Fish and Worm (I Can Read Comics Level 1)

PreS-Gr 4--When Fish is told by Mom to eat Worm, Fish points out a preference for cake. Mom states that cake comes later. The worm negotiates her way into not being eaten. The two become friends and have cake at the end. This is a charming beginner reader graphic novel that teaches manners with the usage of "May I," "Please," "Thank you," and "Sorry." When asked if Fish is playing with food, Fish comes clean immediately. It also introduces ways of negotiating and compromising. The limited color palette keeps the focus on the two characters. The humor is reminiscent of Mo Willems's "Piggie and Gerald" stories. VERDICT For transitional readers, a great "first" graphic novel offering tidy etiquette lessons and brimming with wit. --Ruth Guerrier-Pierre