Why the Crab Has No Head

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Nzambi Mpungu, creator of the earth and sky, has spent a long hard day making the Elephant. By nightfall, Nzambi still hasn’t finished her next creation, the Crab, and she tells the little creature to return the following day for a fine head. That night, the proud Crab boasts about the promised head to all the other animals and ends up learning a hard lesson. This tale from the Bakongo people of Zaire, retold and illustrated by Barbara Knutson, will delight readers of all ages.

Format Your Price Add
978-0-7613-5792-6
$22.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Publication Date 2009-08-01
Reading Counts! Level 3.7
Text Type Folktale/Legend
BISACS JUV043000, JUV012050, JUV039220
Dewey 398.2
Graphics 1-color illustrations
Lexile 690
Guided Reading Level L
ATOS Reading Level 3.8
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 49304
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Reviewed

Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“The beautifully written text is matched with striking black-and-white illustrations that suggest stark woodcuts. This African tale is artful, using ancient elements to portray a still relevant message: to lie to oneself will surely lead to dishonesty with others.”
Publishers Weekly

The Horn Book Magazine

“The appealing tale is simply told and well presented. . . Brilliant.”
The Horn Book Magazine