You’ve Got Crabs + Kids Books

This game might have an unpleasant-sounding name, but we have had so much family fun playing it. To play you need an even amount of people, 3 pairs are good; 5 are better. Each pairing is split up and there are two sides that take turns to swap cards, trying to get 4 the same. Once one person has 4 of the same cards, they need to get their partner to shout “You’ve Got Crabs” by using their predetermined secret signal. For a very entertaining video about how to play, watch this video.

Pairing a book with this game will depend on the recipient. This game can be played by kids as young as 5 right up to teens and adults. So I’ll offer a variety of suggestions starting with the younger kids.

Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together, by Andrea Tsurumi

This underwater tale starts by introducing us to some precious sea life. Everyone has something to do, Crab’s thing is to bake cakes. One day their blissful existence is obliterated by a storm-damaged ship and its waste cargo. None of the creatures know what to do to solve this problem. Crab continues to bake, which is a catalyst for a gathering, which sparks sharing, and leads to action.

The not-so-veiled environmental message of this book is one that everyone needs to be reminded of. Humans have very little visibility of what happens in the oceans of the world, and too many of us fail to see how our lives are impacting them. Perhaps there needs to be a meeting of the minds, like in this book, to get more people on board with cleaning up our act.

The Whale Who Wanted More, by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

This story is about Humphrey and his issues with collecting and hoarding. However, the quiet, but brave, the hero is a crab named Crystal. She is willing to speak up and share her thoughts even though she is tiny and perhaps very sqashable.

Of course, I’ve blogged about this book and the series it’s from before. The last time I paired it with a Lego set that let you build a squid, a shark, a whale, and a crab. But as my desire is to recommend truly great books, so this will reappear again and again.

Jelly and Narwhal series, by Ben Clanton

This fun series is set underwater and is perfect for a child who would love this game. The books are probably classified as graphic novels, though I would call them a bit of an introduction to the format. They are funny, have a variety of page layouts, and are easy enough for a newly independent reader to get through in one sitting (which is great for building confidence). Also, there aren’t too many characters to keep track of.

As with other fictional pairings, what makes Narwhal and Jelly interesting is that they have differences in their attitudes, outlooks, and solutions to problems. Narwhal is a bit more carefree and optimistic, whereas Jelly needs some convincing to take risks.

Gustav and Henri Vol. 1, by Andy Matthews and Peader Thomas

This new series is at a similar level to Jelly and Narwhal. While not strictly a graphic novel style, it is highly illustrated, fast-paced, and funny. As with other pairings, there is a ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants’ pig- Gustav – and a ‘straight man’ – Henri (though Henri is a girl and a dog). This first book is divided into three short stories, which is a smart way to introduce children to reading longer-form books as they get a little “atta-boy” each time they finish one short story.

I have paired this book with You’ve Got Crabs as the cognitive development required to strategise during the game matches well with the reading level of the book. Also, the first story in this book has a grumpy King Crab character, a character name that also appears in the game.

Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale and Crab and Snail: The Tidal Pool of Cool, by Beth Ferry and Jared Chapman

This new series, which will be released in early July 2022 looks just right for the age range and temperament of children who will love You’ve Got Crabs. They are graphic novels for beginners. I look forward to writing a full review when we get our hands on them.