There's a Hair in My Dirt! A Worm's Story

This was a delightful children's book discovered by my former sister-in-law when she worked in a children's book store. Why on earth the marketers described this as a book for teens is beyond me. Even kids of about 9 or ten understand the humor in a story about a worm who eats dirt for breakfast, lunch and dinner and finds hair "OH NO!" in his meals. What dirt!

Your kids need not be teens to enjoy this delightful Gary Larson comic for kids.

When Gary Larson left off drawing "The Far Side" I thought he was lost for good to the world of offbeat humor, not to mention artistry. I was wrong. "There's a Hair in My Dirt" is a tale of a young maiden named Harriet, as told by the father of a worm family at the dinner table. Although written in the format of a children's story, it is far more than that. Rather, it is a story with a message for all of us--namely, that our preconceived notions of nature (exemplified by Harriet's understanding thereof) are often mistaken. As a result, even some of our most well-intentioned actions in our attempts to preserve what we consider to be natural may be harmful for the proper workings of nature. In showing us all this, Larson is never preachy. Rather, he lets the story make the points in a way that brings a smile to our faces while at the same time causing us to think and even to reevaluate our perspective on the proper treatment of nature.

"There's a Hair in My Dirt" is one of those wonderful books that both children and adults will enjoy. In writing it, Gary Larson has shown himself to be a literary genius.

The book is well illustrated, educational and amusing but not hilarious. The story cleverly shows the interconnectedness of nature and this doesn't immediately bring to mind controversy unless you take into consideration the eccentric mind of Gary Larson. The guy tackles the subject matter of death in book that is one part fairy tale and two parts biology. The conclusion I gather is that readers should find consolation for the loss of life, human and otherwise, in the knowledge that death is natural and that all things dead allow the cycle of life to continue eternally.

My seven year old may understand that nature reclaims all things living, but let me tell you, if the tree that holds his swing out back happens to blow down, he will grieve the loss and have difficulty appreciating the upside to this natural occurrence (that a rotten log positively teams with life). Death is, of course, the natural conclusion to life but I don't think anyone should be expected to view it so clinically. Feelings persist long after our remains are long gone.

A classic Larson tale from the Far Side world where animals have human traits. There' a Hair in my Dirt may be written in children's story book style but it's definitely not just for kids. No matter how old you are, you'll love this.
A worm is fed up with being a worm and complains to his parents at the dinner table. His father then tells a tale of life in the forrest following a young maiden named Harriet who loves the magic of nature.
Of course nothing is as it first seems in the Larson world and like many of his Far Side human characters Harriet isn't the brightest and doesn't understand the consequences of her actions. That's all I'll say about the story, telling more would give it away.
Excellent Far Side style illustrations throughout make this a sensational book. Look closely at each page and discover Far Side type activities amongst the animals. Some situations have not seen before in his Far Side cartoons. There's a fawn scaring its friend by wearing a hunter's mask, a bird cooking eggs on the stove disgusting his wife and a hawk carrying off a poodle. If you're a fan of Far Side cartoons you can't go past owning this book.

Bought this book to add to my classroom library, but it is NOT appropriate for a school setting!!! A illustration of squirrel wearing a shirt that says "I kicked thumper's a- - " ( but NOT a blank) really disappointed and surprised me along with the use of the phrase 'sex maniac'If you are buying for an adult or a teen then go for it, but not for the classroom or young children

Off-the-wall cartoonist/satirist/humorist Gary Larson's "There's a Hair in My Dirt! A Worm's Story" is as effective a life science text as any that might be in a middle school or high school classroom today. Not only does Larson provide some biological facts but he does it in such an entertaining manner that the reader, especially the young one, may not realize that he/she is learning something. Also, the illustrations require some close scrutiny for many of the jokes lie in the remote corners of the pages.

For those of us that claim to be concerned for the environment, this book turns some preconceptions topsy-turvy.

As an educator, I just can imagine what Larson could do to ignite the language arts, math, and the social studies.

We need more tales of "Harriet" in public and private schools!

He could work wonders for the classroom!

The book is educational, amusing (not hilarious)and features a clever story punctuated by timeless illustrations. Written from a worm's perspective, the story clears up misconceptions about the natural world.

In the book, Larson points out that a felled tree is a boon to the environment although it may, at first blush, seem a loss to humankind. My five year old may understand that nature reclaims all things living but if the tree that holds his swing falls down he will grieve the loss and have difficulty appreciating the upside to this natural occurence. Death is the naturaI conclusion to life but I don't think anyone should be expected to view it so clinically. Feelings persist.

Gary Larson expands beyond the single-panel comics of the "Far Side" to a full children's book. But, as you would expect, this book is not really just for kids. Anyone fan of the "Far Side" is sure to get a kick out of this book too. The story starts with father, mother and son earthworm sitting (?) down for a dinner of dirt, when the son complains about life as a worm. Father tells him the rambling story of Harriet, who loves nature even though she misunderstands just about all of it. This somehow leads to the dreaded moral of the story and the truth behind the hair in the dirt. This is a fun, yet educational, book for anyone old enough to have developed a twisted sense of humor.

Gary Larson is a genuis. He has a wicked, bizarre and incredible sense of humor that is apparent in every page of this delightful book. The pictures are a perfect compliment to the story and full of little gags that make you look over them again and again to make sure you haven't missed anything. Sneaking in educational facts along with the hilarity is just an extra bonus for anyone who buys this book---and you should buy it. I can't believe I didn't get it earlier. If you have children in your life, if you don't---get this book. You are guaranteed your money's worth in laugher and more!

This extremely insightful and riotously funny book is written on multiple levels, and it works for children aged five through 105. Larson hits the mark when we points out that "loving nature is not the same as understanding nature." Though this story is dressed up in a children's picture book format, it contains poignant lessons for children, professional scientists and teachers, and the general population. Be sure to read the introduction by E.O. Wilson. A grand book through and through.

This book was great because it ewas itelligently funny, not like the stupid "peanuts cartoons" Anyone who thinks thios book is stupid does not have the mental compasity for this all. And P.S. THIS BOOK IS FOR KIDS!(at least the smart ones) I AM 11!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHAH!

I really enjoyed this book, however, I don't think it is appropriate for small children. I thought the title sounded funny, but the subject matter was just way over my kids' heads. Great book for an older kid, though. Maybe ages 12 - 15.

The educational value of this hilarious story makes it great reading for all ages. Larson has outdone himself with this 'down under' view of our fragile food chain. This book should be part of every teacher's ecology library.

Gary Larson is my favorite cartoonist. I have a collection including clipped cartoons from almost all newspaper comic pages when he was publishing; yearly, monthly, and daily comics; mugs; a tee shirt; all his books (except one) including The Complete Far Side, and one of them autographed. I named my firstborn after him (just joking but you get the idea). This is the book I do not have. I read it, didn't like it, didn't want it. Just thought he crossed a line. Maybe the joke was supposed to be on us, maybe different things are funny to different people. Just my opinion.

I did not know Gary Larson had a serious educational background in zoology but one might guess as his cartoons mostly involve animals. In this book designed for the younger reader (but informative for adults as well) his cartoon story gives a glimpse into the real dynamics of the animals and nature and the naive, often negative, impact humans have on their environment. There is a bit of macabre at the end. All very real!

Gary Larson has wrote a masterpiece!! This is his best work yet. Not only is it delightfully entertaining, it's educational. The book "There's a Hair In My Dirt!," has all the beautiful illustrations we are used to of his. I recommend this book to everyone who loves nature, or is a fan of Gary Larson's brilliant work. This is the best book Iv'e ever read, you'll never be able to stop laughing!!

Larson uses his usual presentation mode to give a story of how our (and other creatures) places in Nature are so misunderstood by so many. A jocular journey through story and pictures that makes you grin while really sinking in some zingers on ecology and our ultimate destination in life..... hee-hee....

I first purchased this book at the museum of natural history in DC. It has been circulated to all of my friends and family and somewhere it "suspiciously" got lost. It is one of the best Gary Larson books I've read and I would recommend it to anyone over 10 years old.

The picture book format might tempt you to read this book to a young child. DON'T! It could prove very disturbing. However, Farside fans will find it clever and fresh. We've missed you, Gary Larson. Thanks for a fun book!

The picture book format might tempt you to read this book to a young child. DON'T! It could prove very disturbing. However, Farside fans will find it clever and fresh. We've missed you, Gary Larson. Thanks for a fun book!

The illustrations and writing were an attempt to stir up a strong emotional reaction within the readers. Although it did leave a strong animosity and disgust, it was focused toward the book, rather than the way society handles these issues. In that sense, the book was a failure because of it's inability to convey the message intended. The human characters have been rendered in a way that they appear completely imbecilic which creates a strong contrast toward the adult vocabulary. The worm characters appeared to have so much personification that it was relatable to the average person, but many of the side comments or jokes did not evoke any sort of amusement. Despite the low price, and promise from the initial illustrations and catchy title, this book was almost a complete let down. Based upon the vocabulary and delivery of morbid concepts, this book is not appropriate for children.