I WILL EAT YOU IN THE END

Mortality and meteors take center stage in this surprisingly moving friendship tale.

Frank the worm’s out with a friend when a dino’s errant footstep squishes the other worm to pulp. To the apologetic dinosaur’s surprise, Frank takes this loss with surprising equanimity. “Don’t worry about it,” he says. “My buddies and I will eat him later.” In explanation, Frank breaks down a worm’s role in decomposition, stating merrily, “I will eat you in the end.” The dino’s still guilt-ridden, so Frank suggests he protect him from a nearby bird. The long-necked dino obliges, and friendship blossoms. And when something dangerous appears in the sky, Frank promises his friend that he’ll turn him “into something nice.” A final two-page spread depicts a field of yellow flowers (the dino’s favorite) many years later. Dinos, flowers, insects, and more pop against exceedingly simple backgrounds, making the writing the star of the show. Frank’s attitude, cavalier as it may be, is also reassuring in putting such big scary concepts into perspective. A multitude of books on dying exist, but few dare to speak of it so honestly with the youngest of readers.

A strange, sweet, sad paean to the cycle of life and every living thing’s place in it.