Reviewed by Judy Kraus
Science Teacher
Observing the world a child learns and asks questions, experiencing the great gift of wonder. In Next Time You See a Seashell by Emily Morgan, that gift is encouraged through a sensory journey as shells are discovered during a walk along the beach. Texture, patterns, sound, and even scent exploration are facilitated through questions.
This text is designed to be shared between a child and an adult as a new world is explored. Photographs of a collection of seashells cover entire pages and draw the early reader into the text. Close–up images of mollusks provide a glimpse of the life creating and calling those shells home. The two components, shell and organism, are inseparable in life. From egg case evidence to full grown mollusk, the development of the shell in conjunction with the organism is illustrated.
Both bivalves and gastropods appear for sorting and classification. Their structure is compared and contrasted to demonstrate predator avoidance or camouflage. Other mollusks are included to differentiate between those with and without shells. Additional animals use seashells for a home and protection but do not make those shells. Activities are included in closing to further extend shell exploration. Whether grouping, researching, drawing, painting, or displaying seashells, the end result is the same—an inquisitive child.
Review posted on 11/28/2012
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