Cracker the Crab
and the Sideways Afternoon
by Michael and Jill Cogdill

Cracker the Crab and the Sideways Afternoon is written wonderfully by Micheal Cogdill and illustrated by Jill K. Cogdill.

As with most children's books, Cracker the Crab and the Sideways Afternoon has several lessons and morals including the importance of kindness, not straying from home, accepting others who are different, and not letting pride lead you away from safety.

Probably the detail that most sets this book apart would be the use of figurative language. Similes, metaphors, and short descriptions make several of the scenes, Cracker's emotions, and the story as a whole, more vivid, especially because children don't always understand the impact of certain actions and emotions.

For example: "And the laughter hurt like cold wind. And the mocking felt like rain" (Cogdill), better describes how Cracker is feeling, rather than just pointing out that he is sad. The way the sentences are placed about the pages indicate pauses and give the book a very rythmic feel, ideal before bedtime.

The simple illustrations are good, not particularly excellent, but work for the story. All in all, Cracker the Crab and the Sideways Afternoon is a beautifully written book and I definitely recommend it for children under nine or ten.

Review by Allie Mooney

CRACKER THE CRAB AND THE SIDEWAYS AFTERNOON:A tiny crab loses his way on the beach and gets help from a friend.

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