Ferry, Beth. Crab & Snail: The Tidal Pool of Cool. Jared Chapman, Illus. Crab & Snail Series; bk. 2. Harper Alley, 09/2022. 64pp. Graphic. GRADES 1 – 2. $12.99. 978-0-06-296216-4. ADDITIONAL.
Seashore pals Crab and Snail meet up with a gull, barnacles, and a starfish while exploring the beach, but they feel too uncool to talk to the starfish. They use costumes and sunglasses to try and look cool, but finally attract the starfish and other friends once they make a trampoline out of seaweed. Although the story doesn’t make total sense, the format will grab readers. The full-color cartoon artwork is set in panels with dialogue balloons that will attract a wide age range. The text also includes a few facts on seashore life and plenty of jokes, making this a solid entry in the series.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool