Crab and Snail

Starred review from January 10, 2022
This inaugural title in a graphic novel series introduces two “best beach friends” who inhabit the surf zone—the definition of which is one of several bits of marine trivia worked into the story. When Crab and Salty Snail suddenly find themselves in a strange downpour (they’re the only ones getting wet), the Know-It-All gull reveals that the source is spray from an inexplicably invisible whale named Isabel, who wants to be their friend. (“I feel sparkly inside,” says Crab, when the group successfully connects via a Super Smile.) Chapman’s (Vegetables in Underwear) crisp, minimalist line art is well paced to amplify the comic timing of Ferry’s (Swashby and the Sea) dialogue, creating a character-based volume that reads like a cross between SpongeBob SquarePants and The Muppet Show: there’s a passel of adorably goofy marine characters, lots of snappy repartee, and even a wisecracking chorus in the form of two barnacle brothers. All the pieces are in place for a promising run. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–10. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House.

September 15, 2022
When best buddies Crab and Snail's search for cool things on the beach leaves them empty-handed, they find a way to make their own fun. The duo set out on their daily beach exploration but are disappointed when they don't find anything. All the cool stuff must have ended up in Starfish's awesome tidal pool, they realize, and though they wish they could hang out with her, they decide that they are definitely not cool enough, even after several failed attempts at coolness, including getting ice cream ("Ice cream will keep us cool and make us look really cool"), donning costumes, and wearing sunglasses. Frustrated yet determined, they keep searching until the perfect idea strikes and they discover that having fun, especially with friends (Starfish included!), is way better than being cool anyway. Simple, colorful illustrations and funny (and punny) jokes throughout add hilarity and buoyancy to this second installment in the series aimed at burgeoning readers. A sprinkle of oceanic trivia, plus some deeply introspective questions by Snail, and an appearance by Isabel, the invisible whale featured in the first volume, add layers and complexity to this wacky, bighearted story. Ferry has a knack for concealing thought-provoking concepts in deceptively simple stories, and this newest offering definitely continues that trend. A surefire hit for almost any emerging reader. (Graphic fiction. 5-8)

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