Crickwing: The Power of Unique Talents
Crickwing is not just a story about a cockroach with a deformity who lives in fear of bullies. He is author Janell Cannon's vehicle to illustrate a valuable social lesson for youngsters. In this, her third such book, Cannon tells of the sensitive cockroach who has an endearing talent of making sculptures of food before eating it. Crickwing ultimately finds that his unique skills are his most valuable assets in dealing with bullies--something children can both understand and develop.
This social lesson is camouflaged with colorful pages and appealing graphics. At the back of the book are facts about cockroaches, ants and their environments, adding real science to the reading experience.
A final notation is due in regards to this book. Because the entire presentation deals with insect life, the story is easily adaptable to any culture. Few children's books can claim such universal comprehension--a fact which merely caps Cannon's accomplishment in writing this outstanding story.