first Grade Teacher's Review
The Varmits by Dave Lamb is a wonderful story that shows the different behaviors of bullies and friends. This would be a great story to use the first week of school to talk about rules and behavior. We can look at the
cover and ask what the story will be about. The story is also full of rhyming words. This could be a side lesson on rhyming words.
John Lamb, Dave’s identical twin, drew detailed illustrations on every page with meaningful facial expressions on the characters and even on the animals, including the small ant when she loses her hat. Children love making faces. You could ask the children what kind of faces
they will make as we read the story.
I love the way the story starts out with "Varmits..." Another lesson is that the three dots are called an ellipsis and it means more is coming. So let’s look and see what happens next. Are you ready? Can we find out what a Varmit is? It’s a great way to start the story. On the next page and the back cover you see all the characters. The names on the Varmit’s T-shirts are all real towns!
At the end of the story, Lamb provides great questions for the children to answer. This encourages the child to look back on what they have read and noticed in the illustrations. How do you think your friend will feel when you share with him/her? Which kind of face will you make after reading this story? How will you feel? This makes The Varmits an excellent teaching tool. A good ending to this story is that we can make friends by being polite, kind and using good manners!
Here’s to happy reading which helps children make great decisions!
Roseanne H. Meyerhoff
Retired First Grade Teacher
Oceanside Unified School District
Oceanside, CA
Review by early childhood education expert
The Varmits by Dave Lamb, lovingly completed by his identical twin, John Lamb, is a visually stunning and deeply heartfelt story that resonates across generations. The bright, vibrant illustrations draw readers in immediately, creating a whimsical yet meaningful world where creativity and storytelling shine. Every page feels alive, reflecting the unique artistic collaboration between the brothers, and offering a visual feast that complements the engaging narrative of kindness.
The story behind the Varmits carries a powerful moral about resilience, family bonds, and the enduring impact of creativity. It beautifully balances humor and depth, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. As a mom of two boys, I particularly appreciate stories like The Varmits that not only captivate young readers but also spark meaningful conversations about empathy, perseverance, and the importance of cherishing the legacies of loved ones.
Beyond its artistic and narrative strengths, The Varmits is a testament to the enduring power of love and collaboration. This book is more than a story—it is a labor of love and a timeless gift to families, inviting them to reflect, imagine, and connect. It’s rare to find a book that combines such stunning visuals with a heartfelt, enduring message of kindness and friendship, but The Varmits achieves this beautifully. The Varmits is truly a treasure.
Dr. Angie Nastovska, PhD, MS
Early Childhood Education Expert
Director of Curriculum and Assessment for iLEAD Schools
Arts educator review
Dave Lamb is my uncle and at an early age I was reading his books, or they were being read to me. Today, I'm an artist and arts educator. I teach filmmaking and animation to junior high and high school kids in the Los Angeles area.
I remember my Uncle Dave's books for both their story and their illustrations. I recall the stories had a direct impact on how I looked at my world, and I was more conscious of the world around me as a result. As a preschooler, I understood the lessons taught in the books, and the playful, hand drawn characters were attractive because they had their own unique look and style. The books inspired my own desire to draw and to create. The stories also taught me to be a bit more thoughtful about sharing, being kind and putting my toys away!
As an arts educator today, I see value in The Varmits for its narrative of kindness and friendship. Kindness applies to people of all ages, and friendship is timeless. The Varmits helps to instill those values, while also inspiring young imaginations with lovely drawings of children resolving conflict and creating friendships.
Sammy Lamb
California Institute of the Arts, BFA 2021
Teacher, Venice Arts & CalArts Community Arts Partnership