The Curious Lobster

“Each adventure is related in its own chapter, but the episodes do string together into a cohesive narrative. The humor often relies on an Alice in Wonderland—style logic…This title could work well as a read-aloud, providing ample opportunities for discussing the natural world and interpersonal (or inter-animal) dynamics….” —School Library Journal, July 2018“Hatch writes in a soothing, quietly humorous, style that works for adults and children of varied ages and Wakeman’s illustrations match the calming qualities of the text. The Curious Lobster is a perfect bedtime family read aloud or a read-alone for a rainy day at a beachside cottage.” —Melinda Greenblatt, Shelf Awareness“Hatch writes in a soothing, quietly humorous, style that works for adults and children of varied ages and Wakeman’s illustrations match the calming qualities of the text. The Curious Lobster is a perfect bedtime family read aloud or a read-alone for a rainy day at a beachside cottage.” —Melinda Greenblatt, Shelf Awareness “Curiosity, courage, forbearance and friendship are themes at the heart of The Curious Lobster, an engaging story for children and adults alike…[The Curious Lobster] is brimming with adventures that stir thoughts on friendship, prudence, seeking to find the best in others and the bright side of all misfortunes. The exquisite pen-and-ink illustrations by Marion Freeman Wakemen are spare and focused, yet poignant and dramatic. The book is well suited to be read aloud to young children and to be savored by adults.” —Portland Press Herald“The stories of Mr. Lobster aren’t just charming—they show the difficulties of getting along with others, celebrating the possibilities of keeping an open mind, and present the opportunity to join Mr. Lobster in recognizing there are still ‘several things’ he doesn’t yet know.” —Vermont Country Sampler“There is a homely wisdom and a pithy philosophy in the Mr. Lobster stories which adults as well as children enjoy. This book shows, too, a genuine love of out of doors; sea and woods and meadow…. So convincing are the haunts of Mr. Lobster and his friends that the city dweller reading this book feels that he too, has withdrawn for a little into a place where he is aware of sunrise and sunset, stars and tides, as a part of the beauty and eventfulness of life.… The drawings by Marion Wakeman have distinction and beauty and are keyed to the humor and imagination of the text.” —The New York Times Book Review“A very entertaining story of a lobster whose curiousity led him far afield and into all sorts of adventures. Delightfully illustrated.” —Kirkus Reviews

Richard W. Hatch (1898-1985) grew up in Pennsylvania but lived for most of his adult life in Marshfield, Massachusetts, in a house that had been continuously occupied by his family since the middle of the seventeenth century. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1918, he joined the US Naval Reserve Flying Corps and later served during World War II. It was while stationed on an aircraft carrier that he came up with the idea of writing about the adventures of a very old lobster. From 1925 to 1941 Hatch taught English at Deerfield Academy, eventually becoming head of the English Department, and during the 1950s he lectured at the Center for International Studies at MIT. In addition to his books for children, he also wrote novels for adults set in coastal Massachusetts towns.

Marion Freeman Wakeman (1891-1953) was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and attended Smith College before joining the Art Students League. She was a member of the National Association of Women Artists and exhibited her work at the National Academy of Design, the Montclair Art Museum, and Smith College.

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