What Lives in a Shell?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. This informational book explains the various insects and animals that live in shells. Firstly, I thought this book does a great job trying to capture the reader’s interests by using second person language to relate to the audience. For example, on page six it says, “You live in a house or in an apartment building. That is your home. Your home keeps you safe and warm. Lot’s of animals have homes. Birds build nests.” This helps the reader apply their own knowledge of homes to animal homes, and also helps them recognize how each home is similar. I also loved the illustrations because it helps the reader understand how a shell can be a home for a show more certain animal. On page nine, there are four pictures showing the growth of a land snail. As the snail gets older, the picture gets bigger. The audience can visualize the land snail growing into an adult instead of just reading about their transition. Also, on page 21 there is a chart with the different types of shells and where to find them. This aspect of the book really engages the reader because it motivates them to try to find these shells. Since this book is directed towards younger children, I believe that this book accurately explains that a shell is a home for some animals. This book also helps the audience understand different aspects of nature. show less

A home is different for everybody. For a bird, a nest is a home. For people, a house is a home. But who's home is in a shell? This book talks about all the things that may live in a shell. I recommend this for children because it gives them information on different animals or things that could live in a shell.

Summary of Book: This book begins describing a specific type of shell. The book then tells the reader that a snail lives in this shell. When a snail grows so does the shell the snail lives inside of. We can leave our homes but a snail is stuck carrying around his shell all the time. This book also describes and talks about other animals that live inside of shells. Turtles live in shells, crabs live in shells but crabs get new shells once they outgrow their shells, and hermit crabs live in empty crab shells but when they get to big for their shells they dump their shells and find a bigger shell.

Personal Reaction: This book was very informative about different animals that live inside of shells. This book can help readers become aware of show more the different types of animals that live inside of shells and how some animals have to leave their shells to get bigger shells.

Classroom Extension: 1) Have students draw a picture of their favorite animal that lives inside of a shell.
2) Have students write a journal entry on what they would do if they lived in a shell and what type of shell would they live in. show less

Ages 2-12

Ants have tunnels thats their home. So sea creatures live in shells thats their home. Turtles, snails have shells also.

Different types of sea creatures live in the sea and on the seashore. This is a great book to introduce sea life to the children.

Source: Pierce County
Ages: 3-5

This is a great book to talk to children about the varities of sea shells and what live inside them.
Age group: 3-5
Source: Pierce County Library

In this book you will find out what different types of sea creatures live in shells.

Pierce County Ages 3-5