Seashells: More Than a Home

by Melissa Stewart, Sarah S. Brannen (Illustrator)

Prolific, award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart reveals the surprising ways seashells provide more than shelter to the mollusks that inhabit them.

Young naturalists discover thirteen seashells in this elegant introduction to the remarkable versatility of shells. Dual-layered text highlights how shells provide more than a protective home in this expository nonfiction exploration. The informative secondary text underscores characteristics specific to each shell. Elegant watercolor illustrations create a scrapbook feel, depicting children from around the world observing and sketching seashells across shores.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Childrens, Stem, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2019

About the author

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 180 science and nature books for children. She offers a wide range of programs for schools, libraries, nature centers, and conferences. www.melissa-stewart.com"

Reviews

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this nonfiction picture book about 13 different shells. The beautiful illustrations and sidebars add to the text that reads like a story.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than Feathers: Not Just for Flying I think. Illustrations that are both appealing and clearly show what the shell does and something else that does the same thing that a child might know about (drill, crowbar, camouflage, etc.). Excellent after-matter. And the text is also clearly written and almost all of it was brand-new information to me! (!)

From the bibliography, the book I'm most interested in is Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells. And of course I will read more by these creators.

Recommended to all, not just children and educators.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a triple excitement for me. I loved Melissa Stewart's Feathers: Not Just for Flying, certainly her other books, too, and when I read that she was doing a similar book about seashells. I made sure to remember it was coming. Then, as I was getting ready to find it, either at my favorite Indie or at the library, I received a copy from Charlesbridge, a book dream realized. Thank you, Charlesbridge. Finally, when reading the illustrator's note, Sarah S. Brannen shared that she spent time drawing for this book on Captiva Island. My family and I have spent time there nearly every summer for a long time. I was thrilled and I recognize many of the shells in this book that we see there and collect. The book is a treasure that will travel with us this summer, will help us learn more than we have before.
All along the way, Sarah's realistic and soft watercolor illustrations take children with their sketchbooks learning at the beach as Melissa writes about the kinds of shells and the jobs they do. She makes a statement about a particular kind of shell, then explains further in a brief paragraph. Sarah adds to the description with a small visual of a sketchbook page, (as if the kids have drawn it). Pages vary; some are underwater showing the creatures, some are on the beach with the kids, and others mix it up with all three. But they all show and teach in realistic ways. While it is sometimes challenging to imagine that live creatures live in these interesting and variously-shaped shells, Melissa tells what they do, why they need to, where they go for safety (not only in the shell), and how their attributes help the mollusks survive.
For example, Melissa writes: "Seashells can flit and flutter like a butterfly. . ." and explains that a scallop spends much time lying on the ocean floor, but can clap its valves together (in, out, in, out) to propel itself to safety. She adds more information and Sarah illustrates the underwater scene of scallops while the sketchbook demonstrates the propelling. Above is a glimpse of one of the final double-page spreads as the words share about the strength of seashells, which "protect like a fortress". Perhaps the children are off to show others their sketches and what they've discovered?
Endpapers show the geography of the shells, habitats all over the world. And the back cover continues the beauty of the cover. Simple explanations with clear illustrations make this a terrific book for learning and for yearning, to go to the beach! Thanks, Melissa Stewart and Sarah Brannen for your marvelous new book.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that seashells can help animals rise and fall like a submarine? Or sink and stay steady like an anchor? As a young child, I loved collecting seashells. This book is perfect for developing enquiring minds, helping children think about design and engineering in nature.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous example of compare/contrast nonfiction text structure. If it's NF by Melissa Stewart, it's gonna be good!

[Brenda Kahn]

Engaging and informative book about a variety of mollusks.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seashells: More Than a Home by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2019. $16. 9781580898102

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Such a lovely variety of seashells populate our world. Stewart compares several different kinds of shells (and the creatures that populate them) to things that we as humans also do.

The information on the page will be the spark for a great science lesson both in elementary schools and middle schools. The back matter contains a great short piece about the importance of research and how long it can last! I like having Brannen’s illustrations instead of photographs.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was once a man, a great uncle, with a gift for working with wood. Everything he made was refined, smooth as silk and any seams were nearly invisible. He crafted a set of stackable tray display cases from rich, burnished wood. They were for a little girl, a girl who loved seashells.

She lined those cases with black velvet to focus attention on the varied textures and colors of the seashells. Each seashell was carefully labeled. The girl, until she was in college, only visited the seashore once, but family and friends knew of her collection, bringing her treasures from their trips. Seashells More Than a Home (Charlesbridge, April 2, 2019) written by Melissa Stewart with illustrations by Sarah S. Brannen is the second collaboration by this outstanding duo. (Their first, Feathers Not Just For Flying, is the recipient of multiple awards.) This book, like those seashells saved by that girl, is a compilation of wondrous information and watercolor paintings guaranteed to have all readers walking along the seashore with new eyes.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seashells is a non-fiction picture book. Both the author Melissa Stewart and illustrator Sarah S. Brannen researched their topic well before completing this title. Brannen chose watercolor for the illustrations which are done in tones which suggest the beach. Stewart includes many different types of seashells and provides a great description of them. Her descriptions include comparisons to objects in order to help the reader better understand the shell.
I appreciate that both the author and the illustrator included sources for further research, improving the books value as a non-fiction book.
I would not hesitate to add Seashells: More Than a Home to my K-12 Christian School library. I will be including it in my Mock Caldecott unit this fall. It is also on the list for the 2020-2021 Land of Enchantment award.
I received a copy of Seashells: More Than a Home because I am a member of the Land Of Enchantment Committee. This is my honest review.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of wonderful information with clear illustrations. Great correlations between how shells help / work with other familiar things; e.g., butterfly and scallop movement. It is easy to adapt how much you read depending on the age of the child. Living in the northwest, armadillos aren't widely known by preschoolers but describing the chiton as a roly-poly or potato bug worked (and the 5-year-old learned a little about armadillos along with this mollusk). Types of mollusks at the end is a good addition and a chance to see the variety of shapes. The definition of seashell and mollusk, particularly mollusk, would be better at the beginning to help with understanding what it is. We flipped to the back for this and then back to the beginning. End papers show the habitats and ranges of different mollusks.

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I am a fan of @melissastewartscience and how she is making us rethink non-fiction. My latest read in a landlocked province seashells didn’t disappoint. In this book seashells are compared to tools, subs, animals and various other objects and concepts. It allows readers to think about their world in a different way and how seashells have adapted to survive. Susan S. Brannen provide a diversity of children looking at shells and different perspectives from up close or to a scene on a beach with a nature sketchbook with the different seashells. The inside covers optics a map where each of the shells live and at the end we are given a brief explanation of the five kinds of seashells. One should also share the authors and illustrators note as they share their connections to seashells and how the book came to be. Another great addition to classrooms and libraries.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever been to a beach, you have probably found and looked at seashells. If you are like me, you have collected many, and sat an looked closely at their shapes and sizes. Have you ever wondered why there are so many different shell shapes? This book show you what the shapes of shells do for the animal that lives within the shell using human life examples of how they work. A shell that pries like a crowbar, or bores holes like a drill bit.

In addition to the information shared through simple phrases and deeper explanations, the illustrations are inviting, beautiful, and incredible realistic created with lovely watercolors that transport you to the beach.

This is a sort of sequel to Feathers: Not just for Flying.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gem! As a seashell-collecting kid, I know I would have adored this book. Even as an adult, I learned several new things.

Today, unfortunately, seashell-wearing mollusks are collected at unsustainable levels to supply the decorative shell market, endangering some species. This book doesn't delve into that, but it is reminder that a seashell is a home, and it serves its resident in a variety of different ways. Happily, the book only depicts seashell collecting in the context of finding cast-off shells on the beach, or sketching pictures of seashell-wearing animals.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soft watercolor illustrations lend themselves to another powerful book by the team that made Feathers: Not Just for Flying. In the background and foreground the humans, animals and machines subtly reinforce the characteristics of the shells, "pry like a crowbar," "flit and flutter like a butterfly," and "belch out waste like a ship's smokestack." This adds depth to the concepts, making it an engaging and really informative nonfiction book!

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic informational picture book. I loved how the author compared the different types of shells to things that children would be familiar with (anchors, spy disguises, windows, etc). There was the perfect amount of info in each page to keep my preschoolers engaged. It would also be a good book for older elementary age children who could really get into the facts a bit more.
The illustrations offer both a view of the shells in their natural habitats and a detail drawing of the comparison on the page as well as the shells particular mechanics. We also loved the inner cover illustrations showing maps of where each shell is found.

[Christine L. Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved walking along the beach and collecting shells so I was naturally drawn to this book. The loose storyline as shown through the illustrations follows a group of kids as they find and draw images of the shells. However, it does not have a plot per se, instead, it's a factual guide on shells that tell more than the genus and look of the shelled creature.

If you read to a child, who loves visiting the seashore, this is a book they will love. It gives details that are age-appropriate and give more meaning to their next shell search. The list of additional books on the topic at the end can further the child's learning.

A great book for the shell collector!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of wish she defined mollusk at the beginning of the book since she uses the word throughout, but it's a beautiful book. It gives solid and easy to understand examples, the main font is clearly differentiated from the notes, but both are large and legible.

It's also always fun to get to learn new things from a picture book. I have an abalone shell, but never knew what the holes were for! Or why cockle shells are so fragile looking.

And there's a partial bibliography both for the author and the illustrator, huzzah! (I was dithering 4 or 5 and this pushed me to round up to five.)

When things are open and it's properly safe again I want to hit the Harvard Museum of Natural History!

[Ms. Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seashells are among the most familiar treasures one can find on the beach. While they provide a home for mollusks, they can also do a number of weird, wonderful things! Seashells can pry open other shells like a crowbar, curl up like an armadillo, and even let light in! Beautifully illustrated, this book introduces you to 13 different species from around the globe.

This review originally posted at Bookworms in the 'Burg: https://bookwormsintheburg.blogspot.c...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this kind of book to my preschool kids, and a bit into early elementary. Good artwork, interesting topic, and a variety of levels at which to engage. Bit words on the page give you a little, and then there's a box with more detail for the more patient kid, and finally the back pages are a source for even more information. It's lovely and well done and an very entice look at the science behind seashells.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so many cool things from this book! I've loved seashells for as long as I can remember, first because my older sister loved them, and then from beachcombing with my grandma throughout my childhood. Everything I learn about them fascinates me, from how they provide a home for their residents to how important crushed seashells are to the environment. This beautifully illustrated children's book taught me some more awesome facts.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We tend to think of seashells as inert static objects, almost as if we imagined birds only as feathers. Stewart and Brannan bring to life the overlooked fact that shells are animated by the animals that live inside them and that their shapes have functions and dynamic qualities we too often overlook.

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous nonfiction picture book! It's a celebration of the diversity among things we tend to class all together: seashells. With accessible similes, clear and vivid explanations, and beautiful, delicate art, Stewart and Brannen reveal the varied functions shells perform. A lovely reminder that life on earth is creative and adaptable.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited about this book. I live in the mountains, near no oceans and the sea is a treat for me!
I collected seashells for both sides of the Gulf Coast (both sides) Atlantic and Pacific.
However, this book was just the dreaded okay. I liked it but didn't drool over it like I thought I would!
Oh well!

[Jes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't storytime material, but I think the illustrations are lovely and the facts aren't overly complicated. I think this is a good gateway book for kids getting into biology or any animal science.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning book from a talented team! Melissa Stewart is a gifted author/scientist, and Sarah Brannen's illustrations bring the research to life! I enjoyed the structure of this book through its use of similes.

[B.J. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating! I’ve always wondered about seashells but never took the time to research them. This book gives a wealth of information and helps me understand seashells better. Another excellent book from Melissa Stewart!

[Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher*

This book would be a wonderful addition to studies of marine life, or when considering how to study and sketch nature. The author and illustrator notes are interesting, and there are a couple of pages of back matter.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randomly found this at the library. Its a quick read but had a good amount of information about various seashells. To bad I didn't read this before my trip to the beach. Overall this was an enjoyable read.

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I did a project on feathers a few months back for our children's library, Melissa Stewart's book was the best I found in the topic. This month I did a project with seashells. Again, hers is one of the better books I found on the topic for kids.

[Bmack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice nonfiction book about different seashells. Each two page spread has a sentence telling what a seashell can do and highlights one type by giving a description of that seashell and it's qualities. The illustrations are beautifully done in water colors.