TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy) opens its 15th season this week with the musical "Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly." Based on the clever, colorful New York Times best-selling book series by Doreen Cronin and The New Yorker cover illustrator Harry Bliss, the family-friendly performance is recommended for kids age 3 and up. Following a cast of diverse bugs as they head back to school, the production aims to help younger audience members navigate the emotions they might experience when faced with differences that make them stand out from the crowd.

"Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly" will take place on Saturdays, November 10 and 17, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, November 11, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, November 18, at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Hart Theater at the Jewish Community Center, 1200 Edgewood Avenue. $16-18. 461-2000; tykestheatre.org.