This classic Carle title is available again. When Hermit Crab outgrows his shell, he finds a new one, making friends in the process. But when he outgrows this shell as well, how can he leave his beautiful house and all of his friends?

Acclaimed children's author and illustrator, Eric Carle, presents a simple story based on the true habits of a hermit crab, but it is also a great lesson for children facing the inevitable - growing up. The pictures are a collage of earthy colored paint, pen, marker, fabric, paper and other materials combined to add texture to a creative display of marine life. The story sounds smooth and playful when read aloud thanks to plenty of funny adjectives and alliteration. Hermit Crab outgrew his shell, so he spends the entire book making his new shell just the way he wants it - only to outgrow that one as well!

 Children will relate to Hermit Crab's triumphs, tribulations, and frustration, since kids are constantly redefining themselves as they get older, learning more, and meeting new people. "He had felt safe and snug I his shell . . . it was frightening out in the open sea without a shell to hide in." Hermit Crab made friends along the way who helped him make his shell his own. The sea anemones, starfish, and coral latched to the sides of his shelling beautifully decorating it, while the fierce sea urchin and sturdy pebbles protected his house, and the lantern fish lit it up. Each time Hermit Crab outgrows his shell he is more confident in his search for the next shell, just as children's confidence grows with each life challenge they face and overcome.

My niece and I have read this book together while she was learning the months of the year. Each page names a new month, and it takes Hermit Crab a full year to outgrow and leave behind the shell he took a whole book to decorate.

-- Audra