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CRABBY CRAB by Chris Raschka Kirkus Star

CRABBY CRAB

From the Thingy Things series

by Chris Raschka ; illustrated by Chris Raschka

Pub Date: April 8th, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1056-8
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed

The Thingy Things are back, and they’re thingy-er than ever, with two new entries and the republication of two earlier titles.

Poor Crabby Crab is down in the dumps. The text tells readers that he doesn’t like the way he walks (sideways), that he wants fingers instead of claws, and that he thinks his “eight beautiful legs” are “ridiculous.” Bold outlines embellished with loose, splotchy brush strokes of acrylic color on colored-paper backgrounds depict Crabby Crab in simple poses that emphasize these various points of his character. The resulting series of uncluttered, expressive portraits supports the simple text, which culminates in an emphatic declaration of unconditional love to the contrary crustacean from the narrator and implied readership: “Crabby Crab, we love you just the way you are. // Even when you’re crabby! / Crabby Crab!” The new companion title, Cowy Cow, indulges in further goofy simplicity to reveal some of the bovine heroine’s “one hundred ideas” and ultimately declare her “a genius. / Cowy Cow!” While the books could serve as short-but-sweet read-aloud fare, they can easily double as accessible, silly texts for new readers to tackle on their own, as well. Seeing the light of day again are Lamby Lamb and Whaley Whale.

Thank you, Chris Raschka, for reviving this sublimely ridiculous series. Chrissy Chris! (Picture book. 2-7)