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Title details for Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman - Available

Carl and the Meaning of Life

by Deborah Freedman
Adam Grupper
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
From the often Caldecott-buzzed Deborah Freedman, a sweet and funny story about finding your place in the world. Carl is an earthworm. He spends his days happily tunneling in the soil until a field mouse asks him a simple question that stops him short: "Why?" Carl's quest takes him on an adventure to meet all the animals of the forest, each of whom seems to know exactly what they were put on this earth to do, unlike the curious Carl. But it's not until the world around him has changed that Carl begins to realize everyone, no matter how small, makes a big difference just by being themselves.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 2, 2019

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781980025115
      • File size: 3635 KB
      • Duration: 00:07:34

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      February 11, 2019
      Freedman introduces Carl by telling readers what he is not: “Carl was not a bird“ (nor a bear, nor a beaver). Carl is an earthworm, and he lives underneath the other forest animals. A cross-section of soil shows Carl next to a curling line of type describing his daily activities: “burrowing, tunneling, digesting dead leaves... turning hard dirt into fluffy soil.” When a field mouse asks him why he does what he does, Carl’s search for answers keeps him away from his work, and the earth dries up around him. “I can’t find any grubs!” cries a ground beetle. With that, Carl understands his purpose. Freedman’s spreads shows how tiny organisms help to keep the natural world in balance in this inventive worm’s-eye view of the web of life. Ages 3–5.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Voicing an earthworm is no easy task! Narrator Adam Grupper deserves applause for the majestic, mysterious, and wonder-filled voice he provides Carl as he seeks his purpose in life. It is the field mouse who inspires his quest by asking Carl what he does and causing him to leave his munching and casting and making the soil soft and fluffy. Grupper's Carl is ever purposeful, taking an interest in each creature he meets. From rabbit to ground beetle, he questions them all, and each queried animal is given a distinctive voice. Carl doesn't seem to mind how many animals he needs to talk with and only lets out a sigh as his search stretches over time. Little does he know that his travels will bring him full circle. An author's note completes the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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