Mrs. Worm, who has a poor memory due to her tiny brain, schedules a family portrait so that she’ll always remember just how “squirmy, slimy, and cute” her children currently are. Emma, the eldest, rushes off to tell her friends the exciting news. As it turns out, her friends have all posed for their own portraits, each of which turned out beautifully. The beaver family’s portrait showcases their large, toothy smiles. The cat’s highlights her “poufy” hair. And the colorful wings of the butterfly family make their portrait look like a rainbow. Now decidedly glum, Emma wonders what will make her family portrait special; after all, worms have no teeth, hair, or bright colors. Struck with inspiration, she surprises her family with clothing, wigs, and fake teeth. Thus decked out, they arrive for their portrait only to be refused service by the photographer, who doesn’t recognize them. As the worms doff their ridiculous costumes, it occurs to them that they can use their squiggly bodies to do something unique: spell out the word “cheese.” Accompanied by plenty of amusing details in the illustrations, this story cleverly celebrates differences (in this case, among species). (Ages 4-7)

Worms don't take good family photos, do they? Find out in this hilarious picture book from a Caldecott Honor illustrator and debut author about a young worm who comes to appreciate her very unusual family for who they are.

Emma is excited for her worm family to have their portrait taken. But when she sees her other friends' portraits, she gets discouraged. "We had the most beautiful smiles," Ellie the Chipmunk squeals. Abigail the Cat meows, "I looked gorgeous with my big poufy hair." The worm family doesn't have teeth...how will they show their beautiful smiles? They don't have hair either...how can it look big and poufy?! So Emma gathers wigs, giant fake teeth, and colorful clothing for her parents and sisters.

But it's only after taking off their costumes that the worm family is able to wriggle and squiggle and squeeze into a delightful pose that only a worm family can make. And Emma? She thinks it's perfectly perfect.