The story and poem will be familiar to virtually all readers. This retelling has the undersea Sea Claws driving a sleigh pulled by 8 little minnows. Elizabeth Moisan's beautiful watercolor illustrations invite readers to pause on each page to take a closer look and find more details. The text by poet Christina Laurie follows the same scansion (more or less) as the original poem (anapestic tetrameter in case my 10th grade English teacher is reading) and really is quite charming and humorous.
There is a neat glossary and informational page at the end of the book with biological info about lobsters and some ecological facts for further reading and discussion.
This would be a superlative choice for a read-along or library circle/activity read (maybe with more info available on climate and conservation issues). It would also be a great choice for a read-to-me adult/child bedtime story. There is also wide scope for some silly voices and sound effects.
Five stars. Charming, original, well written and beautifully illustrated.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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