Introduction

The always-helpful Colin the Crab has many special friends at the home river. It is hard to imagine anyone more beautiful than Stella or more successful than Eddie the Eel. The antique collection of Ms Catfish is the most impressive of the riverside, and the big newt family is certainly the most vivacious of the neighbourhood.

Colin the Crab has a gnawing doubt of being too ordinary. The everyday life as he knows it changes instantly when a tidal wave casts Priscilla the Pearl Oyster to his backyard. This new friend of his has something precious within her shell, something that evokes the interest of others too – particularly that of the deceitful Larry the Lobster.

But what is the greatest treasure in the world?

Colin the Crab Finds a Treasure

In the kitchen of Colin the Crab everything had its place. His belongings were scarce and he had inherited most of them from his grandparents. Colin led a modest and hard working life and enjoyed the peace and quiet of his home, which he had built with his own claws.

Colin’s grey kettle was simmering cheerfully on the stove. Having been in heavy use, it was rather dented, but it didn’t bother Colin one bit. He knew that in this kettle were cooked the most delicious soups and stews of the entire river bay. He often invited his wide circle of friends to feast on them too. Now, however, Colin was by himself and sat in his rocking chair, waiting for the seaweed porridge to cook.

A solid breakfast was what he needed, as he was about to head off to the lower course of the river to do some shopping at the store of Ozzie the Octopus. Colin’s cupboards needed some fresh supplies. He had almost run out of spices and the herbal tea container was completely empty. He also needed to get some seaweed powder.

Colin moved the porridge to brew on the stove edge and decided to pop in the tool shed before his morning meal. He was an avid builder and constantly needed to stock up on new building materials. Even now he had to get some nails, iron wire and big hinges for the drooping gate of Ms Catfish.

It was going to be one busy week. Colin was an expert in demand. The folks of the entire bay trusted the repair works of their homes to the skilful claws of Colin the Crab. Feeling a slight sense of pride he puffed up his breastplate and headed to the kitchen to eat the porridge.

The store of Ozzie the Octopus wasn’t far, but Colin had to reserve plenty of time for getting there. On his way there, with his trailer still empty, he had the habit of stopping to chat with his friends and giving a ride to anyone who wished to go shopping. With a full load, the way back would take at least as long. After all, then he also had to struggle against the current.