Superworm (book)

Superworm
AuthorJulia Donaldson
IllustratorAxel Scheffler
LanguageEnglish
GenreChildren's literature
Set inUnited Kingdom
PublisherAlison Green Books
Publication date6 September 2012
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (Hardback, paperback)
Pages30
ISBN978-1-4071-3204-4
Followed byThe Paper Dolls 

Superworm is a 2012 British children's book written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and published by Alison Green Books.[1][2] The story follows a worm who acts as a superhero for insects and animals.[3][4][5]

Authors

Julia Donaldson is a British writer and playwright from Hampstead, London, England, born on 16 September with her younger sister.[6] She is known for writing books such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Zog, and The Gruffalo's Child.[7] She attended the University of Bristol, studying drama and French, she graduated with a 2:1 honours degree. She was married to Malcolm Donaldson until his death in 2024.[8]

Axel Scheffler is a German illustrator and animator born in Hamburg, West Germany. He is known for working alongside Donaldson in many works.[9] Scheffler attended Bath Academy of Art, studying the history of art, he later dropped out. Scheffler worked in advertising and publishing.

Plot

A super-long, super-strong worm referred to as "Superworm" acts as a superhero, helping local insects and animals. He rescues a toad from a road and helps beetles by acting as a skipping rope and helps other animals when they need him. Superworm gets captured by a "Wicked Wizard Lizard" and is forced to dig for treasures. Other animals work together to save Superworm. Using their own abilities, they take down the wizard and his plans and successfully save Superworm. Once back home, they celebrate the victory and their friendship.

Issues

In December of 2021 Donaldson revealed that during the writing of the book, a line was cut after an awkward conversation with her publisher, Alison Green, about the line that read, “Superworm is long and pink, Superworm can grow and shrink.”, the line was replaced with "Superworm is super-long, Superworm is super-strong.”[10]

Legacy and adaptations

In 2021 Superworm received its own 25-minute short film created by Magic Light Pictures based on the book, which was distributed by the BBC.[11][12] In December 2021, the Radio Times released a Superworm Christmas-themed puzzle and activity book in celebration of Christmas.[13] In 2022 a Superworm-themed trail was launched at the Whinlatter Forest Park.[14][15] In 2021 Donaldson and Scheffler released a new adaptation called Let's Find Superworm: A Lift-the-Flap Book.[16] In January 2026, Donalson and Scheffler released Superworm: Slide and Spin.[17]

Awards

Year Ceremony Award Outcome Ref
2014 Red House Children's Book Award Red House Award Won [18]
2013 City Library of Buxtehude Buxtehuder Kälbchen Picture Book Prize Won [19]

Publication history

Superworm (2012), Alison Green Books[20]

See also

  • Stick Man – 2008 children's book by Julia Donaldson

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Sarah Harrison (May 9, 2014). "Bookshelf: Garden Friends and Foes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Putting Books to Work: 'Superworm'". Literacy Worldwide. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Superworm by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - review". The Guardian. October 11, 2012. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Children's Books: 'Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy' | 'Superworm' | 'Founding Mothers'". Wall Street Journal. January 24, 2014. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  5. ↑ Donaldson, Julia (2016). Superworm. Alison Green Books. ISBN 978-1-4071-6819-7.
  6. ↑ "Julia Donaldson: what is the Gruffalo author's net worth? Get the details". HELLO!. December 23, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  7. ↑ "The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson on busking and Judi Dench". The Independent. October 3, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  8. ↑ "The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson's doctor husband Malcolm dies". BBC News. September 30, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  9. ↑ Freeman, Hadley (September 3, 2022). "'At first she didn't like my drawings': Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson on three decades of collaboration". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  10. ↑ Khomami, Nadia (December 6, 2021). "Julia Donaldson reveals tussle over opening couplet of Superworm". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Superworm: Meet the voice cast and creators". BBC. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Magic Light Pictures' 'Superworm' Coming to BBC Christmas 2021". Animation World Network. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  13. ↑ Wilson, Francesca. "Superworm Puzzle & Activity Book offer*! | Radio Times". Radio Times. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Superworm trail launches at Whinlatter Forest - The Keswick Reminder". February 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Discover more about nature with new Superworm activity trail". Salisbury Journal. January 16, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Let's find superworm : a lift-the-flap book | WorldCat.org". WorldCat. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Superworm : slide and spin | WorldCat.org". WorldCat. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Superworm by Julia Donaldson up for Red House Award". BBC Newsround. October 21, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  19. ↑ wp-jd-admin (November 11, 1998). "Superworm". Julia Donaldson. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Superworm | WorldCat.org". WorldCat. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
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