The Adventures of Charlie Crab and Friends
The Book
Did you know that Rockpools have secrets? All kinds of secrets?
Who would have thought two crabs and shrimp could have so much fun beneath the sea!
What will they find?
What will they learn?
If you are very quiet… You might discover something quite remarkable!
Charlie and his pals love to explore the ocean and discover new things. From finding strange objects to playing hide-and-seek with things that float on the water above them, there’s never a dull moment with this group of underwater friends.
But when a strange noise creates fear and uncertainty, Charlie and his friends must work together to save the day. With bravery and teamwork, they overcome challenges and learn the importance of friendship and helping others.
This is the first book of a series of interactive opportunities for children to be involved with. Every story begins and ends in the same fashion so that, whether the recipients are being read to or reading themselves, they can participate in making actions and noises at the appropriate time.
BOOST CONFIDENCE: Whether your child is afraid of the dark, scared of spiders or just needs a little boost of confidence, this book is sure to inspire them to face their fears and obstacles. So why wait? Order your copy online today and start exploring the rockpool with Charlie and his friends.
Get your copy today
Charlie Crabb doesn't walk forwards, he doesn't walk backwards, he walks sideways and then off he went along the bottom of the deep blue sea to find his two friends, Horace the hermit crab and Sally shrimp....
Listen to the story intro from Alan in this video
The Authors
Alan Williams
Alan was born in Bristol on April 14, 1936, experienced the city's wartime upheaval, surviving the Bristol blitz before settling in Cheddar. Encouraged by his father's early reading sessions, Alan developed a passion for literacy, earning a scholarship to Merrywood Grammar School and discovering diverse interests in sports and the arts, transforming from a shy lad into the confident person he is today.
His academic success led to a teaching career after training at St Luke's College in Exeter, he teached at Speedwell Boy's School, where Alan found joy in coaching basketball while actively engaging in the Boys' Brigade at Victoria Methodist Church where he met and got marriage to his co-star, Christine Wright, with whom he had four children.
Alan's knack for storytelling began as a teaching tool, later evolving into bedtime tales for his children. His annual family holidays at Sandy Bay in Exmouth sparked the creation of Charlie Crab, a character born from observations of marine life. His storytelling style involved the children in the narrative, making each story an interactive, shared experience that strengthened family bonds.
Caroline Hill
Caroline finds her hero and inspiration in her father Alan, a vibrant storyteller whose tales drive her to fulfill her dream of publishing his stories. Growing up in a North Bristol village with three siblings, her cherished childhood memories revolve around family holidays in Devon, the birthplace of the Charlie Crab stories.
Even at 87, her father continues to enchant great-grandchildren with his narratives, which Caroline ingeniously incorporates into her work with children. The life skills Caroline acquired from seaside adventures—overcoming fears, forging friendships, and learning to manage resources—hold a special place in her heart. Becoming a parent herself shed light on the sacrifices her own parents made to create these magical family times. This realization fuels her determination to gift her own grandchildren with equally treasured memories.
Through her tutoring venture, CRAB CONSULTANCY: Creating Resilience and Belonging, Caroline emphasizes the importance of belonging and resilience, hoping that these stories will ignite the same journey of cherished memories for others.
The Illustrator
Amelia Williams
Amelia, the illustrator behind "The Adventures of Charlie Crab and Friends," proudly acknowledges her lineage as the granddaughter of the author, Alan Williams. With an educational background in art and design, she currently thrives as a Visual Merchandiser.
Growing up immersed in the stories her Gramps shared with her and her cousins, Amelia embarked on the journey of bringing Charlie Crab and friends to life for the entire family. This experience in illustration has been both special and enlightening, from the humble initial sketches on paper to the final digital images in the book.
At 23 Amelia dreams to become a professional illustrator, delving into various book genres, crafting captivating covers, and perhaps exploring animation. She looks forward to the day when she can share her own book with her future children, hoping others will discover the same magic and joy within these stories that have enchanted her family for so long.
