Crickwing

by Janell Cannon

Artistic flair and the spirit of cooperation save the day!
Crickwing never set out to be a bully. All he wants is to create his art in peace. But it's not easy being different--a cockroach with a cricked wing and a flair for sculpture is a ready target for the bigger creatures in the forest. Crickwing just wants to even the score, and leafcutter ants are so easy to pick on. ...
Big mistake. INobody/I angers the leafcutter queen and gets away with it.
In this epic adventure beneath the foliage, Crickwing and the leafcutter ants go head-to-head. Then a swarm of ferocious army ants threatens, and suddenly everyone is in danger. Crickwing has to do something, but what? He's an artist, not a fighter. What the leafcutters need is a hero. Or, maybe, a cockroach with a really clever idea...
About the Author: Janell Cannon's picture books have won many awards and are beloved around the world. Before she became a full-time creator of books for children, she designed and produced summer reading programs at her local public library. Born and raised in Minnesota, Ms. Cannon now lives in Southern California.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Nature, School, Friendship

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's a very long picture book to read-aloud (may have to do it in two sittings), a great children's story for:
-learning to respect and tolerate each other's differences
-learning about different types of ants and cockroaches!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not many books star cockroaches! Yet this lushly-illustrated book just may have you feeling sympathy for one.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comparatively slight, this story of a cockroach with a broken wing and a flair for food preparation is heartwarming and sweet. Cannon explores the nature of bullying in a particularly subtle way, and ties it all up with a multi-species bow at the end. Doesn't stand up to her earlier work, in my opinion, though the illustrations are delightful.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures outshine the story on this one. They are fabulous. This is not to say the story isn't worth reading. There are a few good zingers in the text. A good read if your kids are learning about insects, in general, or roaches or types of ants, in particular.

[Lanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not nearly as good as the author's other book, the one About the snake. Still. A fun little story with good artwork & a decent educational section attached back of the book that talks about ants & cockroaches. Recommended to parents of small kids. Particularly kids who like bugs.

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s a Cockroach. One day, while escaping from a hungry frog, his wing was pushed askew, so his name is now Crickwing. And this picture book tells us the story of this insect and how he matures with a better understanding of his fellow creatures.

Crickwing is not your average Cockroach. He doesn’t really play their little reindeer games and instead prefers to carve vegetables into artwork. But it’s difficult to have that type of career when the other animals of the jungle want to not only consume your artwork but also to eat you! Because of how he’s treated by his own species, he decides to bully the local Leaf-Cutting Ants, who are smaller and less able to defend themselves. But when the ant colony capture him and send him to the Army Ants as a sacrifice, Crickwing learns a valuable lesson and becomes an ally instead.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks to the wonderful illustrations and the lessons involved. A child may think twice about bullying others when they realize there is always someone bigger who can then bully them. But what I really loved were the last pages which are devoted to factual Cockroach Notes and Ant Notes. Leaf-Cutting Ants, for example, don’t actually eat the leaves they cut. Instead, the bigger ants return the leaves to the colony, where medium sized ants cut them up further. Then, the smallest ants slice and dice even further and then use the tidbits to feed a fungus that only grows in the colony’s caves. I did not know that!

Janell Cannon devotes the book to an entomologist and another insect lover, which isn’t something you would normally see. Thumbs-up for a picture book with great illustrations and new facts to learn.

Book Season = Spring (confetti petals)

[Makenna Teague]

This is the story of an unfortunate cockroach named Crickwing, called this because of a twisted wing earned when fleeing a predator. Crickwing finds he has a talent for food presentation

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book, one my son has chosen for story time several times since we checked it out from the library. The is about a deformed cockroach (don't hold that against poor Crickwing!) who is picked on by his fellows. While trying to avoid them, he forages in the dead of night, falling prey (well, almost and repeatedly) to bigger creatures of the night. He has an artistic side and likes to make art out if his food and then it gets swiped. One day he sees the leaf-cutter ants and sees an opportunity to make himself feel more important by terrorizing them. They retaliate and he is sent to the army ants as a peace offering. They will surely rip him to shreds and his captors/escorts have pity on him and release him, but now what'll they do to appease the army ants?!? Crickwing is amazed and grateful and has an idea. As a result, the leaf-cutter ants are saved and Crickwing finally discovers where he belongs.

This story is basically about the broader effects of bullying and war/feuds and how it really only takes one party to forgive to break the cycle.

The color illustrations are beautiful, if slightly busy. There are also black and white drawings on the text pages which give a bit more detail to the story which are clearer. It's a shame that you don't see a healthy cockroach before seeing Crickwing. I'm afraid the bent wing is a little lost on a child who's never seen a cockroach.

[✨Arline✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just needed him to apologize before hatching a plan.

[Chocoholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Janell Cannon's stories, and especially her beautiful art. This is a cute cockroach story. Good think I thought it was about a cricket or I never would have picked it up! It's not too gross though. Also not my favorite of hers as far as life lessons go, but still enjoyable.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew a picture book about a cockroach could be so enjoyable? In addition to it being a nicely constructed little story, it uses some strong "vivid verbs" and adjectives. It's a good read aloud mentor text for young writers.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good art; good story.

[Chelsea Keidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickwing by Jannel Cannon, a 4th grade reading level book, would be a great read in any classroom above kindergarten level. This book is about a cockroach that was bullied because of a twisted wing that he had. After being bullied for so long, he began to bully other people because he somehow felt better knowing that he was not the one being given a hard time. After being shown a life saving kindness despite his bullying behavior, he decided that he would never bully again, but would help them in a way that saved their lives as well. This book would be a great book to read at the beginning of the year to set the tone of having an anti-bullying classroom that works together to help one another and build each other up rather than tear each other down. This book could also be used as a fun piece of literature during a unit on bugs or ants because it discusses different types of ants such as the leaf-cutting ants and the queen and the hierarchy of how ants work with gathering food. This book also has great signposts such as contrasts and contradictions, and aha moments to generate discussions with the class about why the cockroach would be acting the way that he does or what changed his behavior. How could his bullying behavior been prevented and do you think kindness would have made a difference? I think this would be a great book to read with any class and help build attribute of kindness and to develop a sense of compassion like the ants did even when they were being bullied, they wanted to do the right thing and be kind.

[Tatiana Ensz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Levels
Lexile: AD590L
DRA: 38

Explanation of rating: I gave this a four-star rating because of the words the author used in this book. I think my students could get a lot out of this book simply by using a dictionary to learn the meaning of all the words in this book. I liked how this book encouraged kindness to all even when people aren't the nicest to you. This book is a good book for my classroom library about overcoming adversity.

How we might use this in our classroom/application of six traits: The trait that stood out to me the most in this book was word choice. The author used words like exoskeleton, punier, eensy and dastardly, which are words that I had to look up the meaning of. This would be an excellent book to show my class that I still learn new words when I read and they should want to learn new words too. I would use this book as an elbow partner assignment where they turn in the words/definitions of the words they hadn't heard before.

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crickwing is a cockroach with a wing out of joint. It hurts. He is a creator of fancy sculptures with his food before eating it, except others steal it as he finishes the sculptures. He is cranky and plays a trick on some leaf cutting ants. They are not impressed and mount a response.
This book is fun to read. It is for beginning readers or as a read aloud. It can lead to a discussion of a practice in cooking of creating fancy dishes such as carving melons or butter sculptures.
The illustrations are wonderful. There are the full page colored ones and amusing pencil drawings on the text pages.
There is information about the three main groups of characters: cockroaches, leaf-cutting ants and army ants. It might make you think cockroaches aren't so bad, as long as they aren't in the kitchen.

[Aura Keaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Crickwing" by Janell Cannon tells the tale of an injured cockroach whose wing sticks straight up from his body causing him to be bullied by all the other cockroaches. We feel for this (typically despised) creature as he waits until very late in the night to sneak out alone to hunt for food so as not to be targeted by those who pick on him. In his lonely endeavors, he comes across a group of leaf-cutter ants and decides to pick on them because they are smaller than himself. This causes a tumultuous situation for the ants as they are questioned about low production for their colony.

I enjoyed this story as it relates to understanding of how bullying trickles down and affects innocents. Luckily, all it takes is one brave soul to do the right thing to make everything all right again. "Crickwing" may not be a fluffy, snuggly creature, but he has an important story to tell.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping from the hunger of a toad, Crickwing the cockroach sets himself apart from his fellow insects, who tease him about his handicap. His nightly searches for food leave him hungry, as he allows too much time creating sculptures of the bits he finds, which are swiped away from larger creatures who happen upon his intense concentration. Frustrated, hungry and in pain, he takes his situation out on a colony of leaf-cutting ants with bullying antics. But the table turns and they, en masse, tether him up as a sacrifice to the army ants. A change of heart for all leaves us with a cheery lesson on acceptance. Beautiful and fun illustrations make this a delight.

(I believe even Kafka would be pleased!)

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost as a rule, Janell cannon stories have gorgeous animal illustrations, some interesting animal facts, and good life lessons. This one isn't quite as strong as some of her other works, but it's still a good one (and I'll admit I'm a little biased - Stellaluna is an absolute favorite, so it's hard to top). The lesson this time is on bullying and doing unto others, and stars a cockroach (no, Crickwing isn't a cricket) and ants. Yes, she does make the little cockroach actually pretty cute. It's is a little on the longer side, but it might still be a good one to include in storytimes on bullies and being nice, or on insects.

[Lauren Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for a read aloud because it contains both fiction and nonfiction. The story is fiction, but the pages are also filled with nonfiction information about crickets. This book is by the same author as Stellaluna. This would be appropriate for grades K-2 classroom read aloud. I would use this book in a discussion about kindness and being respectful of others at school. The storyline is about bullying, so it is a great way to bring up this topic with students and remind them to be kind. It also could be used in a discussion about diversity, to show students that everyone is different and we shouldn't judge people. Teaches the golden rule "treat others, as you would like to be treated".
Genre: Fiction (Fantasty & Informational)

[Jessica Cram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great lesson about kindness and friendship. Crickwing always felt like he was being picked on by bigger forest creatures; then, one day he found a line of leafcutter ants going about their daily business. He realized that he was bigger than them and began to bully them. As soon as the queen ant found out about this bully, she sentenced him to be a sacrifice. The workers ant just could not bring themselves to do that and they let Crickwing go. He was so moved by their kindness, even after he had treated them so terribly, that he wanted to do something for them. Such a great story to remind us about good deeds and standing up to those who need a reminder to be kind.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a cockroach who had broke his wing so it had become crooked. Everyone called him crickwing due to his crooked wing. He was bullied and everyone would steal his food. Crickwing realized that the ants were smaller than he was so he targeted them and was then a bully to them. He then realizes that it only hurt the ants to be their bully. This would be a good book to show students how to treat one another even when people are different than you, and also how to work together.

[Mackenzie Monten · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason for me reading this book at first was due to me reading other books that I enjoyed by the author Janell Cannon. I gave this book two out of five stars due it being a boring read, and there not being a lot of characters throughout the book. However, I did enjoy that there was a lesson learned at the end that I believe is key. Read the book if you want to find out!!

Reading Level:
Lexile: 800L
Guided Reading: P
Trait: voice

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crickwing (Paperback)
by Janell Cannon
Crickwing is a great bully proofing book, because it shows the nature of bullies talks about that sometimes we don't know why some one bullies but that with help maybe things will change. it also shows not to make assumptions. and that with working together you may solve others problems and find acceptance and understanding.

[Evie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not too sure how I feel about this one! Crickwing is named after his bad wing, which is eventually unwittingly fixed. If a character is going to be disabled in some way, why not let them remain so? The plot eventually unfolded like Pixar's A Bug's Life, and ended on a happy note. Not as poignant as her other works.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story deals with really complex feelings and issues. It deals with being bullied and your reactions to it, becoming a bully and how it makes you feel, redemption, and acceptance. It's really wonderful. I'm sure small children love it, but I think older children will have a greater appreciation for the lessons of the story.

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I would like a book about a cockroach and a colony of leafcutter ants so much, but this story is very imaginative and whimsical. It also teaches wonderful lessons about bullying, kindness, and learning from one’s mistakes. I love that it is about insects, which shows children that all creatures great and small are worthy of our respect. Very cute.

[Shaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book: I liked this book because the illustrations are so real. The story is about Crickwing finding a place for himself in his world, and using his talents to benefit others. Teamwork is involved as well.

[Emily Newcomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crickwing's transformation from a reclusive cockroach to a delighted in chef and artist makes a cute and uplifting story. It has some subtle hints of bullying in it that most kids would be able to recognize and probably relate to in one way or another.

[Sara Carmona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could be used for a couple of things. I could use this as part of a unit about insects (leaf cutter ants, army ants, or cockroaches) or even about predators/conflict in the animal world. I could also use it in a lesson about bullying, kindness, and working together.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is not quite as colorful or cute as others by Janell Cannon, but the creatures it deals with are not as colorful or cute either. It makes them quute interesting and shows why bullying is hurtful, and has some disability representation as well.