Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.
Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you're worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.
In Crimi’s reassuring story, a little black-and-white dog, Sukie, has an ocean-size fear of the beach: the big sandy stairs, the big salty waves and — especially — lobsters…Molk’s loose-limbed art in salt-water-taffy hues sets a sunny-day mood perfect for conquering bugaboos. —The New York Times Book Review
There's ample humor in the watercolor, acrylic, and ink illustrations and heaping doses of compassion, too. Sly inclusions of lobsters in the details, in particular, will provoke readers' laughter as they cheer on Sukie and applaud Eleanor's pluck and patience. Just "beachy." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This charming story shows how fear can hold us back, and how love can save the day...The illustrations, done in watercolor, acrylic, and pen-and-ink, beautifully capture the feel of the seaside. Crimi’s latest is a warm-hearted lesson in how to overcome paralyzing fears by putting others first. —Booklist
This might promote some empathy in bold kids who scoff at the timid as well as some reassurance for the uncertain beachgoer, and it could lead to a rousing discussion of overcoming fears. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
In Molk’s watercolor and ink illustrations, great swaths of sand and sky set off the humor of Sukie’s beleaguered expression and tongue-in-cheek details such as the image of a lobster on a beach bag. Charming illustrations combine seamlessly with the text to create a seasonal treat as refreshing as ice cream with sprinkles on a day at the beach. Perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing. —School Library Journal
When Chunka Munka is washed out by the tide, however, Sukie puts aside her fears—including the possibility of encountering lobsters in the ocean—to rescue him. —Literacy Daily
A perfectly rendered story about facing one's fears and the good feelings that ensue in overcoming them, There Might Be Lobsters is a lighthearted look at an important topic. —Repository (from Kendal Rautzhan's "Books to Borrow")
Carolyn Crimi has written several books for children, including Where’s My Mummy?, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, and Henry and the Crazed Chicken Pirates. She lives in Illinois with her husband and her very silly-looking, not terribly brave pug, Emerson.
Laurel Molk has written and illustrated several books for children, including Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, and FLO! and When You Were Just a Heartbeat. She lives near Boston.
Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.
Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you're worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.
Praise
In Crimi’s reassuring story, a little black-and-white dog, Sukie, has an ocean-size fear of the beach: the big sandy stairs, the big salty waves and — especially — lobsters…Molk’s loose-limbed art in salt-water-taffy hues sets a sunny-day mood perfect for conquering bugaboos. —The New York Times Book Review
There's ample humor in the watercolor, acrylic, and ink illustrations and heaping doses of compassion, too. Sly inclusions of lobsters in the details, in particular, will provoke readers' laughter as they cheer on Sukie and applaud Eleanor's pluck and patience. Just "beachy." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This charming story shows how fear can hold us back, and how love can save the day...The illustrations, done in watercolor, acrylic, and pen-and-ink, beautifully capture the feel of the seaside. Crimi’s latest is a warm-hearted lesson in how to overcome paralyzing fears by putting others first. —Booklist
This might promote some empathy in bold kids who scoff at the timid as well as some reassurance for the uncertain beachgoer, and it could lead to a rousing discussion of overcoming fears. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
In Molk’s watercolor and ink illustrations, great swaths of sand and sky set off the humor of Sukie’s beleaguered expression and tongue-in-cheek details such as the image of a lobster on a beach bag. Charming illustrations combine seamlessly with the text to create a seasonal treat as refreshing as ice cream with sprinkles on a day at the beach. Perfect for one-on-one and small group sharing. —School Library Journal
When Chunka Munka is washed out by the tide, however, Sukie puts aside her fears—including the possibility of encountering lobsters in the ocean—to rescue him. —Literacy Daily
A perfectly rendered story about facing one's fears and the good feelings that ensue in overcoming them, There Might Be Lobsters is a lighthearted look at an important topic. —Repository (from Kendal Rautzhan's "Books to Borrow")
Author
Carolyn Crimi has written several books for children, including Where’s My Mummy?, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies, and Henry and the Crazed Chicken Pirates. She lives in Illinois with her husband and her very silly-looking, not terribly brave pug, Emerson.
Laurel Molk has written and illustrated several books for children, including Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, and FLO! and When You Were Just a Heartbeat. She lives near Boston.
