h"A curious earthworm had a harder
question. "Why are we here?"
"I used to think I was meant to be a
tasty snack. But now I am here,
talking with you. Purposes can
change."
Day after day, the pickle sat there,
shriveling in the sun. (It was a dry
summer.)"
When a pickle lands next to a dry cleaners and speaks about his dilemma, resident animals have questions. As they gather, the pickle offers thoughts for them concerning his ability to communicate and why what he has to say is important. A bird asks why he considers himself so wise. Apparently, the pickle just knows it to be true. They continue to ask, and the pickle continues to provide clear answers. When a mouse asks about hunger, the pickle explains he is meant to feed not to be fed.
A passing earthworm has a more philosophical question, wondering 'why we are here'. The pickle responds that, at one time, he was a snack and now he is talking with those who have enquiries about him. Seems the purpose in life can change. The question about his path to being where he is surprises with this answer.
""I used to live underwater," began the pickle. "In a salty brine like the sea,
but with more garlic. Then I was served beside a hot dog to a person ... who
hated pickles."
The summer days are warm and the pickle shrivels. A question about choice concerning his fate, leads to the answer that being eaten by a dog would be fine. His animal friends prepare to fulfill his wish, and call for a dog. Just when his fate seems set, another surprise adventure begins.
Kids who hear this story will feel concern for the pickle and its dilemma, while the adults reading it may look at it differently. All in all, it is a fun read with humor and empathy clearly shared in illustrations created using black graphite pencil, watercolor and pickle brine.
What are your big questions?
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