Samantha Smith lives in Melbourne with her three junior co-authors, an adopted cat, nine-hundred and ninety-seven compost worms and an impressive pumpkin vine that’s slowly taking over the backyard. As a lover of all things green, she completed doctoral research exploring young people’s relationship with the environment and how to encourage positive behaviour change. Harriet’s Hungry Worms is her first eco picture book, and she’s hoping it will inspire young worm warriors to roll up their sleeves and put their food scraps to good use.
Melissa Johns is an artist, illustrator, an avid upcycler and a closet poet. She produces artworks predominantly made of recycled materials that lend her work a uniquely whimsical quality. Melissa is passionate about her family, her artistic creations and stimulating young minds through art and literature. Melissa has also illustrated Growing Pains and Tabitha and the Raincloud, both for EK Books.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator Newsletter
“This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.”
Ian Barker Gardens Newsletter
“A must-read for all young eco-warriors!”
Reading Time (CBCA)
“There’s a satisfying neatness to the narrative pattern which playfully repeats descriptions of the worms’ meals on each day of the week … Best of all is the originality of the attractive, collage style images created from recyclable materials. Amongst the many lovely and interesting images are the patterned circles that make up worms with drawn-on cute, cartoon style faces” Click here to read in full
Local Food Connect
Ran a giveaway in their newsletter. Click here to view
The Pregnancy Centre
“inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.”Click here to view
Story Links
“This charming tale cleverly incorporates all sorts of teaching in subtle ways for young children interested in learning about sustainable gardening.”Click here to view
Cove Magazine
“Packed with facts and inventive illustrations, this delightful story revolves around Harriet’s compost worms.” Click here to view
Bookworm For Kids blog
“Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use. Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.” Click here to view
Wangaratta Chronicle
Review “Features beautiful illustrations by (local artist) Melissa (Johns), using everyday recycled materials, the perfect match for the story’s message about sustainability.”
Wangaratta Chronicle
Cover story for the regional extra section
“I’m happy it’s a way to teach little kids about the environment, as well as showing them about the importance of taking on tasks and chores at home.” Melissa Johns talking about Harriet’s Hungry Worms
Southern FM – Best Medicine with Gaytana Adorna
‘Delightful, amusing and educative’.
Sunday Telegraph
“Illustrated with creative collage.”
Good Reading
“A lovely story that will be fun for younger readers to devour. Dig in!”
Magpies Schools Magazine
“A perfect picture book for the early childhood years. A joy to read aloud or listen to”
Kids’ Book Review
“A divine book. Stunning full-page illustrations enhance the well-chosen, alliterative, humorous and rhythmic text. The facial expressions on the worms are priceless! Click here to read in full
