Herman and Marguerite is the story of a shy earthworm and a lonely caterpillar who live unhappy, isolated lives until they meet by chance and become fast friends. Herman and Marguerite support each other and highlight their respective lives' remarkable beauty.

Accompanying activities are all about visualization and using wordless picture books as prompts to encourage young people to interpret stories and create their own fantastical tales. This project begins with students listening to Jay O'Callahan's story Herman and Marguerite, an original tale created by Jay O'Callahan for his own children. 

SPI then recommends sharing wordless picture books with children (a list is provided), introducing them to a host of characters who, like Herman and Marguerite, formed "unlikely friendships." Wordless picture books foster observation and critical and creative thinking skills as they fire up kids' imaginations.

When the story begins, neither Herman nor Marguerite are happy about themselves and their lives, wishing to be different from what they are. An additional activity explores the meaning of the phrase, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Download The SPI K-3 Activities For Herman and Marguerite