Crickwing

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!)

This is a fantastic story about a cockroach who is bullied, then bullies a group of leaf-cutter ants only to be taken prisoner by them. He and the ants realize what they had done is wrong and then work together to "live happily ever after" so to speak! This is another great story by Cannon about acceptance of others and how, if we work together, we can make great things happen! The illustrations are wonderful and make the story come to life.

Follows the story of a cockroach named Crickwing. He likes making art out of his food but he has an injured wing that causes him pain, which makes him grumpy so he starts picking on the Leaf Cutter Ants. Cute story and I love that the author has made this story about normally 'icky' animals.

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.

Substance: How a disabled cockroach helps a benign ant colony save itself from the army ants.
Style: Didactic. Well-told and beautiful illustrations, but do you really want to glorify roaches?

A charming story of a cockroach who just wants to create his art in peace. He gets picked on by larger animals in the forrest and even hurt his wing when escaping a hungry toad. He finds himself bullying leaf cutter ants and finds himself in trouble with their queen. He finds away to redeam himself. A good theme and great illustrations.

Genre: Fantasy
Age Appropriateness: Primary
Review: This is a great example of fantasy because the animals talk, and Crickwing the cockroach goes through trials that children or even adults might. Taking on the role of an artist, Crickwing struggles to find his place in the jungle as he creates artwork that is destroyed by other jungle animals. After being reprimanded by the leaf-cutting ants for his behaviors, the leaf-cutting ants help Crickwing to escape from being trapped and he in turn helps them to overcome the army ants. True friendship develops with the use of talents and teamwork.

Character Analysis: Crickwing is made fun of, becomes a bully, and eventually befriends the leaf-cutting ants. At first an outcast, Crickwing learns how show more to overcome adversity and use his unique talent of creating art to help others and make friends. Children and adults alike can relate to what Crickwing experiences and can learn from his decisions. show less