Inch by Inch (children's book) facts for kids
| Author | Leo Lionni |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Obolensky |
|
Publication date
|
1960 |
| Pages | unpaged |
| Awards | Caldecott Honor |
Inch by Inch is a popular picture book from 1960. It was written and illustrated by Leo Lionni. The book tells the fun story of a clever inchworm. This little worm loves to measure everything it sees.
The book was recognized for its beautiful pictures. It received a 1961 Caldecott Honor. This award is given to outstanding American picture books for children. The first version of Inch by Inch did not have page numbers. Other versions, published by Astor-Honor and Scholastic Book Services in the same year, usually had 26 pages.
Contents
What is Inch by Inch About?
The story of Inch by Inch begins with a hungry robin. The robin is about to eat a small green inchworm. To save itself, the inchworm quickly tells the robin that it is useful. It says it can measure things.
The Inchworm's Clever Plan
The robin is curious and asks the inchworm to prove it. The inchworm then measures the robin's tail. It measures exactly five inches! The robin is impressed and asks the inchworm to measure other birds.
Measuring the World
The inchworm goes on to measure many different birds. It measures a flamingo's neck, a toucan's beak, and a heron's legs. Each time, the inchworm carefully measures with its body. It moves "inch by inch" along the birds.
Eventually, the inchworm meets a nightingale. The nightingale asks the inchworm to measure its song. This is a tricky request because a song cannot be measured with inches!
How the Inchworm Escapes
The clever inchworm thinks fast. It tells the nightingale that it will try to measure the song. As the nightingale sings, the inchworm slowly inches away. It keeps moving until it is out of sight. This way, the inchworm escapes safely. The story teaches us about being clever and finding solutions.
About the Author and Illustrator
Inch by Inch was created by Leo Lionni. He was a famous author and illustrator. Lionni was born in the Netherlands in 1910. He later moved to the United States. He is known for his unique art style and simple, wise stories.
Lionni's Other Famous Books
Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated many beloved children's books. Some of his other well-known works include Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Many of his books feature small creatures. These characters often learn important lessons about life, friendship, and finding their place in the world. Lionni's books are loved for their bright colors and simple, yet deep, messages.
The Caldecott Honor Award
The Caldecott Honor is a special award. It is given to books that show outstanding art. The American Library Association gives out this award each year. It celebrates the best illustrations in American picture books for children.
Why Inch by Inch Won
Inch by Inch received a Caldecott Honor in 1961. This means the judges thought its illustrations were excellent. Leo Lionni's artwork in the book is simple but very effective. He uses bright colors and clear shapes. The illustrations help tell the story of the inchworm's adventures. They make the characters and their world come alive for young readers.
