Review by Booklist Review
Wiggler, who is all about jokes all the time, stars in this I Like to Read Comics entry by Eisner Award nominee Vandorn (Crabapple Trouble, 2020; Monster Friends, 2021) featuring panels filled with colorful characters and detailed scenery, along with fun wordplay. The wormlike creature bustles about town from one busy location to another, cracking jokes to appreciative friends. Dropping by a workshop, Wiggler distracts robot pal Roro, who accidentally hooks up a red wire to a green one and gives himself a shock. Wiggler keeps making jokes until Roro gets upset and then takes it out on Wiggler with a command to go away. When the jokester realizes the visit was disruptive, Wiggler goes back to the workshop to apologize, only to be surprised with a return joke from the understanding friend. Readers will enjoy likable characters who experience relatable emotions like being playful, frustrated, confused, and apologetic. While older readers will get the jokes, it's also a great introduction to new readers about puns and wordplay that may be enhanced by an experienced reader's explanations.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--After reading a joke book at the library, Wiggler the worm is ready to charm everyone with her new, hilarious set of knee-slappers. On her journey, Wiggler seems to have the perfect joke for every situation, responding to friends' comments with witty comebacks. At first, everyone enjoys Wiggler's one-liners, laughing along at the clever pun-filled riddles. But when Wiggler interrupts Roro, the robot, at work with more jokes, she distracts him so much that Roro gets hurt. Instead of showing concern, Wiggler makes another joke about the situation, driving Roro to anger. Disheartened, Wiggler reflects on why her friend didn't laugh. When a group of puppies distracts Wiggler from her own thoughts, she grows frustrated--just like Roro had--finally seeing the situation from her friend's perspective. Vandorn creates a vibrant world full of fun characters and silly scenes that will appeal to young readers. The bright, cheerful cartoon-style art is charming, and the dialogue is engaging and relatable for a younger audience. The upbeat tone coupled with its fun characterization and illustrations will draw a wide variety of readers, especially those who enjoy humor. An emphasis is placed on the importance of apologizing and owning up to one's actions throughout this reflective text. This beginner-friendly graphic novel does a fantastic job of introducing young readers to paneling and dialogue bubbles, preparing them for more advanced sequential storytelling. VERDICT A great addition to classrooms and libraries, this SEL-focused book will charm readers and leave them wanting more adventures with Wiggler.--Angie Jameson
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A pun-slinging creepy-crawly reflects after making a misstep. Wiggler, a wormlike character with a curious superfluity of limbs, wobbles through the world telling jokes to all and sundry--possumish librarian Peter, an anthropomorphic lemon lounging in the park, a tiny red-and-black robot named Roro tinkering in the Junk and Stuff workshop. When Wiggler's joking distracts Roro, the robot is accidentally electrified and lashes out at Wiggler. Worried that Roro didn't think the joke was funny, Wiggler retreats to a nearby bench to puzzle out what went wrong. Thought bubbles above Wiggler's head visually revisit the action as our protagonist reexamines the experience for clues to Roro's anger. Realizing that Roro was upset at being distracted, Wiggler returns to the shop, in a moment of seriousness, to make amends. Roro graciously accepts the apology and lightens the mood with a few jokes. Vandorn clearly but never heavy-handedly communicates themes of making mistakes and repairing relationships, in large part due to the inviting contours of Wiggler's world--a brightly colored little town buzzing with a whimsical cast of imaginary creatures. Snappy, accessible dialogue will further encourage hesitant readers to have a bit of fun while taking in the story, maybe even coming away with a few jokes of their own to tell. Goofy and good-hearted, a simple tale playfully told.(Graphic fiction. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
