You’ve heard of Horse Whisperers and Dog Whisperers, but Ellis thinks he might be a Worm Whisperer! When his family falls on hard times, Ellis thinks his weird skill might be able to help.

Ellis Coffey loves animals. He spends so much time outdoors that sometimes he thinks he can talk with them. When he discovers a caterpillar that seems to follow his directions, he knows he has a chance to win the annual Woolly Worm race. The prize money is $1,000–exactly the amount of the deductible for his dad’s back surgery. If Ellis can train his woolly worm to be the fastest in the country, while dealing with a crush and a bully at school, he’s sure can solve all his family’s problems.

But when you’re trying to talk to insects, nothing is as simple as it seems.

From Betty Hicks, author of the Gym Shorts series for new readers, comes a story of friendship, family, and hidden talents that might be more useful than they first seem.

Praise for The Worm Whisperer:

A satisfying ending neatly wraps up this warm story, and Hatke’s occasional line drawings will add appeal for middle-grade readers. –Kirkus Reviews