Fish and Crab

A worried fish enlists a roommate’s help in this underwater exploration of bedtime anxiety from Coppo (A Brave Cat). “All is quiet” when night arrives at the aquarium, and its creatures are off to bed, including Fish and Crab. But while Crab immediately falls asleep after lights out, wakeful Fish reaches out with a tentative “Are you sleeping?” After revealing concerns about all manner of potential dangers lurking behind an unknown noise—an owl or mouse in the aquarium, perhaps—irritable, sleep-deprived Crab makes Fish a cup of herbal tea, then asks for the works. “I want you to tell me ALL your worries. ALL OF THEM, all at once.” Including “WHAT IF WE ARE CHARACTERS IN A BOOK?” the what-ifs add up comically, shown in a limited color palette across several spreads. Throughout, images that juxtapose Fish’s multihued worries against grayscale evening spreads underline the vivid feel of escalating nighttime fears, and the way they can reach even the most stalwart sleeper. Gently reassuring in tone, the friends’ tale offers a gentle reminder about loving another through their distress. Ages 5–8. Agency: Debbie Bibo Agency. (Mar.)