The Varmits - 315

Editor's summary: A heartwarming and delightfully illustrated children's book, The Varmits is set to captivate young children with its timeless message of kindness and friendship. Created in 1970 by the talented Dave Lamb when he was just 18 years old, this 42-page tale teaches the importance of good manners in a fun and engaging way. The Varmits tells the story of “varmits”, rude and selfish children who learn valuable life lessons after their self-centered behavior leads to negative consequences. Through their experiences, the varmits discover that sharing and being polite can bring friendship and happiness to their lives. This visually rich picture book is perfect for parents and educators looking for a fun and engaging way to teach children important values. The book includes an activity page, which encourages the child to look back on what they have read and noticed in the illustrations. This message, the humor and the fun activity page makes The Varmits an excellent teaching tool. With its delightful illustrations and inspiring message, The Varmits is sure to become a beloved classic for generations to come. BookLife Review, by Publisher's Weekly: John Lamb carries on the work of his twin brother Dave Lamb (1952–1971) in this lively picture book that blends the rough-edged boldness, vitality, and snarky wit of old-school underground comics with wisdom about friendship and a fun game of spot-the-ladybug—there’s one hidden in the bustling chaos on every page. Spotlighting the distasteful behaviors of Varmits, who are “children who are not polite,” the story touches on the importance of good manners, reminding readers that rude habits can drive away friends—and make you feel sad inside. Those rude habits are funny on the page, though, as the Varmits in Lamb’s story cut in line, cheat at games, refuse to share, and eat with sloppy gusto. Still, all this understandably ostracizes Varmits from other kids, leading to arguments, hurt feelings, and loneliness. The Varmits’ unique spin on social graces amuses, especially through Lamb’s illustrations—based on his brother’s work from the 1960s, which burst with bold colors, unconventional character shapes, a fizzy spirit of fun, and striking details that reward poring over the pages. The story emphasizes that courtesy is just as essential today as it was when Dave Lamb first wrote the book; whether the Varmits refuse to cover their mouths when sneezing, defy public safety rules, or snub offers to share toys, they are an exceedingly hard-to-like bunch, insistent on behaviors that create distance between themselves and others. Lamb first sets up their poor choices, then touches on the consequences of their actions, before offering an ending where the Varmits recognize that “watch[ing] your manners in everything you do” can actually net you some groovy results. Young readers will enjoy the quirky features throughout the story, such as one Varmit’s cheerful toy “walking duckies” or the amusing animals that pop up here and there as the Varmits go about their business, and adult readers will find guidance for addressing critical social skills. Takeaway: Hilarious exploration of manners with an emphasis on what not to do.
ASIN: B0DNRKQ9MZ
VSKU: BVV.B0DNRKQ9MZ.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Lamb, Dave|Lamb, John
Binding: Paperback