Interested in early readers? Wondering how these books are selected for the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards Theodor Seuss Geisel? Sharing a great new article on the Science of Early Readers as shown through Geisel books and their award criteria. “Worm and Caterpillar are Friends” is used as an example.

The Science of Reading through the Geisel Award Lens

Here is how “Worm and Caterpillar are Friends” is an example of decodable text.

A second criterion, “illustrations demonstrate the story being told,” also supports phonemic awareness and phonics (as well as comprehension) by offering pictorial clues to new words, especially when these are used in conjunction with decoding skills. An example of this can be found on pages 22-23 the 2024 Geisel Honor Book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness. “Hunch” may be an unfamiliar word for beginning readers, but it is easy to decode when it directly follows the words “munch” and “crunch” and two illustrations of Caterpillar eating leaves.  

Pick up “Worm and Caterpillar are Friends” and “Worm and Butterfly are Friends Always” anywhere books are sold.