REVIEW: There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi and Laurel Molk
Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.
Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you’re worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.
Dear Ms. Crimi and Ms. Molk,
Last year one of our commenters Kris Brock, mentioned how adorable this book is and after finally checking it out of my library (yay, library!) I totally agree. Fearless Eleanor and her little dog Sukie + Sukie’s pet stuffed monkey all go the the beach one bright, sunny day. But poor Sukie is scared.
“But Sukie was just a small dog,
and the stairs were big and sandy,
and she hadn’t had lunch yet,
and her foot hurt a little,
and she might get a shell stuck up her nose,
and she might tumble down on her head,
and then she’d need stitches,
and, besides, there might be lobsters.
Sukie doesn’t want to play with a ball and doesn’t want to go in the water despite all Eleanor’s patient encouragement. But when disaster nearly strikes, will Sukie find the courage to be brave? Of course she will! And no beach balls, salty water or possible lobsters are going to stop her. The story is short with sweet illustrations that show children it’s possible to overcome your anxieties no matter what your size. B+
All of today’s children’s books sound charming.