Don't worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton

Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406385519. 48pp., hbk.
In the rockpool above the sea, live two crabs: Big Crab and Little Crab. Today, they're going for a dip in the sea. "This is going to be so great!" says Little Crab as they go tic-a-tac, tic-a-tac over the rocks, splish splash, splish splash across the pools and squelch, squelch, squelch through the slimy, slippery seaweed. "I can go ANYWHERE", says Little Crab.
But when he reaches the sea and sees the size of the ocean waves, he is somewhat daunted and very reluctant to take that final leap. Will he find the courage?
The illustration style is very distinctive and it tells as much of the story as the text does. bout a little one finding the courage to face their uncertainty. This is a common theme in children's picture books, this time inspired by the creator's observations of crabs and their human-like way of moving. and the way they braced for the impact of a wave but then went about their business once it frothed away. In fact, the story of its evolution gives a real insight into where authors get their ideas and how they are shaped, so it is worth sharing that too. It wasn't so much the message that came first, but thinking about what was in front of him and working from that! Perhaps a lesson for budding writers about being observant and curious and working backwards!
Barbara Braxton