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Join a fun read-along of 'Books for Benjamin' and watch author R.G. de Ruoen answer creative questions from kids about writing, worms, and big adventures.

Introduction

Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.

The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.

In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read Books for Benjamin by R.G. de Rouen, a charming story about a worm whose appetite for books is even bigger than his appetite for compost. While the other worms are content with their usual routines, Benjamin dreams of discovering stories and exploring the world through reading.

This episode is perfect for book-loving kids and curious minds. It is filled with fascinating questions and fun discoveries. Along the way, children learn about worms, libraries, animals, writing, and more, all while hearing directly from the author himself.

Meet the Hosts and Authors

Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.

Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.

This time they're joined by R.G. de Rouen, creator of the Benjamin and Friends series. During the interview, he shares the inspiration behind Benjamin's character, explains why he wanted to create a worm who loves books, and gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process. His thoughtful answers encourage young readers to embrace their curiosity and never stop exploring the world through stories.

The Story of Benjamin: A Different Kind of Bookworm

The narrative begins in the back lot of a grocery store, where the Wormwood family lives a traditional worm life. While his brother Digger and parents, Winona and Ferdinand, are content burrowing through rotten apples and slimy lettuce, Benjamin has other ideas. He doesn’t want to eat a giant peach; he wants to read about adventures inside of one.

Tired of reading tomato-splotched newspapers in the trash, Benjamin hatches a plan to find "real books." He sneaks into a grocery store and hides inside a fresh newspaper, hoping to be taken home by a customer. He eventually finds himself in the home of a woman who is less than thrilled to find a worm in her morning news. After a harrowing escape from a fly swatter, a cat, and a hungry macaw, Benjamin meets a helpful group of garden friends: Wizby the dragonfly, Dotty the ladybug, and Ginger the ant.

With the help of his new friends, Benjamin makes it to the public library. His love for reading eventually catches the eye of Miss Nicholas, the librarian. Recognizing his genius, she takes him to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Benjamin’s fame grows until he becomes the most widely read "person" in the world, eventually becoming the official stamper for every book published.

Behind the Scenes with Author R.G. de Rouen

The creation of a character like Benjamin didn't happen overnight. During the "Kids Ask Authors Answer" session, R.G. de Rouen revealed that the story was decades in the making. He wrote the initial concept in his 20s, but the book wasn’t published until he was in his 50s.  It's a testament to the message of perseverance found within the pages.

The Inspiration for a Reading Worm

When asked by young readers where the idea for Benjamin came from, de Ruin explained that it was a combination of his own childhood love for books and a visit to the Library of Congress. He wanted to create an animal character and settled on a worm because of the common phrase "bookworm."

The name "Benjamin" was also carefully chosen. It serves as a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, who was instrumental in starting the first public libraries in the United States, as well as Thomas Jefferson, who famously said he "cannot live without books." The author used alliteration, Books for Benjamin, to give the title a rhythmic, memorable quality.

The Visual Evolution of Benjamin

One of the most striking features of the book is the colorful nature of the worm family. One young reader, Ethan, noticed that Benjamin and his family members are different colors, such as purple and blue. De Rouen credited this to his illustrator, Uliana Barabash.

Initially, the author thought the worms should be "worm-colored", brown or gray. However, his wife pointed out that children would find that "yucky." The illustrator stepped in with a vibrant, multi-colored palette for the worm family. De Rouen noted that this was a perfect choice, reflecting how real-life families can have different features while still belonging together.

Why Benjamin Loves to Read

Young readers were curious about why a worm would choose books over slugs and slime. De Rouen explained that Benjamin is modeled after that feeling many readers know well: the desire to constantly move from one adventure to the next. According to the author, the saddest part of Benjamin's day is finishing a book, because it means that particular journey has come to an end.

When asked how a worm without hands manages to turn the pages, the author clarified that Benjamin has mastered the use of his tail. He intentionally avoided giving the worm human hands to keep the character feeling more like a real creature, albeit one with extraordinary cognitive abilities.

The Message of Being Different

A core theme of Books for Benjamin is the acceptance of one's unique interests. Benjamin’s father prefers slimy lettuce and doesn't understand the fuss about books. While his family thinks his hobby is "too clean" or "unhealthy" for a worm, the story emphasizes that it is okay to be different.

De Rouen shared that he wanted to show kids that their dreams are valid and that loving families will eventually support those dreams, even if they don't quite understand them at first. This message is personified in Miss Nicholas, the librarian, who looks past the "ink marks" Benjamin leaves on the pages and sees his potential as a scholar.

Literacy and Education: Benjamin’s Favorite Subjects

If Benjamin were to attend a human school, de Rouen believes his favorite subject would be English or Literature. However, his interests are expanding. The author teased that a third book in the series is in development, focusing on Benjamin’s transition from a reader to a writer.

Beyond the world of worms, R.G. de Rouen expressed a deep passion for science and nature. He spoke about his work with Jane Goodall and his efforts to highlight women in science. His other writing projects include a book about Daphne Sheldrick and her work with orphaned elephants in Kenya, as well as a story about a young man in Holland working to remove plastics from the ocean.

Conclusion

Books for Benjamin serves as a reminder to children and adults alike that curiosity has no limits. Whether you are a human or a humble earthworm, the world of books offers a gateway to infinite worlds. As Benjamin would say, don't just live in the dirt, dig into a good book.

Want to Grab a Copy of Books for Benjamin?

You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4g5tzOl

Want to Watch Other Kids Ask Authors Answer Interviews?

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You can also find Amy and Sam’s books here:

• Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G

• Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF

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