From the award-winning creator of Shh! We Have a Plan comes a vibrantly colorful story about mustering the courage to try something new.Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny rock pool near the sea. Today they’re going for a dip in the big ocean. “This is going to be so great,” says Little Crab, splish-splashing and squelch-squelching along, all the way to the very edge. Then comes a first glance down at the waves.
WHOOSH! Maybe it’s better if they don’t go in? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton shows that sometimes a gentle “don’t worry, I’m here” can keep tentative little crabs sidestepping ahead — and help them discover the brilliant worlds that await when they take the plunge.
Chris Haughton is the creator of many acclaimed picture books, including
Little Owl Lost; Oh No, George!; Shh! We Have a Plan; and
Goodnight Everyone. He has taught many courses in design and illustration around the world, and in 2007 was named one of
Time magazine’s DESIGN 100 for his work for Fair Trade and People Tree. Originally from Dublin, Chris Haughton now lives in London.
With minimal detail, Haughton conveys the loving relationship between two small creatures, emphasizing gentle support to help little ones overcome their fear and discover their own resilience and potential. A charming and visually stunning adventure that will resonate for children and caregivers alike.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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 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.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Attractive illustrations were created digitally with simple shapes against clear backgrounds and have a pleasing color palette, which includes the teals and blues of the sea and burgundy, orange, green, and purple that showcases life on the ocean floor. Once he overcomes his fears, Little Crab feels just a bit invincible and has a clearer understanding that being brave means doing something even though it is scary.
—Booklist (starred review)
Crab and ocean sound effects (“TIC-A-TIC”; “SQUELCH”) work well for sharing aloud, and the smart pacing of the text makes Little Crab’s worries appear more amusing than alarming. This tribute to the anxieties and joys that accompany first experiences resounds with emotion, humor, and sincerity.
—The Horn Book
