Reviews

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

bet27's review against another edition

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3.0

Lovely illustrations with a simple but good story about the importance of "the least of these."

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

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5.0

Definitely a book you'll want in your Earth Day rotation, but it's also perfect for some big discussions - how are we all connected? what is our job here on Earth? why do we do the things we do, or for whom do we do them for?
As always, Deborah Freedman packs a deep punch in a story that doesn't waste any words. Oh, and gorgeous illustrations too!

yapha's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent story about the important role each person/animal plays in the world and the interconnectedness of all things. F&G provided by publisher.

little_silver's review against another edition

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4.0

Carl the earthworm has an existential crisis and kills off an entire ecosystem...
No, but really- this is a great book with beautiful illustrations. It is both entertaining and informative!

mlettus's review against another edition

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5.0

I LOVED this. Such a cool like at how even the smallest creatures are so important. I will definitely be sharing with my students.

jshettel's review against another edition

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5.0

Part fiction, part nonfiction, part philosophy. Carl the worm just wants to figure out WHY he does what he does. Gorgeous soft illustrations.

azajacks's review against another edition

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4.0

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

corncobwebs's review against another edition

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Worm has existential crisis and goes on a journey in search of his purpose. Lovely watercolor illustrations. Love the message that even the smallest actions are important and have meaning.

Also, Carls are just always my favorite. Haven't met a Carl yet that I didn't like. :)

calistareads's review against another edition

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4.0

Carl is happy making the soil fluffy until one day a mouse asks him why he does that. He doesn’t know why, so he takes a moment and begins to ask people why he does this, who he is. It’s a great book to learn about Who, what, where, when and why. Each animal doesn’t know, but they do their own thing. In time, the dirt gets hard and things stop growing.

A beetle is found by Carl and he wonders why it’s so sad. The beetle has no food and the animals are all leaving. Carl realizes that ground is hard and not fluffy, so he says, hang on, and beings to fluff up the dirt. He learns why he does something.

It's a great meditation on the fact that all the animals in the chain of life are important and each role does something to support life, even the little earthworm. It’s a wonderful lesson about being who we are.

The artwork is water colors and the animals are cute. The water color seems to give the story some life.

The nephew enjoyed Carl. He likes worms and insects. He thought a roly poly should be in the story. He thinks fluffing dirt sounds boring, but it seems important. He gave this book 3 stars. He enjoyed the book.

wordnerd153's review against another edition

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4.0

Lovely story of connectivity and purpose.