Upcoming Release: Tiny Crab is a Tidy Crab by Paula Bowles

Link to publisher

Published by: Simon and Schuster, 7th July 2022

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With an endearing main character and an important message, this new release from Paula Bowles is a beachy delight. Echoing the long summer days that hopefully we're all enjoying, this picture book is all about having fun, being considerate and looking after the planet too. 

Crab loves his beachy home. But when he invites some friends to come and enjoy it too, he's shocked when they make a real mess. Soon Crab is doing all the tidying up while the others have fun. Maybe it's time to make his voice heard...

Living close to the beach ourselves and trying to do our bit to keep it clean, this is the perfect picture book for my three, gently reinforcing the need to take responsibility for our actions. But whether you live near the beach, are visiting the beach or have never even been to the beach, the message is still applicable to everyone; be considerate to others and protect our special places. Although this might seem slightly didactic (but hugely important), the takeaway is wrapped up snugly (just like a snail in a shell) within an entertaining story and told through the eyes of an adorable but tiny character who really cares. Surely, his friends will have way more fun on a clean and tidy beach?

Crab is a brilliant choice of main character - representing that small lone voice we often feel we have. But although easy to ignore, this little guy is not giving up and proves a tiny voice can make a difference when it finds its boldness. The illustrations are a joy and will put you right in the holiday mood but, best of all, adults can also use the book to gently introduce the idea of a 'tidy house' too. Okay, I may be joking about that (mostly) but tidy definitely doesn't mean 'no fun!'

A big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me a review copy. Tiny Crab is a Tidy Crab is available to pre-order and out on the 7th July.