Crickwing - by Janell Cannon (Paperback)

About the Book

This Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection--now in paperback--tells the story of a lonely cockroach who has a creative idea that saves the day for the leafcutter ants when their fierce forest enemies attack them. Full color.

Book Synopsis

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. Nobody 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. . . .

Review Quotes

"Text and illustrations are beautifully matched as readers follow Crickwing's positive transformation."--The Boston Globe

"Cannon's illustrations skillfully blur the line between fact and fancy, and add a feather to her well-decorated cap."--Publishers Weekly

"Crickwing is not only a hero, but an elegant, graceful beauty as well."--Kirkus Reviews