Book Nook - ABCs of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay

This educational picture book describes the process of harvesting blue crabs in and around the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as all of the tools and supplies that are used. Commercial seafood harvesters are watermen, and they work hard from May through November, catching the blue crab that is used in many delicious seafood recipes. This book is written for readers from one to one hundred, or anyone who loves the water and is curious about crabbing and what watermen do.


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About the Author

Susan Swift obtained her B.A. and M.A.Ed. at the College of William and Mary. She has been an elementary teacher, a reading specialist, and a librarian for many years. An avid reader, she has wanted to write children’s books since she first became a teacher. She was inspired to write this book because she moved from Pennsylvania to the Northern Neck of Virginia after college and did not know the first thing about crabbing, or how any kinds of seafood were harvested. She lives on the Chesapeake Bay and wanted to highlight the work of local watermen, like her husband, son, and friends, working on the Chesapeake Bay.

She has two grown children and lives in Reedville, Virginia, with her husband and two very spoiled dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, reading, and writing.


About the Illustrator


Heather Cockrell has always had a passion for using her creativity to inspire children to express their own unique creativity. Heather was born and raised in the small rural town of Lancaster County, Virginia. After graduating from high school, Heather attended Ferrum College where she received her bachelor's degree in education. After teaching for a few years in several different areas in Virginia, Heather decided to return home and accepted her current position as the middle school art teacher at Northumberland Middle School in Northumberland County, Virginia.

Heather now resides in the small town of Reedville, Virginia, with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs. She enjoys spending time on the water that both she and her husband grew up on.