House for Hermit Crab, A

Eric Carle (1991), Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Hermit Crab has grown too big for his little shell, and must find a new home to move into. The only shell he can find is the right size, it’s just a little plain. Hermit Crab travels the depths of the ocean to find new friends to help him spice up his shell. When he becomes too big for it, he gives it and all of his friends he’s collected along the way to another crab looking for a home. At the end, he’s not nervous about moving anymore – he is excited to begin another adventure with more friends in his new shell!

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Talk with a child about this book

At the beginning of the story, Hermit Crab is hesitant about his new shell. At the end, he is very excited about the prospect of moving! What do you think he learned along the way that changed how he felt?

If Hermit Crab had never moved out of his first shell he would have become very cramped and uncomfortable! Even though he didn’t want to, he knew he had to move on to something else. Can you think of a time when you had to move or try something new even when you didn’t want to?

How did Hermit Crab fix the problem of his plain shell?

How did other sea animals show friendship to Hermit Crab throughout this story?

Imagine if this story went on – what other plants or animals do you think Hermit Crab would put on his new shell?