Last week some space was devoted to the crawling, scratching crab, so that perhaps enlarging on the topic “Crab in Idioms” may not be quite out of place. The plural in the previous sentence is an overstatement, for I have only one idiom in view. The rest is not worthy of mention: no certain meaning and no explanation. But my database is omnivorous and absorbs a lot of rubbish. Bibliographers cannot be choosers.
The post Sticking my oar in, or catching and letting go of the crab appeared first on OUPblog.
The Hermit Crab by Carter Goodrich
The hermit crab was very shy and enjoyed being just out of sight rather than part of a group. So he was an unlikely hero! One morning a wooden trap descends from above and the fish, crabs and lobster debate about what it is. The hermit crab was off by himself when it arrived and was unaware of the stir. As he looked for food, the hermit crab found the most amazing shell! It had pieces that moved and a torso and a head and a lightning bolt too. Back with the others, the flounder was caught under the trap, but no one would help him because they could get caught too. The hermit crab with his new “shell” in place arrived and remembered he was hungry. He shoved the trap, trying to reach the good smells. All the others could see though was the head and shoulders of the shell he was wearing. They cheered. Suddenly the trap ascended to the top again. Everyone came to congratulate their new hero. What is a shy crab to do when the spotlight is focused on him?
So often we read books about characters who like to be the center of attention or are bossy, pushy, or vain. This book offers the other side of the shell, giving readers a lead character who is shy, reserved and quiet. Even better, the hermit crab doesn’t dream of being the center of attention. He isn’t constrained by his shyness. He is just himself.
Goodrich has written a great character in the hermit crab and surrounded him with a cast of loud, friendly characters to play off of. The writing here is lovely to read aloud with great phrasing and pacing. Goodrich’s illustrations are even more successful as they reveal the open vastness of the sea, the varied colors of underwater, and interesting perspectives on scenes. I particularly enjoy the deep colored emptiness surrounding hermit crab as he looks for food. Not dangerous, not lonely, just alone. Lovely.
Appropriate for ages 4-6, this book is a great addition to any story time about the sea. It could also be nice as a compare/contrast with a louder character-based book. Children should be able to see themselves in both types of character.
