Cover Image: The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell

The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell

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Member Reviews

A happy hermit crab loves its shell but it is getting too small. A greater problem is the octopus that is watching the crab hungrily, hoping to catch the hermit crab out of its shell before it finds a new one.
This colorfully illustrated book holds a host of interesting information and an engaging plot in a delightful package. This would be a valuable addition to a school library or the children 's section of a public library.

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What a fun and educational children’s book! We really enjoyed learning about the hermit crab and the similarities between hermit crabs and octopus’s. I had no clue they could inhabit any type of shell and while my young daughter isn’t old enough to grasp all that we learned in the book, there’s something in the book for children (and adults) for all ages!

The illustrations are colorful and eye catching, and the little chat bubbles of information from the other sea creatures were some of the best parts of the book. Would recommend to anyone looking for buy a fun children’s book for a loved one!

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Thank you so much to Seatales Publishing Company and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

The hermit crab had outgrown her shell home so had to go searching for a new one, she finds the most beautiful perfect shell to be in but she quickly gets too big and a scary octopus lurks by scaring her out so quick.

This was so adorable, I loved seeing the journey with the hermit crab making herself a new home. Trying to find the most perfect one, but struggling until it falls down right to her, it was so cute.

The illustrations were really pretty and I really liked the rhyming too, it made the story even more fun. I loved the little fish that went along with her to share facts as though they were discussing hermits to each other was a very clever touch.

I also liked that at the back you get facts about the hermits and octopus too which that’s great. I enjoyed this picture book a lot, it was so enjoyable, sweet and I think kids will love reading this, it’s fun, pretty and has a bit of education within it but in a very fun way.

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what a nice story, an interesting way to get to know about hermit crabs. there's even trivial things happened behind the main story, and while it's not really affecting the plot, it's fun to notice them. there's further more-detailed explanation about hermit crab and octopus at the end of the story. i loved it.

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The fourth book in Petrie's Seatales Sea Animals series centres around a spirited hermit crab who outgrows her beloved shell and has to find another! Whilst initially reluctant to move on from her special swirly shell, she soon realises she will be much safer in a bigger one and accepts sometimes change is for the best.

Petrie's own passion for the sea shines in this engaging story that encourages compassion and understanding towards sea animals, as children will relate and empathize with the fear of change as they find themselves growing out of their clothes, shoes and classrooms!

Combining an enjoyable rhyming scheme with full colour expressive illustrations, fascinating facts and humourous characters, this book is perfect for young readers and adults alike.

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The book is really wonderful. I liked the illustrations and the little poems, the rhythm of it. I'm sure any child would love it. It's instructional, it's easy to read and from a psychological perspective I think it could help children learning about letting go of things and a healthy detachment.

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A story about a hermit crab searching for the perfect shell, finding it and growing out of it. The words are rhyming and the story is cute. The illustrations are realistic mixd with a bit of cartoonish emotions/expressions. They are colorful and bright. Great for kids learning about animals and their homes, learning about sea life and just as a fun book, in general.


I received an ARC from Seatales Publishing Company through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

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My grandkids love watching the hermit crabs when vacationing at the beach. They both love nature and science. This book was a great combination of both as it explained how the hermit crabs find the perfect shell. Thanks #NetGalley

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This book tells a story of a hermit crab looking for a new shell. When the crab has a close call, as he has grown out of this ‘perfect’ shell, the other ocean animals worry. When he finally does leave the shell and moves on to a bigger shell. A new little hermit crab moves in and finds this perfect shell and makes it his home.

The Illustrations are very sweet and funny! There is definitely a message: what once was perfect for you, might no longer be now and that it might be time to move on. Towards the end of the book, there is some more factual information about invertebrates, which is a very nice touch!

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I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! Such a fun book, love the drawings, the cute fish telling hermit crab facts, the information at the end and the sweet story. Definitely recommended for kids interested in sea creatures. I'm happy that invertebrates are featured more and more in children's stories, they have been underrepresented for a long time!

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This book tells a story of a hermit crab looking for a new shell. When disaster almost strikes the other ocean animals worry about this hermit crab and his new shell, but when he leaves the shell and moves on a new little hermit crab moves in and finds the perfect shell. The animals are sweet and funny and the story is nice. The font is a bit small but is clear and fairly easy to read. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to parents of children in the age 4-6 range.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

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The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell is a cute book that has good illustrations that will catch the child's attention. There is a message about growth. Which can be used over the years as a reminder to children about change and that growth. There are nice educational areas for hermit crabs. However, I do agree that something is lacking but that seems to be a common issue within children's books.

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This book was so cute! Loved that the illustrations looked like a TV cartoon and the educational tidbits would be really fun for families that have a pet hermit crab. However even for families that don’t, I think the message about the necessity for change and growth was really beautiful. Would be great for kids going through a transition to better understand the importance of change and why it is a good thing. Definitely recommend!

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I enjoy this book I did find it a little lacking in the character building I did however like the fact that it teaches you how hermit crabs our other shells and have to get new ones

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