Earl & Worm #1: The Bad Idea and Other Stories

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.

Author: Greg Pizzoli
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 04/28/2026
Pages: 72
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 8.20h x 6.80w x 0.30d
ISBN13: 9780593649657
ISBN10: 0593649656
BISAC Categories:
- Juvenile Fiction | Animals | General
- Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
- Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship

About the Author
Greg Pizzoli is the creator of the Earl & Worm and Baloney and Friends series, as well as the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture books The Watermelon Seed, Good Night Owl, and The Book Hog. He also writes nonfiction for kids, including the New York Times Best Illustrated title Tricky Vic, and he is the illustrator of the Jack series by Mac Barnett. Greg Pizzoli works in a studio he shares with his wife, Kay Healy, who is a printmaker and fiber artist. They live in South Philadelphia with their two daughters, dog, and cats.