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Searching for Seashells: An Artist's Guide to Treasures on the Beach
A gorgeously illustrated collection of all sorts of seashells, complete with interesting facts, history, and more.
With a calming, coastal, oceanside aesthetic, this full-color gift book is a visual ode to that joyful, ecstatic feeling of finding a treasure in the sand. The hand-painted, exquisitely detailed shells are paired with bits of text meant to inform and fascinate the reader. A colorful journey through the world of mollusks, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves spending time by the ocean.
With a calming, coastal, oceanside aesthetic, this full-color gift book is a visual ode to that joyful, ecstatic feeling of finding a treasure in the sand. The hand-painted, exquisitely detailed shells are paired with bits of text meant to inform and fascinate the reader. A colorful journey through the world of mollusks, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves spending time by the ocean.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2024
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 28, 2024
What a beautiful book!
The artwork is stunning and definitely inspiring for my naturalist journal. I think this is a great book to preliminary dive into malacology for those beachcombers who would love to know a bit more about their shells and the lives they once led.
Anyone who loves sea shells/mollusks will love this treasure of a book, and walk away having learned something new, whether that be the history of human connection, use in architecture, currency, cuisine, and art or some biology facts about mollusks! I personally loved the dive into different mollusk dishes and shell use in fashion.
This book is not a guide for those wishing to learn how to identify mollusks, or a deep dive into knowledge about them. The end has a nice quick guide for collectors and some inspiration on what to do with collected shells. I think it’s definitely more geared towards shell lovers and casual artists who want to admire the beauty of shells from around the world from an artist and author who clearly love these wonderful creatures. So if any of this sounds like you, or intrigues you, I recommend!
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
The artwork is stunning and definitely inspiring for my naturalist journal. I think this is a great book to preliminary dive into malacology for those beachcombers who would love to know a bit more about their shells and the lives they once led.
Anyone who loves sea shells/mollusks will love this treasure of a book, and walk away having learned something new, whether that be the history of human connection, use in architecture, currency, cuisine, and art or some biology facts about mollusks! I personally loved the dive into different mollusk dishes and shell use in fashion.
This book is not a guide for those wishing to learn how to identify mollusks, or a deep dive into knowledge about them. The end has a nice quick guide for collectors and some inspiration on what to do with collected shells. I think it’s definitely more geared towards shell lovers and casual artists who want to admire the beauty of shells from around the world from an artist and author who clearly love these wonderful creatures. So if any of this sounds like you, or intrigues you, I recommend!
I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!
April 9, 2024
You might look at the cover and read the title and think you are getting an identification book. Then you flip through and realize you are wrong, you are getting so much more than that. You are getting an artist’s love letter to seashells! Jessie King Regunberg has filled her book with examples of beautiful shells you might actually come across at the beach, but she has also given the reader a glimpse into how shells have been used over the years in art, food, music, and literature. And all this was accomplished with her charming artwork, not a single photo to be found.
Anyone who has tucked a shell in their pocket or gone home with a bucket full of shells from the beach will enjoy this book tremendously!
Thank you to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Anyone who has tucked a shell in their pocket or gone home with a bucket full of shells from the beach will enjoy this book tremendously!
Thank you to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
July 25, 2024
Special thanks to @WorkmanPub for the #gifted book!
After reading this book, I could definitely be persuaded to watch a TV episode titled “The Secret Lives of Shells.” For me seashells have always represented the best part of going to the beach. Collecting the “ocean’s gems” and looking for beautiful surprises in the sand.
Searching for Seashells: an Artist’s Guide to Treasures on the Beach by @jessie.regunberg.paints is an awesome book that provides artistic, scientific, geographical and cultural look at seashells. Based on the title, I really thought this book would just be pretty pictures of seashells. But I learned so much reading it. As a child, I would look at a seashell as an abandoned (hopefully) home that was lying on the sand waiting to be collected for my little childlike museum collection. But seashells are alive! Many of their colors are determined by what they eat and some of them can even be dangerous to humans! The more colorful the seashell the more variety it has in its diet.
The artwork in the book is gorgeous. It will have you ready to create travel plans just to jet-set to the part of the world where a particular beautiful shell exists so you can see it in real life.
Reading books like this is definitely why I have a shirt that says “I Read Books and Know Things.” Because I learned a lot about how integral shells are and have been to human culture. We not only collect them, but we eat them, use them for fashion, money, furniture design inspiration and create art with them.
I love that at the end of the book, there is a guide for how to properly collect abandoned shells (leave the ones clinging to rocks for dear life alone…because they are actually clinging on for dear life folks). If you have extended time on a seashore, the author recommends collecting at night under the moonlight. I’m definitely adding that to my bucket list.
After reading this book, I could definitely be persuaded to watch a TV episode titled “The Secret Lives of Shells.” For me seashells have always represented the best part of going to the beach. Collecting the “ocean’s gems” and looking for beautiful surprises in the sand.
Searching for Seashells: an Artist’s Guide to Treasures on the Beach by @jessie.regunberg.paints is an awesome book that provides artistic, scientific, geographical and cultural look at seashells. Based on the title, I really thought this book would just be pretty pictures of seashells. But I learned so much reading it. As a child, I would look at a seashell as an abandoned (hopefully) home that was lying on the sand waiting to be collected for my little childlike museum collection. But seashells are alive! Many of their colors are determined by what they eat and some of them can even be dangerous to humans! The more colorful the seashell the more variety it has in its diet.
The artwork in the book is gorgeous. It will have you ready to create travel plans just to jet-set to the part of the world where a particular beautiful shell exists so you can see it in real life.
Reading books like this is definitely why I have a shirt that says “I Read Books and Know Things.” Because I learned a lot about how integral shells are and have been to human culture. We not only collect them, but we eat them, use them for fashion, money, furniture design inspiration and create art with them.
I love that at the end of the book, there is a guide for how to properly collect abandoned shells (leave the ones clinging to rocks for dear life alone…because they are actually clinging on for dear life folks). If you have extended time on a seashore, the author recommends collecting at night under the moonlight. I’m definitely adding that to my bucket list.
April 28, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Searching for Seashells is an attractive, engaging, and well written book about seashells by artist/illustrator Jessie King Regunberg. Released 23rd April 2024 by Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in hardcover format.
The author is adept at portraying mollusks (and their shells) realistically and identifiably, and at the same time the illustrations are colorful and slightly whimsical. They're not hyper-realistic, like a lot of natural science drawings, but they are full of detail and color. The illustrations are arranged thematically from a general overview of the different classes of molluscs, through to the more specific genera, from top shelled species through deep sea snails (and literally everything in between).
The author has also included a short chapter on collecting, crafting, and storing shells. This is not a tutorial guide for drawing or painting shells; it's a book full of beautifully rendered artist paintings of different shells (and to a lesser degree how to collect, display, and use them).
There is some amount of information on the biology of the different types of molluscs and where they live and their life cycles, but it's easy to understand and read (not difficult biology and no binomial Latin species names).
Four stars. Attractive and well written. It's *not* a book for artists to copy or paint from.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Searching for Seashells is an attractive, engaging, and well written book about seashells by artist/illustrator Jessie King Regunberg. Released 23rd April 2024 by Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in hardcover format.
The author is adept at portraying mollusks (and their shells) realistically and identifiably, and at the same time the illustrations are colorful and slightly whimsical. They're not hyper-realistic, like a lot of natural science drawings, but they are full of detail and color. The illustrations are arranged thematically from a general overview of the different classes of molluscs, through to the more specific genera, from top shelled species through deep sea snails (and literally everything in between).
The author has also included a short chapter on collecting, crafting, and storing shells. This is not a tutorial guide for drawing or painting shells; it's a book full of beautifully rendered artist paintings of different shells (and to a lesser degree how to collect, display, and use them).
There is some amount of information on the biology of the different types of molluscs and where they live and their life cycles, but it's easy to understand and read (not difficult biology and no binomial Latin species names).
Four stars. Attractive and well written. It's *not* a book for artists to copy or paint from.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 18, 2024
This book is SO special and so much more than any book about shells I've encountered. So many reviewers are writing about what it is not, but it is exactly what it is not that I LOVE about it! It's no dry field guide to seashells, but as the title indicates, it is a guide to seashells seen through the eyes of one very special artist - both inquisitive on a scientific level and an esthetic level. We are brought on a marvelous journey with Regunberg, marveling along with her at the vast variety of seashells and how that marvel has been influencing people all around the world throughout the ages. The perfect size for a gift book, it is still page upon page of fascinating information. And with each turn of the page I was surprised by how many different levels of inquiry the author takes us on. Art! Architecture! Fashion design! History! Pop culture! Food! It's the kind of book you want on the table for easy access because you will be going back to it time and time again either to read a bit or simply enjoy the hundreds of delightful illustrations. I have already ordered a bunch of copies for my friends as it will be my go-to summer house gift! (I guess that's a spoiler for all my friends who might be reading this...) So grateful for an advanced copy!
July 28, 2024
A beautifully illustrated look at seashells, complete with inspiration for artists of all kinds.
On one level, this book is all about seashells: the different kinds, where to find them, their basic structure, and the animals who live in them. Each shell is illustrated by a gorgeous painting that captures its texture, shape, and colors.
We also learn about how shells are found in everyday life. They appear in paintings (like the Birth of Venus), they are used in jewelry (like cameos and necklaces), and they're found on our dinner tables (clams). Their shapes are seen in the decorative arts (fabrics, fashion, crafts, needlework), in furniture (carved designs), and in architecture (like the Sydney Opera House). Shells also have been used as money and a valued trade item.
The colors and shapes of the shells illustrated in this book offer infinite inspiration for artists of all kinds: painters, weavers, dyers, knitters, embroiderers, wood carvers, and decorators. This is a lovely book that I'll revisit again an again.
Thanks to Workman and the Workman Ambassador Program for the copy of the book.
On one level, this book is all about seashells: the different kinds, where to find them, their basic structure, and the animals who live in them. Each shell is illustrated by a gorgeous painting that captures its texture, shape, and colors.
We also learn about how shells are found in everyday life. They appear in paintings (like the Birth of Venus), they are used in jewelry (like cameos and necklaces), and they're found on our dinner tables (clams). Their shapes are seen in the decorative arts (fabrics, fashion, crafts, needlework), in furniture (carved designs), and in architecture (like the Sydney Opera House). Shells also have been used as money and a valued trade item.
The colors and shapes of the shells illustrated in this book offer infinite inspiration for artists of all kinds: painters, weavers, dyers, knitters, embroiderers, wood carvers, and decorators. This is a lovely book that I'll revisit again an again.
Thanks to Workman and the Workman Ambassador Program for the copy of the book.
April 18, 2024
Like another artist's book celebrating assemblage, CHIHULY: AN ARTIST COLLECTS, this charming compendium of "treasures on the beach" is a wonderful celebration of one artist's love of what can be found walking along the seashore. When that artist, Jessie King Regunberg, is also a history academician, you get a much more expansive look at the world of seashells than just particular kinds of shells -- though the paintings of the crazy variety are extensive and gorgeous. I learned how Tun shells got their name, that the fancy-schmancy style of art and architecture of the 18th century -- Rococo -- comes from the French word for broken shells, and that the oldest animal in recorded history was a 507-year-old clam! SEARCHING FOR SEASHELLS is an artist's collection of her paintings and anecdotes about these wondrous creatures. A lovely volume to dip in and out of as you plan your next sojourn by the sea and a perfect hostess gift for your friend with a beach house.
September 30, 2023
This is a sweet little book that was not what I expected. Since it said it’s an artist’s guide, I thought there would be some sort of artistic element— tutorials on how to draw or paint shells, ideas for ways to use them in your art, etc. Instead, it is a guide to all kinds of shells that is illustrated with the author’s paintings of shells. There is interesting trivia throughout, including tidbits about how shells were used in art at times throughout history (like this kind was used for jewelry and this one for making musical instruments). It is marketed as a gift book and would make a nice gift for an artist or she’ll collector. I could see it as a coffee table book at a seaside cottage too.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
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January 3, 2024This book caught my eye because these kinds of books are rather hard to find, so I couldn't help but take a look at this one exactly for that same reason. The few facts I know about this topic are what I have picked playing Animal Crossing, so it was a nice surprise to find out some familiar names. This book has tons of interesting information, facts, and cute illustrations about seashells that show the love from the eye of the author making it. I'm not sure if I would use it with my little students but definitely with the adult ones.
April 17, 2024
A beautifully illustrated book with fun and interesting tidbits about all types of shells! This is a perfect coffee table book or gift for your seashell loving pal. Definitely a book you can pick up time and time again and learn something new or just admire the beautiful artwork.
April 18, 2024
I have read many books on seashells and this is my favorite by far. The illustrations are fabulous. The breadth of seashells and the anecdotes for each one are exceptional. The harp shell was my favorite!
September 9, 2024
This one had me wanting to go down to the beach and explore rock pools to see what I could find. It is beautifully illustrated with just the right amount of information for browsing and appreciating.
April 17, 2024
Absolutely love the illustrations, and my kids can't get enough of it!
April 18, 2024
A perfect gift book for anyone in your life who is curious and loves interesting facts and charming paintings of everyday things. I am getting this book for every hostess gift I need this summer!
May 27, 2024
Charming book for anyone who loves shiny things and hoards natural trinkets. Beautifully illustrated and written.
May 31, 2025
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I liked the artwork. This was a good introduction to seashells and little bits about their use in history, pop culture, and project ideas. I don't know how viable it is if everyone wanted to start taking the shells they find at the beach and hoard them for themselves, but I suppose that's a separate discussion. I would have liked more information about the relative sizing of more of the species. I wouldn't recommend this as a full guide for someone who wants to specifically identify shells, especially since there are no actual pictures. For just a casual person who doesn't need too much info, it'll do. 3.5 stars.
I liked the artwork. This was a good introduction to seashells and little bits about their use in history, pop culture, and project ideas. I don't know how viable it is if everyone wanted to start taking the shells they find at the beach and hoard them for themselves, but I suppose that's a separate discussion. I would have liked more information about the relative sizing of more of the species. I wouldn't recommend this as a full guide for someone who wants to specifically identify shells, especially since there are no actual pictures. For just a casual person who doesn't need too much info, it'll do. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews