The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A 2024 Washington Children's Choice Award Nominee
A funny picture book celebrating the universal truth about wanting to be loved just as you are, fangs and all, inspired by the real-life legend of Mongolian Death Worms.
Like the ongoing search for Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster, scientists have searched the Gobi Desert for these giant worms. Reported sightings claim that their skin is blood red; their fangs razor sharp. The worms are supposedly poisonous and electrifying . . . or are they?
In this funny story, we meet the Mongolian Death Worm family: Beverly, Trevor, Neville and Kevin. In spite of their deadly reputation, they’re determined to make nice and win over the other animals. Their overtures of friendship are . . . not reciprocated. But when disaster strikes, it’s the Mongolian Death Worm family to the rescue!
With additional information about the legend, this book is perfect for storytime and discussions of legends and science. Perfect for fans of Ben Clanton, Sandra Fay's The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms will leave readers of all ages laughing and heartwarmed!
Godwin Books
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In the Gobi Desert, shown in a front matter map, a mythic, deadly, blood-red giant worm is rumored to dwell: "Their fangs are razor sharp. They spray poisonous venom. And they shock with electricity if you dare touch them." In this offbeat romp, the Mongolian Death Worms are presented instead as a genial, pink-colored, green venom–drooling, black-haired family: there's mother Beverly, father Trevor, and children Neville and Kevin (the latter greets readers with a comradely "'Sup?"). Their fellow desert dwellers continue to feel apprehension about them, however—Bev's suggestion of wearing name tags fails as an icebreaker, and a gift batch of cupcakes "does not go so well," leaving the creatures hooves up. But a rare downpour offers a redemptive arc when the naturally buoyant worms become literal lifesavers for their neighbor. New Zealander Fay makes an impressive debut: the narrative voice is assured and beguilingly mock-dramatic, making for a well-paced readaloud; pastel-hued art, rendered in potato prints and watercolor, and subtly textured with hand-painted brushstrokes, has a bold, flattened perspective that amplifies the goofiness of every vignette. Back matter includes "The Truth Behind the Mongolian Death Worm Legend," plus sources. Ages 4–8.
