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Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite
The Coconut Crab by Peter W. Fong follows the story of Ayu, a coconut crab who has spent her entire life with her grandfather on an island. While trying to pluck coconuts, the hungry crab receives help from Pie, a hornbill, who becomes the very first friend in her life. The next morning, Ayu wakes up to find herself on the sea in a coconut shell, far from home. Pie sets off to look for Ayu, while the latter continues to float away toward the unknown. Expecting to come across Pie, she makes new friends on her way, and each of the animals experiences thoughts and feelings they have never known before.
Peter W. Fong’s The Coconut Crab is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a deep, elegantly crafted work. I love the way Peter explores the themes of freedom and friendship. Starting from the moment Ayu ends up in the sea, he shows more than once how good friends can encourage one to hold on. I also like how he helps young readers form a connection with Ayu, the protagonist, by focusing on how “crabs are rather like people in many ways.” Peter paints a vivid picture of the inner world of the characters and thus establishes their perspectives effectively. One of the best aspects of the story is how it portrays the characters discovering their true potential by leaving their comfort zones, making it a useful read for children and adults alike. I would recommend it to readers aged ten and above.
