The Crab Man [Paperback]

Patricia E. Van West (Author), Cedric Lucas (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Neville’s father works in Jamaica’s sugarcane fields, and while the family makes do, there’s no extra money for Neville’s fondest wish: to buy his mother a pretty new dress. When Neville learns that the crabs he catches for pay are being mistreated, he must decide either to look the other way or protect the wildlife he loves and forget about buying a present for his mother. The Crab Man raises important questions about doing what’s right in an uncertain world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Neville lives in Jamaica and his father works in the sugar cane fields. There is no money for luxuries. The crab man's offer to pay one American dollar each day Neville brings him six hermit crabs is an important opportunity for the boy because he wants to buy his mother a new dress "the color of the sea." When he learns that the man is abusing the creatures in a gambling activity he runs for tourists, Neville grabs the box of crabs and runs home to his mother. She reinforces his decision with a smile and tells him she prefers crabs over new dresses. The pastel, almost impressionistic drawings, bathed in a green glow like the tropical forests of Jamaica, help to evoke the strong emotional response readers will have to this engaging book. This story of a poor child who decides, without hesitation, to forfeit income rather than harm animals delivers a powerful message. Author notes provide extra information about Jamaica and hermit crabs.
Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-8. A young Jamaican has a choice to make when he discovers that the hermit crabs he's selling are being cruelly treated. Actually, for Neville it's hardly a choice; although he's been saving up to buy his mother a dress, when he sees that "his" crabs are being painted and dumped on hot pavement for "crab races" to amuse tourists, he snatches them up and gently returns them to the beach. Lucas, illustrator of William Miller's Frederick Douglass: The Last Days of Slavery (1995), focuses on people (and crabs) in spread-filling, impressionistic pastels; in his brightly colored shirt, Neville stands out from bystanders, and youngsters will have no trouble following changes in his expression, from smiling pleasure to dismay, disappointment at the thought of lost income, and, ultimately, wistful satisfaction as the rescued crabs scuttle away. A thought-provoking picture-book debut for Van West, sure to spark lively discussion when shared. John Peters --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Turtle Books (February 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890515256
• ISBN-13: 978-1890515256
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,442,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story, March 7, 2007

By 

Dawn M. (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crab Man (Paperback)

If you've every seen the brightly-painted crabs for sale in the pet stores, this heartfelt story will give you a whole new perspective. Neville faces a difficult decision when he learns what becomes of the hermit crabs he has been collecting for the Crab Man. The boy forgoes his goal of buying his mother a new dress with his earnings, and instead decides to rescue his crab friends from inhumane treatment. The story is beautifully told by Van West, who depicts Neville and his island home with rich detail.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of All Worlds, August 19, 2001

By 

Scotti Cohn (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crab Man (Paperback)

The Crab Man provides a fascinating glimpse at Jamaican life through a child's eyes. Beyond that, it tells a compelling story that children all over the world can understand. As little Neville struggles with a tough decision, readers (and listeners!) have a chance to examine their own values and feelings about the earth's creatures. The writing is graceful and clear; the illustrations bring the story's rich setting to life. It's a perfect book to read aloud, but older children will also enjoy making their way through the pages alone.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST read for children of all ages!!, November 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Crab Man (Hardcover)

I was planning a trip to Jamaica this fall and needed some books to take along. I was looking for something my 3 year old would enjoy, as well as learn something about the island. What we found was The Crab Man--an exceptional story about a young boy's realization that money isn't everything, even when being spent on good intentions. This story has humor, a realistic storyline and a will appeal to animal lovers worldwide. My son not only enjoyed the book, but when we arrived in Jamaica he wanted to find the crab man and set free those "poor little crabs!"