Hermit Crab's New Shell

by Ruth Owen

Crack! Smack! Whack! On a sandy beach, two hermit crabs are fighting over a large, empty snail shell. Why? Both crabs have outgrown their shells and their "homes" are starting to feel rather tight. In this book, readers will be astounded to learn that a hermit crab's shell is not actually attached to its body. Instead, these crabs have a hard exoskeleton on their front halves, but must find secondhand shells to cover their soft, unprotected abdomens. Learn all about the bodies of these fascinating crustaceans. Watch as a crab explores its seashore habitat looking for a new, bigger home. Discover what happens on "moving day" as a crab discards its old shell and moves into its latest find. And be amazed to see a group of differently sized hermit crabs form a line to swap shells--each moving into the shell of its bigger neighbor! Readers will enjoy learning about the unusual behavior of these animals, and will love the close-up photos that show hermit crabs in search of their next home.