Book Descriptions
for The Bad Idea and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
(Reviewed with Earl & Worm: The Big Mess and Other Stories and Earl & Worm: Snow Problem and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli) When Earl E. Bird moves into the tree next door (The Bad Idea and Other Stories), Worm is not sure what to think of her new neighbor. He’s up at dawn, and he’s cheerful. “Worm was cranky. She did not like new things. And Earl was new.” Eventually, over glasses of sweet lemonade, the neighbors discover what they have in common: Neither likes to be alone. Thus begins a new Frog and Toad-esque friendship in a delightful trio of early reader books, each containing three stories. In The Bad Idea and Other Stories, Earl and Worm meet, make bad paint-color choices, and appreciate poetry. In The Big Mess and Other Stories, Earl and Worm learn that one person’s junk is another’s problem, contemplate what constitutes luck, and stay awake all night. In Snow Problem and Other Stories, Worm eagerly awaits wishing Earl a happy birthday, the friends fail to take a perfect selfie, and they cement their best-friend status. Charming pastel illustrations, clean layouts, and amiable humor make Earl & Worm a welcome addition to the early reader scene.
CCBC Choices 2026. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2026. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
This sweet, giggle-inducing early reader kicks off a brand-new series featuring two unlikely friends in the tradition of Frog and Toad, from the beloved Geisel Award-winning author of The Watermelon Seed.
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Earl and Worm have been friends for a very, very long time, but their friendship had a rocky start. Earl is a happy go-lucky bird who plays saxophone to his plants because they love music in the morning. His neighbor Worm, on the other hand...well, Worm is the exact opposite. She would rather read in silence.
How will these very different neighbors become the very best of friends? With some sweet lemonade, the right shade of paint, an unfinished poem, and, most of all, sharing a little bit about themselves.
Award-winning creator Greg Pizzoli delivers three funny and heartwarming stories that will delight fans of other iconic duos like Elephant and Piggie or Pizza and Taco.
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Earl and Worm have been friends for a very, very long time, but their friendship had a rocky start. Earl is a happy go-lucky bird who plays saxophone to his plants because they love music in the morning. His neighbor Worm, on the other hand...well, Worm is the exact opposite. She would rather read in silence.
How will these very different neighbors become the very best of friends? With some sweet lemonade, the right shade of paint, an unfinished poem, and, most of all, sharing a little bit about themselves.
Award-winning creator Greg Pizzoli delivers three funny and heartwarming stories that will delight fans of other iconic duos like Elephant and Piggie or Pizza and Taco.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
