Claude has the most beautiful shell of all the crabs on the beach. It makes him feel special and he’s determined never, ever to part with it. Of course, hermit crabs change their shells as they grow-in fact they often swap with each other.
But when it’s time to swap, Claude says ‘NO!’. His decision spins the hermit crab community into chaos and it means that little Alphonso’s shell is much too big. At the seaside this is dangerous.
Can Claude give up his selfish ways in time to save his friend?
If you are heading to the seaside with young children this summer, The Selfish Crab is a brilliant book to pack.
The story follows Claude, a boastful hermit crab who refuses to join in when it is time to exchange shells, causing a muddle for the beach community when the other crabs try to swap shells, which – we learn – they do by lining up in size order. Claude’s choice to keep his beautiful shell for himself provides an opportunity to talk about the community impact of selfish decisions, which is handled with gentle comedy and a pleasing resolution.
The illustrative style reflects a hybrid of nature scenes and comedy perfectly; shorelines, sunsets and beach scenes are painted in shell-like hues, with the crab bodies and expressive eyes popping comically out of the artwork. Using speech bubbles to add wit, the book creates a gentle bridge towards an early graphic novel feel while still maintaining a classic picture book format.
Entertaining and informative, The Selfish Crab is an ideal summer read to inspire shell hunts, rock pool observations, and a genuine appreciation for the busy shoreline ecosystem, while also covering themes of friendship and community, making it a story to return to again and again.
The back of the book is packed with extra information too, including sections about real-life hermit crabs, conservation and the Seashore Code. Some of these facts are genuinely surprising – who knew that hermit crabs are actually more closely related to lobsters than crabs, or that they really do arrange themselves in a line to swap shells in size order? Complete with beautiful shell-themed endpapers that might inspire shell collecting, The Selfish Crab is a wonderful story that offers a glimpse into the natural world.
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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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