PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLYFISH

Author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka narrates with intimate knowledge of his characters. The best friends--one a yellow seahorse and the other a blobby jellyfish--frolic "up, down, around, and through their grand ocean home" until their fun is disrupted by cantankerous Crabby. With an edge in Krosoczka's voice (and a distinct Boston accent), Crabby's taunts fly, leaving the two friends deflated and dismayed. How might a lobster trap alter this uncomfortable relationship? Kudos to Krosoczka for being forthright and crystal clear as Peanut Butter and Jellyfish discuss how to help Crabby and, later, as all three reflect on what went awry among them. Young listeners will come to understand bullying--be it on land or at sea. A.R. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2015]