Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman is a spiritual look at how all things are connected. When the Mouse asks Carl, the Worm, why does he do the things he does, Carl does not know. So off he goes to ask the other animals what his purpose is, until one day there is no one left as they have all left. The answer to why everyone has left, gives Carl the answer he was looking for.
Freedman pairs the text with some fun, soft, illustrations. They are not overly bold, but they stand out in the places they are needed. There are several fun little details that are not necessarily needed for the text but help you to see “the larger picture” of Carl’s home and the other animals around him. Freedman’s signature style comes out in this newest book.
And while this book did not “knock my socks off” it did make me feel cozy and appreciate the earthworm for something other than a thing that you put on your fishing hook and your cousin pets while waiting for her turn to fish the day of her wedding (do not ask….). And the theme of “Being yourself” and “No matter how small you can do big things” is loud and clear.
This book might not be for everyone, but it would be a fun story-time book. It could be read one-on-one, but the slightly older child would get more out of it than the traditional picture book crowd.