See what I did there? I said first. 😉 But for real, now that The Happy Crab is written, and illustrated, and being printed onto paper pages as we speak (AAAHHH!), I reeeeeally want to keep myself (and Kevin!) motivated about creating a book #2!
Believe it or not, my favorite part of the process was working with the artist (Guy Wolek) on the illustrations. I always thought I wanted to be a cartoonist when I was a kid, and still have a passion for all-things art, so it thrilled my heart to see our (true) story come to life in that way. Steevenson really got into it too. Once the book comes out (on October 12th), I’ll share another post about all the little things he suggested that actually made their way in (or out of) the book. He’s such a creative kiddo!
The Happy Crab is available for pre-order on Amazon now (it’ll be available in bookstores at other retailers in October too) and we’re already dreaming up lots of fun, giveaway/marketing-related ideas for the week it’s released. Some of which include free, downloadable coloring pages, the perfect playlist to take to the beach, and a beautiful beach bag full of our favorite summer goodies. We’re planning to chat and read the story live on Instagram the week it comes out too!
I never would have guessed that our trip to the beach (in the middle of March of 2020) would not only mark the beginning of a VERY strange and challenging year, but also introduce us to a crab that would change our life forever!!
Which reminds me, here’s what the book is about if you’re curious about what’s inside the cover:
Happy is an adventurous little crab whose world is suddenly turned upside down (literally!) when a mama and her son discover his large, unbroken shell while on vacation at the beach. After deciding to keep the shell as a souvenir, the boy unexpectedly feels the crab move inside and is suddenly faced with a decision: take him home or let him go. His compassion for the crab and thoughtful decision to release him gently reminds readers of the importance of selflessness and highlights how our environment, relationships, and experiences contribute greatly to our happiness.
The Happy Crab is based on a true story experienced by Kevin, Layla, and their son, Steevenson, and you can see a video of the actual shell and crab at TheLetteredCottage.net/TheHappyCrab.
Thanks in advance for celebrating with us! I’ll share another update when I have a copy in my hands. We’re expecting them back from the printer in September. (Squeeeee!) Steevenson is SO excited to read one aloud to his class this year, and I gotta say, that will most certainly go down in history as one of my most favorite experiences ever, too!
Here’s to a good week!
Layla
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Oh, I love your quote especially the part about your blog
My children are grown but of course I purchased it bc I am honored to support your precious family. Looking forward to reading it for myself and holding onto it to read to my grandchildren one day!
Wow! Congratulations on the new book!!! How exciting for your family.
I was so excited to see your blog feed in my email this morning. So many of your followers (technically challenged 😉) who don’t subscribe to the rest of social media have missed you! I pray you and your family are well.
Congratulations, Layla!
HooRay for you all! Such an amazing achievement! Miss your weekly blogs “muchly”.Maybe you’ll be back now that Happy Crab is at the printer!
Thank you, Judy! I’m actually looking forward to blogging on a more regular basis soon, too!
Hello Layla! I have missed your blogs. So happy you’re back. Congratulations Layla, Kevin and Steevenson!! I’m so excited about your first book!! I know my 7 grandchildren and I will enjoy your happy crab story and its positive message for years to come! PS – on the subject of shells, several years ago I purchased your mom’s lovely shell shadowbox and I’m still loving it! Please let her know. Thank you! Cindy
Cindy! That is SO fun! I will definitely pass your message along to my mom! We still have one of her shell boxes up at our house too! 😀
So so glad to see a new post on your blog. Very much like one of the other posts I do not subscribe much to social media and have wondered what happened to your regular posts. Hope to see more posts soon.
Thanks,
Tina
Thanks for swinging by, Tina! I appreciate your encouragement SO much and I will definitely be sitting down to chat with you again soon! 🙂
Layla
I was so excited to see your post Layla. I’m glad to know you are all good and have been gone working on such an exciting project! Congratulations on your book. I’m preordering for my granddaughters next! The world needs a little more compassion these days. Excited to read it. P.s. I just finished reading Free Country. HILARIOUS. Thanks for the recommendation. ☺️
Oh! Laure! Thank you for the kind words…and I’m so glad you enjoyed Free Country. I loved reading that too! 😀
Just pre-ordered 8 copies. I’m going to give them to each of the teachers my tree children had in elementary school as a “goodbye gift” this year, and my caboose baby is leaving elementary behind in the spring (sob). Has been so fun to follow your journey, girl. Yay!
Monica!!! You are so kind and we appreciate you ordering so many copies to give as gifts! 😀 I love the idea of them being a part of a classroom. Steevenson can hardly wait to read his to his class this year!
Yay! A new post on the blog. So exciting. Count me among those who have given up social media and look forward to more of your blog postings. Congratulations on the book! Though I have no small/young children in my life, I’m tempted to buy it and maybe donate it to my local library. It sounds like such a cute story.
Hi Terri!
Thanks so much for swinging by…I look forward to meeting up with you here on a more regular basis soon too!
And we certainly appreciate your kind words/idea about our book. It was so fun to put together and I look forward to hearing what you think in October! 😀
This is so, so, so cool!!!
What an accomplishment and yet another adventure to grow your life 🙂