A grumpy crab is unhappy with his crustacean appendages. He’d happily give up his “two powerful claws” for “fingers instead.” Although the narrator compliments his “eight beautiful legs,” Crabby Crab finds them “ridiculous.” And, try as he might to “walk straight ahead,” Crabby Crab “only walks sideways.” Though Crabby Crab can’t change his outside, the narrator affirms that Crabby Crab doesn’t need to change anything about himself. He is loved — grumpiness included — just as he is. A single colorful and surprisingly expressive crab accompanies the text on opposing pages. This toddler-sized book can be read as a fun, humorous story about a grumpy crab, or as a simple introduction to accepting oneself and one’s differences. (Ages 1–3)

Theme: Feeling Grumpy. Crabby Crab is not in a good mood. No, Crabby Crab would rather complain than do anything else! Young readers will be drawn in by this humorous look into an all-too-familiar situation, and be comforted in the end. Chris Raschka’s expert balance of visual and textual humor will charm even the grumpiest of readers!