PreS-Gr 1--Another terrific title from the author of Shh! and Goodnight Everyone. Little Crab and Big Crab leave the golden sands of their shallow tidal pool, scuttling across dark cliffs set against a vivid teal sky to the big blue ocean. At first, the prospect of a grand adventure excites Little Crab as the duo "tic-a-tic," "splish splash," and "squelch squelch" their way to the very edge of the surf, but soon Little Crab discovers that the waves are immense and intimidating. Through repeated reassurances of Big Crab, the wee crustacean slowly conquers anxiety and dips a claw into the ocean, only to be swept into the depths by a big wave. Arriving on the stunningly colorful ocean floor, the two play and explore until it's time to return to their tidal pool. Children and their caregivers will relate to Little Crab's inevitable declaration: "I really don't want to go home!" 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. VERDICT A great title for marine-themed storytime or one-on-one reading, as well as a perfectly subtle lesson about overcoming one's fears and enjoying new experiences.--Yelena Voysey, formerly at Pickering Educational Library, Boston University

Though the journey is scary, Little Crab is encouraged by Very Big Crab to venture from their tiny tide pool into the ocean, where a world of wonder and new friends await. Haughton uses his signature retro graphic-arts style once again in this sweet story of perseverance and discovery as Little Crab encounters the ocean for the first time. Initially confident and excited ("I can go ANYWHERE!"), the genderless crustacean finds that a few large waves breaking over the two crabs elicit second thoughts: "I think we've had enough of the ocean now." But Very Big Crab, gentle and encouraging, isn't fazed: "Don't worry, Little Crab.I'm here. Come! Just a few more steps." And with one last plunge, they reach the ocean floor, where the color palette opens up in a rainbow of fish, coral, and other welcoming sea creatures. Of course, after a wonderful day, it is hard for Little Crab to go home to their tide pool. However, Very Big Crab suggests heading home the long way, and Little Crab is now definitely up for the adventure. 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. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Artwork by Haughton (Goodnight Everyone) often features intensely saturated colors and sly humor; this story has its share of both, stripping art and narrative down to vital essentials. Little Crab and Very Big Crab leave their "tiny tide pool" and climb over a massive rock ("TIC-A-TIC TIC-A-TIC") on their way to the open sea: "I can go ANYWHERE," Little Crab says. When they arrive, great waves pound the rock, and Little Crab shrinks back: "I think we've had enough of the ocean now." 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's eyes grow huge with fear, but when an enormous wave comes, the two duck underneath it and, in a series of vibrantly colored spreads, 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. Ages 2--5. (Apr.)

Little Crab lives in a tide pool with Very Big Crab and is comfortable with their cozy surroundings. The tiny crustacean is excited because this is the day they're going to the ocean. "I can go ANYWHERE!" is his initial feeling upon setting out on their excursion. However, once the two arrive at a spot overlooking the vast sea and its big waves, Little Crab begins to have doubts--maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. "I think we've had enough of the ocean now," he declares. Very Big Crab understands his companion's fear and hesitation and gently convinces the little one that everything will be OK. The adventure they have on the ocean floor convinces the small crab that the end result was worth his feelings of trepidation. 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.

Little Crab and Very Big Crab leave their cozy tide pool home for an ocean adventure, but as they get closer, Little Crabs enthusiasm devolves into trepidation. Here we are, says Very Big Crab...THE OCEAN! Oh, says Little Crab. Very Big Crab tries coaxing Little Crab forward, while Little Crab backpedals. The brightly colored crustaceans contrast sharply with the saturated teal backgrounds, and the proportions and shapes of the stylized digital images show the immensity and power of the ocean. Larger and larger waves crash against the rocks, and the two crabs wince with the impact. Then a truly huge wave drags them down to the sea floorwhere a party of sea creatures rushes to meet them, and Little Crab finally begins to revel in the delights of the ocean. Crab and ocean sound effects (TIC-A-TIC; SQUELCH) work well for sharing aloud, and the smart pacing of the text makes Little Crabs worries appear more amusing than alarming. This tribute to the anxieties and joys that accompany first experiences resounds with emotion, humor, and sincerity. Julie Roach March/April 2020 p.58(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.