CarloandtheMeaningofLife

About the book

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Dear Parents, 

Children often ask big, existential questions that leave us puzzled! 

“Why do you do what you do?”

This is the question the field mouse asks Carlo the earthworm, turning his life upside down. Carlo stops his daily work and sets off on a journey to find meaning in his life. Along the way, he discovers that the task he once thought was simple is, in fact, essential for nature and for the living creatures around him. He returns to his mission with pride. 

The book highlights the idea that every individual has an important role—even if it seems small or unnoticed—and that the everyday actions we perform can carry great meaning when we understand their impact on others and the environment. Through this story, we can instill in children values such as responsibility, cooperation, belonging, and self-discovery, while opening a gentle conversation about their own big questions in a way that fits their world and way of thinking. 

Let’s talk about the role of the earthworm in nature 

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Let’s Talk 

About the role of the earthworm in nature 

Follow the illustrations with your child and discuss:

How did Carlo feel when he couldn’t answer the mouse’s question?

What happened to nature when Carlo stopped working?

What did Carlo discover about his role and purpose? 

About appreciating others’ work 

Ask your child: Do you think Carlo’s work is important? Why?

Imagine what would happen if people stopped doing their ordinary or daily tasks. 

About the value of their own actions 

Ask your child: What is something you do at home or in class that feels important—even if no one notices?

Is there something simple you do every day that actually helps others?

Such questions encourage children to reflect on their personal impact and help them build self-worth rooted in meaning, not just achievement. 

The story uses many question words. Identify them together and use them to practice forming questions.

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Let’s Enrich Our Language 

The story uses many question words. Identify them together and use them to practice forming questions. Encourage your child’s curiosity by creating questions that begin with why and how, and explore possible answers together. 

Learn about the importance of small creatures in nature—like earthworms

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Let’s Explore and Create 

Learn about the importance of small creatures in nature—like earthworms (or others). Watch pictures or short clips about their lives, and discover how they help maintain natural balance. 

Then, use clay, playdough, or cardboard to create your own “Carlo,” and place him in a small “garden” that you design. Make a picture or model representing the soil and plants around him.

As you build, talk with your child about how Carlo’s small actions make the earth fertile and full of life—and connect this idea to their own everyday actions that make a difference, such as watering plants, cleaning up, or helping friends.