The Worm and the Bird

Cover Design or Artwork by Coralie Bickford-Smith
From the award-winning illustrator and author of The Fox and the Star, Coralie Bickford-Smith, a beautifully illustrated tale about a Worm, a Bird, and the importance of being present and appreciating what you have, where you are.

Winner of Communication Arts 2018 Illustration Annual 


Digging through the ground day in and day out, Worm dreams of a better life. Despite having endless paths of dirt to plough, other burrowing creatures to befriend, and underground treasures to discover, Worm wants more—more space to be alone. Too busy to see the world around it, pushing everything aside, Worm learns a hard lesson in appreciating what you have and where you are. 

This beautifully illustrated tale by award-winning author and illustrator Coralie Bickford-Smith explores themes of hope, curiosity, and the circle of life. Taking inspiration from Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life,” which reads “But life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present and fear the future,” and drawing from the simple wisdom of the natural world, Bickford-Smith reminds readers about the importance of slowing down and engaging in the life around us.

Printed in Italy, with a foil-stamped cloth cover, sewn binding, metallic inks, and high-quality paper, Bickford-Smith's new illustrated book is for readers of all ages of fables and fairy tales, from gardeners to bird-watchers to design lovers, and for those seeking mindfulness.
—and it will be a great companion volume to her first book, The Fox and the Star, named Waterstones Book of the Year in 2015.
Praise for The Worm and the Bird:

“I love love love it, just beautiful.” 
—Millie Marotta
 
“It's touching, lovely to look at, beautifully conceived and designed. Good for children, and busy grown-ups too.”
—David Gentleman
 
“Absolutely stunning. A very sweet story with a touch of dark humour too. Wonderful. A fantastic book.”
—Chris Haughton

“I love it. A book to buy and treasure, for yourself or others.”
Marion Deuchars 

“Gorgeous gold foil, illustrations and end papers make this a perfect gift for any book lover. It is a beautiful and subtly dark tale about life and its endless possibilities.”
Waterstones Piccadilly
 
“It’s a stunner, both inside and out!!!”
–@theartfulelle

The Worm and the Bird is possibly the most beautiful Children’s book this year! Following the Waterstones favourite, The Fox and the Star, Coralie Bickford-Smith has produced another stunning book!”
—Waterstones Jubilee Place

The Worm and the Bird is an autumnal delight. Beware some mild peril and an occasional sense of dread. Mainly be prepared to be stunned by its beauty.”
–@savidgereads

“If you loved The Fox and the Star as much as we did, get ready to be amazed by Coralie Bickford Smith’s new book The Worm and The Bird! The Worm and the Bird is further proof of her outstanding talent for illustration and for storytelling that will entrance children (and adults) of all ages!”
–Waterstones Coventry

The Worm and the Bird is a simple, beautifully illustrated tale that made our eyes sparkle and our hearts sing.”
–Loll Kirby, @hellogatherandgrow

“The talented Coralie Bickford-Smith has released a new book called The Worm and the Bird – and it’s gorgeous! Anyone who fell in love with The Fox and the Star will love this!” 
–Waterstones Alton

“Another beautifully designed work, this seemingly simple tale addresses themes of life and death, and the importance of living in the moment.”
–Eliza Williams, "Creative Review"

“Sometimes we just need to pick up a children’s book to remember important life lessons. Through brilliant vivid illustrations, The Worm and the Bird reminds us to appreciate what we have and enjoy where we are. It’s a visual delight for readers of all ages.”
–HelloGiggles
Coralie Bickford-Smith is an award-winning designer at Penguin Books, where she has created several highly acclaimed series designs. She studied typography at Reading University and lives in London. View titles by Coralie Bickford-Smith

About

From the award-winning illustrator and author of The Fox and the Star, Coralie Bickford-Smith, a beautifully illustrated tale about a Worm, a Bird, and the importance of being present and appreciating what you have, where you are.

Winner of Communication Arts 2018 Illustration Annual 


Digging through the ground day in and day out, Worm dreams of a better life. Despite having endless paths of dirt to plough, other burrowing creatures to befriend, and underground treasures to discover, Worm wants more—more space to be alone. Too busy to see the world around it, pushing everything aside, Worm learns a hard lesson in appreciating what you have and where you are. 

This beautifully illustrated tale by award-winning author and illustrator Coralie Bickford-Smith explores themes of hope, curiosity, and the circle of life. Taking inspiration from Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life,” which reads “But life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present and fear the future,” and drawing from the simple wisdom of the natural world, Bickford-Smith reminds readers about the importance of slowing down and engaging in the life around us.

Printed in Italy, with a foil-stamped cloth cover, sewn binding, metallic inks, and high-quality paper, Bickford-Smith's new illustrated book is for readers of all ages of fables and fairy tales, from gardeners to bird-watchers to design lovers, and for those seeking mindfulness.
—and it will be a great companion volume to her first book, The Fox and the Star, named Waterstones Book of the Year in 2015.

Reviews

Praise for The Worm and the Bird:

“I love love love it, just beautiful.” 
—Millie Marotta
 
“It's touching, lovely to look at, beautifully conceived and designed. Good for children, and busy grown-ups too.”
—David Gentleman
 
“Absolutely stunning. A very sweet story with a touch of dark humour too. Wonderful. A fantastic book.”
—Chris Haughton

“I love it. A book to buy and treasure, for yourself or others.”
Marion Deuchars 

“Gorgeous gold foil, illustrations and end papers make this a perfect gift for any book lover. It is a beautiful and subtly dark tale about life and its endless possibilities.”
Waterstones Piccadilly
 
“It’s a stunner, both inside and out!!!”
–@theartfulelle

The Worm and the Bird is possibly the most beautiful Children’s book this year! Following the Waterstones favourite, The Fox and the Star, Coralie Bickford-Smith has produced another stunning book!”
—Waterstones Jubilee Place

The Worm and the Bird is an autumnal delight. Beware some mild peril and an occasional sense of dread. Mainly be prepared to be stunned by its beauty.”
–@savidgereads

“If you loved The Fox and the Star as much as we did, get ready to be amazed by Coralie Bickford Smith’s new book The Worm and The Bird! The Worm and the Bird is further proof of her outstanding talent for illustration and for storytelling that will entrance children (and adults) of all ages!”
–Waterstones Coventry

The Worm and the Bird is a simple, beautifully illustrated tale that made our eyes sparkle and our hearts sing.”
–Loll Kirby, @hellogatherandgrow

“The talented Coralie Bickford-Smith has released a new book called The Worm and the Bird – and it’s gorgeous! Anyone who fell in love with The Fox and the Star will love this!” 
–Waterstones Alton

“Another beautifully designed work, this seemingly simple tale addresses themes of life and death, and the importance of living in the moment.”
–Eliza Williams, "Creative Review"

“Sometimes we just need to pick up a children’s book to remember important life lessons. Through brilliant vivid illustrations, The Worm and the Bird reminds us to appreciate what we have and enjoy where we are. It’s a visual delight for readers of all ages.”
–HelloGiggles

Author

Coralie Bickford-Smith is an award-winning designer at Penguin Books, where she has created several highly acclaimed series designs. She studied typography at Reading University and lives in London. View titles by Coralie Bickford-Smith