like a window ...
Some areas of a heart cockle
shell let sunlight pass through.
That's good news for the tiny
algae that live inside the clam's
shell."
If you are lucky enough to visit a beach where seashells wash up, you are likely to gather some and see them for the treasures they are. You may not know much about them; that is where this beautifully illustrated and well-researched book can help.
Following the publication of Feathers (Charlesbridge, 2014), Melissa Stewart found herself thinking of the book's final page and the little boy running along the beach as he watched a gull flying over the water nearby. It made her wonder if he might turn his attention from the sky to the beach itself and see the many seashells to be found there. As writers do, it encouraged her to do some research and find out all that she could about seashells. After much reading, and a few dead ends, she was finally able to find all of the information she was seeking. Now, she could set her mind to a brand new book with her collaborative partner from their book about feathers.
Today, we are the lucky audience for that book. Once again, Sarah S. Brannen provides detailed watercolor artwork to make the new learning accessible for young children. They will learn about the many jobs that shells do, how they move, how they offer protection through camouflage, and their versatility.
"or hide in plain sight like a soldier in camo clothing."
The accompanying paragraph for this detailed illustration and simple description reads:
"A flat periwinkle's shell matches the color
of the seaweed it lives on. This makes it
hard for enemies to spot the little sea snail."
All 13 featured seashells are placed on front and back endpapers. Information there includes their common and scientific name, and where they are found with an accompanying helpful map. A note from both author and illustrator is included, as well a list of further resources.
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