Welby loves to sit in the garden that belongs to an elderly couple, watch the flowers grow & wait for their grandson's visit. When Welby was just a little tyke, he lost his ability to wriggle from side to side like other worms & can only scootch in a straight line. Other members of the worm colony make fun of him because he's different, but his wise grandmother says, "Never mind, Welby. Some day your special ability will help others." And, sure enough, she's right. This is the first in a series of stories about Welby & his adventures above & below the ground. Lydia Thompson's charming cut paper & acrylic illustrations are sure to make Welby one of the most special characters of the Fall 2001 children's season. The Brookfield Reader was the recipient of the 1999 Small Press Publisher of the Year Award. 137 Peyton Road, Sterling, VA 20165-5605. Website:www.brookfieldreader.com/ Toll free: (888) 389-2741. An official RIF supplier.