Don't Worry, Little Crab

Artwork by Haughton (Goodnight Everyone) often features intensely saturated colors and sly humor; this story has its share of both, stripping art and narrative down to vital essentials. Little Crab and Very Big Crab leave their "tiny tide pool" and climb over a massive rock ("TIC-A-TIC TIC-A-TIC") on their way to the open sea: "I can go ANYWHERE," Little Crab says. When they arrive, great waves pound the rock, and Little Crab shrinks back: "I think we've had enough of the ocean now." Haughton's white spray and oncoming waves are startlingly real, and the tense sequence makes it easy to feel for Little Crab. But Very Big Crab is full of encouragement: "Let's just go a little bit farther... I think you'll like it." Little Crab's eyes grow huge with fear, but when an enormous wave comes, the two duck underneath it and, in a series of vibrantly colored spreads, Little Crab discovers the prism of riches that lie waiting beyond the terror of the unknown. Haughton uses his substantial gifts to confront the challenge of a new experience--and its rewards. Ages 2-5. (Apr.)

PreS-Gr 1--Another terrific title from the author of Shh! and Goodnight Everyone. Little Crab and Big Crab leave the golden sands of their shallow tidal pool, scuttling across dark cliffs set against a vivid teal sky to the big blue ocean. At first, the prospect of a grand adventure excites Little Crab as the duo "tic-a-tic," "splish splash," and "squelch squelch" their way to the very edge of the surf, but soon Little Crab discovers that the waves are immense and intimidating. Through repeated reassurances of Big Crab, the wee crustacean slowly conquers anxiety and dips a claw into the ocean, only to be swept into the depths by a big wave. Arriving on the stunningly colorful ocean floor, the two play and explore until it's time to return to their tidal pool. Children and their caregivers will relate to Little Crab's inevitable declaration: "I really don't want to go home!" Illustrated in Haughton's signature minimalist style with a matching blocky font, the layouts, color transitions, and body language of the crabs combine to create an enormously expressive story with lovable protagonists. Haughton's simple language perfectly captures the tone of an excited and nervous youngster and a very patient adult, while several repetitions make for predictability young audiences will enjoy. VERDICT A great title for marine-themed storytime or one-on-one reading, as well as a perfectly subtle lesson about overcoming one's fears and enjoying new experiences.--Yelena Voysey, formerly at Pickering Educational Library, Boston University