A House for Hermit Crab (Stories to Go!)

Poor Hermit Crab! He's outgrown his snug little shell, so he finds himself a larger one -- and many new friends to decorate and protect his new house. But what will happen when he outgrows this shell, and has to say good-bye to all the sea creatures who have made Hermit Crab's house a home?

Children facing change in their own lives will relate to Hermit Crab's story -- and learn a lot about the fascinating world of marine life along the way.

Amazon.com Review
"Time to move," said Hermit Crab one day. "I've grown too big for this little shell." Much-loved master of cut-paper collage Eric Carle created A House for Hermit Crab to comfort any little ones (okay, and adults, too) who dread change--whether the new shell is a new home, a new school, or a new experience. In this soothing, upbeat story, Hermit Crab casts his eyestalks on a newer, bigger shell, but it seems plain and unwelcoming at first. When he meets some beautiful, swaying sea anemones, he asks if one of them will come to adorn the outside of his shell. In time a colorful sea star, some coral, an industrious sea snail, a fortress-protecting sea urchin, and an illuminating lantern fish all join forces with him, making his house a home. Much to his dismay, just when his dwelling and new family fit him to a T, he finds he's physically outgrown his shell yet again. Instead of bemoaning his fate, he eagerly spots a newer, bigger shell--to him a fresh, blank artist's canvas--and relishes the thought of all the undersea home-improvement possibilities: sponges, barnacles, clown fish, and more! Kids will love Carle's rich, affectionate portrayal of Hermit Crab's ocean odyssey, and the gentle story may help them see that giving up the old for the new is not a loss, but an opportunity. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Eric Carle fan!, 2008-12-21
My goal is to acquire every Eric Carle book for my son! We love the Hermit Crab story!


9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

A great recyler!, 2008-07-19
In the spring my niece bought a hermit crab for her three children (no pets allowed where they live). With it she bought a larger shell for the future. It is hand painted in red, white, and blue. Since then the hermit crab moved out of his original house into his patriotic one. She also bought this book to go with the actual living, breathing hermit crab.

"A House for Hermit Crab" is another in the line of books by Eric Carle, featuring bright colors, imaginative design, repetitive patterns, and educational stories that so appeal to children.

Let's count the ways that this book is highly recommended:

1. Bold, vivid colors

2. Twelve calendar months to suggest time and life patterns that correspond with the passing of time

3. Life cycle of hermit crabs: I didn't know anything about them until my niece bought one and this book. I certainly didn't know they had to find their own houses!

4. Unspoken support for recycling! How many times is a hermit's crab house re-used after the snail stops its use and crabs take over?

5. The concept of continuous change and having a positive attitude toward change.

6. Taking the simple and making it your own, through decoration in this case.

7. Carle's explanation of hermit crabs on the title page and a glossary in the back for the various creatures the crab meets on his year-long journey.

My goodness, this book is awesome! My heart swells for the life of a simple hermit crab. This book celebrates him!


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Meh, 2008-07-09
This is one of Carle's books that is better suited for older children.

We run through the months of the year, and each month the hermit crab makes a new discovery about his shell - he needs a light, or some pebbles, that sort of thing - until he's outgrown it entirely.

It's very nicely paced, it just doesn't grab our attention that much.


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Great book for kids, 2008-05-02
This is a terrific book for kids which helps them relate to change and moving on. My daughter took it to school and her class loved it. It's her favorite bedtime story.


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

A House for Hermit Crab Board Book, 2007-08-01
I enjoy reading this book not only to my 18 month old son but for myself.
At the moment he doesn't always sit for the whole book as it is a little long sometimes for a board book.
I feel this book shows how all things start out small and grow bigger.
It helps to have the months of the year in the story to show time passing!
I believe it is simple enough for a toddler to understand!

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