THE LUCKY HERMIT CRAB AND HER SWIRLY NEW SHELL

A hermit crab struggles to part with a “perfect” shell—even when it no longer fits—in this science-focused rhyming picture book from author/illustrator Petrie.

An unnamed crab has trouble finding a new shell after outgrowing her old one. One day, during a storm, a seemingly ideal home appears: a swirly, white moon snail shell, complete with stylish decorations, including barnacles and anemones that will protect the crab from predators. The rhyming text relates her joy: “The shell was as perfect as perfect could be. / How lucky to find such a shell in the sea!” But despite its perfection, it can’t grow with her. Before long, the beautiful carapace is just slowing her down—until one day, an octopus scares her out of it and into a new one. Petrie’s full-color cartoon illustrations mix realistic detail with friendly facial expressions; the octopus hiding on almost every page makes for an excellent seek-and-find. The main text reads smoothly throughout, but the thought-bubble commentary from fish witnessing the crab’s difficulties is the story’s highlight. They offer fast facts about hermit crabs while amusingly reacting to the protagonist’s adventures. The ample ocean-creature terminology (exoskeleton, anemones) will challenge newly independent readers, and the interesting topic will provide encouragement.

A sea story with a solid message, fanciful rhymes, and engaging characters.