Don’t Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton

Published: 1st June 2019
Publisher: Walker Books
Illustrator: Chris Haughton
Pages: 43
Format: Picture Book
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

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?

Haughton has written a wonderful story about taking chances and trusting new experiences. Big Crab tells Little Crab they are going to the sea and it’s clear this will be Little Crab’s first time and they are keen to go on this adventure.

The story is a great exploration about being excited for a new adventure or experience but when faced with the reality being a little apprehensive. Putting their trust in Big Crab we see Little Crab gain confidence as they slowly embrace a new experience.

It’s also a great book for sounding out onomatopoeic words and puts you in the scene vividly, especially when the illustrations are minimal. The focus is on the squishing of seaweed and the tapping of claws which shows the journey they take with few words.

The illustrations are adorable, though basic. They are bold and simple and set the scene, changing a little to suit the story but remaining striking solid colours that fill the page. The contrast between on land and sea was great and it’s another way to highlight what Little Crab would have missed if they weren’t brave and trusting.

Drawn in by a cute cover and the prospect of a tiny version of an animal I was rewarded with an adorable story. It has a wonderful message that new experiences can be great but you’ll never know if you don’t take the plunge.

You can purchase Don’t Worry, Little Crab via the following

QBD | Blackwell’s

Dymocks | Wordery | Angus & Robertson

 Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust