Fish and Crab

by Marianna Coppo (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

A humorous and clever picture book about the importance of sharing big feelings with someone you trust.

Fish and Crab are best friends, always there for each other.

When it's time for bed, Crab is ready to go to sleep, but Fish is still wide awake, wondering: What is that noise--that ooh, ooh? What if aliens abduct us as we sleep? What if it rains frogs? What if . . . so many things?! From Marianna Coppo, the critically acclaimed author of Petra, Such a Good Boy, and A Brave Cat, comes an unforgettable picture book about the friendship between two very different aquarium inhabitants. At once relatable and reassuring, Fish and Crab shows the youngest of readers that it is okay to embrace the full spectrum of our feelings--not just at bedtime, but anytime. And that even the biggest worries and "what ifs" are easier to cope with--and move on from--when someone you love and trust is there to listen.

DIVE INTO AQUARIUM LIFE AND BIG FEELINGS: So many fascinating creatures live underwater, just like Fish and Crab. But these creatures may be more like kids than anyone imagined: Fish is worried about a few things, and it's only when he opens up to his best friend, Crab, that he feels so much better. This reassuring picture book affirms the power of friendship and communication, all while presenting a humorous view of aquarium life.

A REASSURING BEDTIME BOOK: Many kids grapple with fear and anxiety, especially when it comes to bedtime. This helpful picture book assures young readers that it's okay to share uncomfortable feelings and to reach out to a loved one for support.

HILARIOUS READ-ALOUD: Kids will delight in the fast-paced, humorous dialogue between Fish and Crab. Expect requests to read this book again and again (and again)!

MUST-HAVE GIFT: From the stand-out cover to the colorful illustrations to the relatable (and enduring) themes, this meaningful book for kids is an exceptional gift for any occasion.

Perfect for: Kids who are learning to process fear and big feelings humorous bedtime or storytime book parents, teachers, and educators looking for books about feelings and friendship, parents, grandparents, and caregivers of kids who love animals or have an aquarium pet gift for birthday, holiday, summer reading, or any occasion that calls for a beautifully illustrated picture book Fans of Elephant & Piggie, Mercy Watson, and Inside Out

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus Reviews

A light...visually appealing bedtime story.

Publishers Weekly

A worried fish enlists a roommate's help in this underwater exploration of bedtime anxiety from Coppo (A Brave Cat). "All is quiet" when night arrives at the aquarium, and its creatures are off to bed, including Fish and Crab. But while Crab immediately falls asleep after lights out, wakeful Fish reaches out with a tentative "Are you sleeping?" After revealing concerns about all manner of potential dangers lurking behind an unknown noise--an owl or mouse in the aquarium, perhaps--irritable, sleep-deprived Crab makes Fish a cup of herbal tea, then asks for the works. "I want you to tell me ALL your worries. ALL OF THEM, all at once." Including "WHAT IF WE ARE CHARACTERS IN A BOOK?" the what-ifs add up comically, shown in a limited color palette across several spreads. Throughout, images that juxtapose Fish's multihued worries against grayscale evening spreads underline the vivid feel of escalating nighttime fears, and the way they can reach even the most stalwart sleeper. Gently reassuring in tone, the friends' tale offers a gentle reminder about loving another through their distress. Ages 5-8. Agency: Debbie Bibo Agency. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Marianna Coppo
Marianna Coppo is the author-illustrator of Such a Good Boy, A Brave Cat, Fish and Crab, and Petra. She studied editorial illustration at Mimaster in Milan, Italy, and lives in Rome.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781797204437
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Chronicle Books
Publication date
March 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV002100 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Fishes
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
Library of Congress categories
Humorous stories
Fishes
Friendship
Bedtime
Picture books
Best friends
Humorous fiction
Worry
Crabs

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