Inch by Inch <small>by Leo Lionni</small>

This is the story of one very smart little inchworm. As the story begins, he is about to be an addition to a robin's meal as the robin is hungry and the little inch was quite available. But unfortunately for the robin, this was one fast thinking little worm and he convinces the robin that he is a very useful creature. He offers to measure the robin's tail. Of course the robin is quite impressed (he found that his tail was five inches long, which pleased him greatly) so he takes the little worm to the other birds.

And so the measuring begins; a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, legs of a heron and a pheasant's tail. This goes on until the nightingale arrives and demands that his song be measured or he will eat the little inchworm. Is disaster about to befall the little green guy? How on earth do you measure a nightingale's song? Is our little measuring worm about to become a meal and is there no escape?

Well folks, you have to remember that this little worm is a bright little worm and his thinking ability under pressure certainly surpasses mine! All ends well, but you will have to read the story of how the singing bird was outwitted.

Of course this Caldecott award wining author has not slacked off on this illustrations one bit. They are as colorful, as original and playful as any of his other work. The combination of Lionni's words, story telling skills, ability to simplify the complex and his beautiful art work are truly amazing. I am not sure how he was able to sustain his high quality output over the years, but he certainly pulled it off.

This little work is ideal for the classroom or personal library. There are so many lessons to be learned here...thinking fast not being the least. Measuring, counting activities, nature studies, art...really, what you can accomplish as to teaching with this little work is only limited by your personal experiences and imagination.

I will admit to being rather delighted with anything to do with inchworms. I spent hours as a child seeking them out at watching them inch their way through their small part of the world. I have to admit that as a old man now, I seldom pass one by without stopping to watch which has made me late for quite a number of lunches and appointments over the years...which you can tell really worries me.

Recommend this one highly for the little ones. It is a pure joy to read it to them and the delight in the colors and in many cases, trying to find the little inchworm.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks