Crabbing is a story about young boys learning from their grandfather about the coastal tradition of catching crabs during an eventful day on a saltwater creek. Tilda Balsley's realistic yet poetic depictions coupled with Monica Wyrick's beautiful watercolor illustrations provide a glimpse into the diversity of life along the backwaters of the lowcountry. Crabbing is an intriguing "how-to" for children and evokes nostalgic reminders for readersof any age who have enjoyed the challenge of catching blue crabs.
Following the story, additional material providesparents and teachers with educational information about blue crabs as well as other lowcountry wildlife including pelicans, cordgrass, dolphins, grasshoppers, and Spanish moss and about habitat protection. To round out the blue crab experience, a delicious crab cake recipe, simple enough for children to make, is included as well.
Tilda Balsley is a former teacher living with her husband in Reidsville, North Carolina. She earned a B.A. in English from Queens University in Charlotte and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Balsley is the author of fifteen children's books, including Let My People Go! and Soo's Boo-Boos.