Jerry was a real pet that we had in a fish tank in our home. He was a cantankerous little fellow in a beautiful shade of blue. He did wave his claws at us to remind us to feed him or when he was upset with one of the grandchildren who tapped on his glass. He didn’t particularly like that.

He was such an iconic addition to our tank and when he passed we all were upset. I cried as my husband removed him from the tank. We have never been able to find another one like him. We did have a small red crayfish but it was nothing like Jerry. Jerry will be remembered fondly. That is one of the reasons I wrote this book so Jerry would be remembered for posterity and children would get to know him. He has become our most popular book. Jerry won a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award!

I feel pure joy writing for children and hope with God’s help and blessing to continue to write many more fun adventures for children to read and enjoy. I do enjoy writing for MG/PT/YA and 18+ too!

Here is the limerick I wrote for Jerry:

Jerry the Crabby Crayfish

There once was a crayfish named Jerry

Who every day was anything but merry.
Each day his wish
Was to be a fish.
Until he realized he wanted to be just Jerry!

Blurb:

Jerry is a crabby crayfish who all day long wishes he could be a fish. One day something happens in the fish tank that makes Jerry change his mind. Read about the valuable lesson Jerry learns.

Children will love Jerry and will learn the importance of being the best you can be and be happy with who you are.

Here are some reviews from Amazon:

Wynette Mills5.0 out of 5 stars Jerry The Crabby Crayfish is a delight!Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2014Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseChildren will be very curious about this little blue creature. Aquariums and fish captivate little minds to ask “why” and “how”. It teaches us that we are all very special in our own way and by helping one another we learn much about ourselves. It also teaches children about the time and care it requires to have a pet as well as some science fun facts about Jerry molting. The illustrations will keep the children looking for more. I will look for more stories from this talented Author.

319425.0 out of 5 stars Jerry the Crabby Crayfish and Ricky the Rambunctious RaccoonReviewed in the United States on March 26, 2014Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseVery clever story lines in both of these publications that will be enjoyed by all ages….adult enjoyment becomes intensified by the expressions seen on a child’s face as the story and art work progress..

mazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars Another GemReviewed in the United States on March 24, 2014Format: PaperbackThis is the second book I have read by the author and I loved it. The repetition in the story and the message it reinforces should have children repeating “Swish, swish, swish, I wish I were a fish” all day long. Once again the illustrations by John Spina are a delight for the visual senses and the deceptively simply imagery is colorful and beautiful. Janice weaves another unique and interesting tale with a subtle environmental message about not interfering with what nature does best on her own. I also love the way she finishes each book with “The End” showing the behind (as in bottom) of each central character, which I think will have children giggling with delight. These books are best read out loud, with children turning the pages and listening, but older children will be able to read on their own without too much trouble. As an educational note: Janice introduces some exact names of some types of fish, never assuming that children would not be ready to learn them, which I think demonstrates her dedication to teaching and instructing children, as much as engaging them with the sweet little stories. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading Lamby the Lonely Lamb.

Amazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars I am 40 years old and I love it! The illustrations are wonderful and the story …Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2016Format: Kindle EditionI adore this book! I am 40 years old and I love it! The illustrations are wonderful and the story of the crabby crayfish always wanting to be a fish but in the end learning that he is special NOT being one is a wonderful lesson for children to learn. Although they may always hope to be something else, better, or perhaps more….they are special in their own way. 🙂

Werner Stejskal5.0 out of 5 stars It is alright. I can be me! Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2015Format: Kindle EditionAnother educational little book by Janice Spina. It teaches us to be happy with who we are. Children learn that sometimes they are capable of tasks others cannot perform and that will make them more confident in themselves. Lovely hand-drawn pictures again to join the world of pre-primary and primary school children. I thoroughly enjoyed this little excursion into the aquarium! You will too!

Blessings & Hugs!

Janice