natured heart anchors a gentle and entertaining read.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC END

Review

“The story presents such a winning heroine, Winnie, part-scientist, part-entrepreneur, that you may consider raising worms as a hobby.” —Chicago Tribune

“The back of the book has instructions for how to start your own worm farm to help your garden; which makes this book a great one for sparking a family project next summer.” —The News & Observer

“Winnie’s spunky, good-natured heart anchors a gentle and entertaining read.”—School Library Journal

“Hoyt’s sprightly cartoons add just the right amount of humorous action to Winnie’s worm-farming tasks, while Winnie’s winning personality allows readers to learn a bit about the positive aspects of worm composting. An author’s note includes directions for creating a worm farm and sources.” —Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (August 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374384401
• ISBN-13: 978-0374384401
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love Winnie!, August 29, 2009

By 

A. Johnson "children's book lover" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer (Hardcover)

I love Winnie! She's not only earthworm crazy, but she's one clever gal. Winnie Finn would love to win a prize at the county fair so she can get a new wagon. But she quickly learns there is no prize given for worms. Not to worry...this clever girl figures out another way her worms can help her win that prize.

The illustrations add to the humor of the story and reveal clues, hinting at Winnie's plan.

Kids & parents will love this lively, fast paced story. Fun worm facts included in the story, as well as directions for making your own worm farm, make it ideal for the classroom!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WIGGLY WORMS A WINNER!, August 22, 2009

By 

Gail Piernas-Davenport "(Gail)" (Midwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer (Hardcover)

This book is so much fun on so many levels. Carol's story brings the memory of the fun of county fairs but also a strong message of the interdependence of nature and human beings. Ard Hoyt's depiction of Winnie captures the character's complexity--she's a girly tomboy, at ease in jeans while handling worms, yet properly accessorized! This book would be great in the primary grade classroom, but parents can enjoy it with their children as well. Expect more books from this talented author!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winnie Finn, the girl who knows all about worms will show us all how to be eco-friendly ~ in a funtastic wormy sort of way!, March 17, 2010

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer (Hardcover)

Winnie Finn was one of those strange kids who loved things like worms. Mind you, most little girls can't stand them, but she even would turn over rocks in hopes of finding them. She just didn't pick them up, she even would take them for a ride in her old wagon and have worm races. She knew all kinds of interesting facts about them, but no one else was interested. She was dreaming about winning a blue ribbon and a prize at the Quincy County Country Fair to get a new wagon to cart them around in, but people like Mr. Abernathy tried to set her straight. He was a little stuck up and said to her, "Nonsense! There's no prize for worms." Of course he was planning on taking a blue ribbon for his corn, but needed some decent fertilizer.

Mrs. Yamasaki-O'Sheridan, who was planning on winning a prize for her Plymouth Rock hens said about the same thing, but she needed a better feed. Mr. Peasley, who had some Afghan pups with scruffy coats, needed something to shine the coats up and he didn't think there was a prize for worms either. It looked like Winnie Finn was just going to have to settle for her old wagon with two regular wheels, one bicycle tire and one roller skate. Her cat and her worms didn't notice, but she did. Winnie Finn also noticed and knew something else about worms. She "knew how to find the right corn fertilizer and the right chicken feed. And she knew how to give puppies shiny coats." Winnie was a worm gal and she knew just how to solve everyone's problems. Maybe she could raise enough money for that new wagon and worms were just the answer!

Winnie Finn, the girl who knows all about worms will show us all how to be eco-friendly . . . in a funtastic wormy sort of way. I loved this story about a little gal whose knowledge about worms and going green with them was actually quite fun and very entertaining. The story was presented in a way that was very interesting and informative while remaining a simple, easy to read book. I found Winnie and her yucky love of worms to be very humorous and the artwork meshed perfectly in that regard. It is one of those stories where children can actually learn something without even trying. In the back of this very popular book, there is an author's note that gives instructions on how to make a red wiggler composting bin. There are also a handful of recommended book and website resources. Going green? Go Winnie Finn!