Book Review: ‘Slime and All’ by Janet Ann Collins

I enjoyed reading Slime and All by Janet Ann Collins. The story introduces children to the truth that it’s okay to be different. The main character Lump is a large, talking, and spunky worm.  Lump feels rejected when the other farm animals all run away from him. Lump makes a smart decision by leaving the farm in search of new adventures and friends.

Lucky for him he makes friend with a kindhearted boy named Jake.  Jake and Lump take rides around the park and they become good friends.  Jake not only becomes friends with Lump, but he also encourages Lump to make new friends.

Picture books play an important function by  introducing  the young reader to words. Slime and All offers two major benefits to the young reader. The first lesson a child  can learn is how to overcome obstacles by not giving up easily.

Secondly, children will understand and know how to handle rejections from others.Young children must learn not everyone will like them, and it is okay to look for friends who appreciate them. I like the way Lump quickly changes his mindset from being sad to seeking new ways to find happiness. I believe the book can be a good resource for teachers and parents to help build self-esteem in young children.

The following section in the book highlights the value of true friendship.

 

 

Lump looked at Jake and said, “Thank you, Jake.”

“Why did you thank me?” Jake asked. “You didn’t ride on my back.”

“You saved me,” the worm told him. “On the farm the pigs ran away from me. The cows ran away from me. The horses ran away from me. I felt sad all the time.”

“But I am not sad now. The kids play with me. I like the park. And I like you.”

“I like you, too,” said Jake. “Slime and all.”

And he gave Lump a big hug, slime and all.

The delightful pictures by Alexander Morris help bring the story to life and make it easy to read.   The pictures will capture the attention of all children.

 

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