Grasper: A Young Crab's Discovery

by Owen Paul Lewis

A crab comes out of his shell, travels beyond his small, comfortable world, and brings back an inspirational message of possibility and courage to his fellow crabs who remained in the old tidepool.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Samantha Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations were truly captivating. Everything seemed as if it was alive, dancing around the page in front of you. The moral of this story is yet another one a child can relate to. I know I relate to Grasper the crab, and other children will as well.

[Ainsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book were the best part of the book to me. I thought that it explained the lifecycle of a crab well, but I had a hard time reading this book. It was just ok to me; I don't think I would have it in my classroom. I don't have much to say about it.

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations were so beautifully done! The story was short and simple but it definitely carried a wonderful message/theme. Read this for reading buddies- entertaining for all of us :)

[Collin Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grasper is a young crab who is limited by his peers and environment, but everything changes when he grows out of his shell and decides to crawl out from under his town of a rock. I found this book when I was asked to read it in front of my 1st grade class. I chose this book because it talked about taking risk and vulnerability through symbolism. It is a story where students can easily put themselves into the story. It is a folk tale written at a 2nd grade reading level. I would use this book in my classroom as a way to teach my students about maintaining a growth mindset and how they can push themselves to grow. I would use this book at any grade level 1-5.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grasper: A Young Crab's Discovery was a beautifully illustrated book with a very poignant message that I think would serve young children as well as those in their first year of middle school (5th or 6th grade).
This is a story about a little crab names Grasper. Grasper lived in an area sheltered by rocks from the big ocean that made it easy for him to survive, but kept him from growing very much. One day he began to feel swollen, like he was going to burst. Grasper had grown (just a little) but this made him adventurous, like he wanted to see the world outside of his little home. All of the other crabs said no don’t go!! We will never see you again, no one ever comes back. The temptation was too much and he ventured out where he found many wonder out things. He came upon a very large crab and he asked how did you get this way, I have never seen a crab as big as you? I have molted many times and I live in the ocean where I can grow because I have the space.
Grasper hurries back to tell the others, but they don’t believe him. They say he has imagined this strange stuff because he was soft and he should stay safe protected by the rocks. Dose Grasper head back out into the big ocean or will he stay within the confines of the rocks? Read this great book and find out for yourself.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Paul Owen Lewis visited my grade-schoolers' school on Thursday, so I purchased some of his autographed picture books. What a treat for the kids to meet an author! I read this one to my 2 youngest for a bedtime story. Beautiful artwork and a clever and inspiring story. Message/Moral: Don't let others discourage you from believing in what you see, feel, dream and believe.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare to follow your heart and grow. Grasper is a small crab living in the rocks with other crabs who never leave. One day, something changes and Grasper explores the world around him. A great story to read with colorful illustrations!