Gordy is afraid of the crashing ocean waves and a strange creature he spies: a ghost crab skittering across the beach. It doesn’t help when his brother tells him it’s a ghost crab that will pinch off all his toes!
Gordy and the Ghost Crab is written and illustrated by Linda K. Sienkiewicz. Published by Writer’s Coffee Bar Press for children ages PreK – 8.
A delightful and educational tale about a young child’s first trip to the beach and his encounter with an Atlantic ghost crab and a girl intent on capturing it. What will Gordy do? Will he stay away or come to the rescue and save the little crab?
Highlighting empathy, problem solving and the value of caring for nature, the book includes fun facts about different types of common crabs and delivers a gentle conservation message.
ISBN: 978-1-941523-22-3 | pages: 30
Also available at Amazon | Bookshop.org.
In North Carolina, you can find Gordy and the Ghost Crab at Buxton Village Books, Books to be Red, as well as other Outer Banks museums and gift shops.
“This is an awesome story teaching about crabs and the health of our beaches. Gordy learns fast about the importance of preserving wildlife in its natural habitats. I highly recommend it for the young reader.” ~ Midwest Book Review
“Gordy and the Ghost Crab invites readers to share a beach day adventure like no other. While clever rhymes mimic the rhythm of the ocean waves throughout the tale, the appearance of a strange creature from the depths of the sand propels a young boy, Gordy, into the mysterious world of the ghost crab. Before he knows it, Gordy is transformed from being leery of their sharp pincers to acting as a protector of one new little burrowing friend. Blending sea life curiosity with an act of compassion, this story is sure to become a favorite for youth of all ages, from the read-to-me crowd on up. ~ Jean Alicia Elster, author of the Joe Joe in the City series, Who’s Jim Hines? and The Colored Car.
“Gordy and the Ghost Crab is a delightful tale written in rhyme and packed with information. ~ Mary Ann Wehler, Walking in Deep Snow: Poems.
“Such a sweet story about a boy overcoming his fears of a “crazy looking critter” who might eat his toes, and about how he helps his new-found friend. The verse is lively and funny and the illustrations are gorgeous. I especially love the educational information at the back of the book about ghost crabs and other crabs. Informative but also written in a fun way that kids will really enjoy. ~ Cathryn Mutschler, Sister Satellite
“Young kids love rhyming books they can almost sing, but what’s great about this little tome is it’s also a science book teeming with fun facts about crabs. The illustrations light up this summer tale with crunchy sand and rolling waves. Gordy, our hero fends off the terror his brother evinces when he taunts him, warning him the crab on the beach will harm him. Yet wisely, Gordy turns the tables and saves the crab from danger. A good day at the beach and many lessons learned.” Barbara Rebbeck, The Girl from the USO
Teachers:
If you are interested in a school visit for pre-K to third graders, please contact Linda via the email icon at the top of this page, or lindaksienk (at) live (dot) com. She is happy to work with large or small groups. She can gear her focus to different topics such as science (crabs, marine life, ecology, protecting wildlife), social studies (fears, bravery, empathy), and and/or writing (inspiration for stories, and rhyme). She also does interactive activities with small groups.
“I LOVED your talk. Thank you SO much for being so willing and so prepared. My students are taking on your writing task and have added lots of crazy 6th grader ideas.” ~Hillary Selbmann, 6th Grade Language Arts, Brownstown Middle School