Emily McDermott Reviews “Crabby Cakes” by Eileen Clancy-Pantano

Crabby Cakes written by Eileen Clancy-Pantano and illustrated by Marah Neil is an adorable children’s book about discovering what matters the most in life. The main plot of the story focuses on a little crab, Crabby, and his mother as she tries to teach him the importance of family. However, Crabby is reluctant to the idea of prioritizing his family because all he wants to do is play with his toys. After shunning his mother away and locking himself in his room, Crabby’s mother breaks down in fear that she will never have the family-oriented lifestyle she had envisioned. In an attempt to get through to Crabby, she forces him to spend time with her in the living room, where he ends up having an accident and bumping his head. Through being comforted and cared for by his mother, Crabby is finally able to understand that family is the one who is going to be there for him in time of need, not his toys.

Through the story’s colorful illustrations, simple sentences that follow a rhyme scheme, and impactful message, this book is perfect for any child in the early stages of reading or any parent looking for a book to read aloud at bedtime. With its vivid and bubbly cartoon drawings of the cute crabs, children are sure to be drawn to Crabby Cakes and eager to learn whether or not Crabby learns the importance of family. Once reaching the end, readers will be able to relate with Crabby and fully agree that family is more valuable than any physical object.

ABOUT EMILY MCDERMOTT

Emily is a recent graduate of  Bridgewater State University where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration in Literature. While at Bridgewater State, Emily worked in the Academic Achievement Center as a writing consultant where she helped enrolled students with any stage of the writing process. Being in this position helped Emily realize that working as an editor might be something she could see herself doing as a career. Currently, she is employed for a small business in her hometown of Bridgewater, MA while actively searching for jobs within the publishing field. She spends most of her free time reading books, playing with her dogs Neely and Kevin, going on coffee runs with her friends, and watching the Bruins with her dad.