Author and Illustrator: Nouzha Evans with the collaboration of children from the Early Discovery School

Book Designer: Kevin Evans

ISBN: 978-0-615-39551-7

Click Here To Purchase Cooper the Compost Worm: The Butterflies Are Teasing Me

As I am a strong proponent of composting, having witnessed first hand its magic, as exemplified by my own lawn and garden, I was delighted when I picked up an endearing copy of Nouzha Evan's adorable Cooper the Compost Worm: The Butterflies Are Teasing Me.

This book  is a collaborative effort created by Nouzha and the school-children of Early Discovery School where Nouzha teaches. According to the school's website, this is a licensed preschool program located in San Rafael, CA. It provides a creative, stimulating environment for a small group of young children. Their program combines techniques from Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia to teach early cognitive skills and help children develop a sense of creativity and wonder.

Nouzha's creativity incorporates large ideas as composting and the uniqueness of every one of us, including animals, into a wonderful message geared to children ages 3-8. To accomplish this feat, she cleverly bridges her supple storytelling skills with the whimsical imaginations and illustrations of her students to delectable effect.

In this entertaining story, Nouzha explores the phenomenon of composting through the voice of a young compost worm, Cooper. As the story unfolds we are informed that Cooper comes from a distinguished long line of worms, lives with his mommy, daddy and grandpa on “Potato Peel Street.” And we also learn that compost worms existed even before dinosaurs. Cooper, however, is sad, as he is taunted by caterpillars that live nearby. These neighbors have glamorous parents such as purple cruisers, red and yellowtail butterflies, and they brag that one day they would also be dazzling, letting Cooper know that he is only a mere worm. Upon learning of Cooper's low spirits, his parents and grandpa reassure him that his role as a compost worm is extremely important and unique, for he turns garbage, that no one wants, into vital food for the garden. Moreover, without compost worms the garden would be dry, plants would get sick, and flowers would not grow, leaving butterflies with nothing to eat. After hearing all of the benefits that compost worms provide, Cooper regains his self-confidence and feels content to be of such great service in helping preserve planet earth.

At the beginning of the book Nouzha lists the children-artists and their characters with brief descriptions of their artwork. Children will readily notice the soft colors and expressive composed illustrations but nonetheless detailed enough to invite inspection, as well as reinforcing the informative quality of the story. No doubt, young readers will engage immediately with the herd of colorful and uniquely patterned characters as Cooper's parents, grandfather, caterpillars and butterflies.

Nouzha Evans has been a well-respected teacher in Marin County for over fifteen years. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. in early education: her research is focused on the way different early education philosophies interact when combined in the classroom. Nouzha is a new contributing member of AFEC, Association Francophone d’Education Comparée. She is also pioneering a set of workshops in which children collaborate in the creation of the story and artwork for a series of children’s books on the plight of endangered species and the environment.