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Children's Literature
Few beach vacationers can resist picking up sea shells that waves have washed onto the sand. These shells often make their way to home collections or show and tell at school. Whatever age, the beachcomber cannot help but wonder what critter lived in the shell, how it ate and traveled or if the shell grew with it. This lovely book, part of the "About" series, shows mollusks in their natural habitats and tells the very young reader all about them, whether they are marine or fresh water mollusks. Mollusks which do not have shells—such as octopuses, nudibranchs (sea slugs), garden slugs and squid, and mollusks that do—conchs, welks, snails—are all covered. The beauty of this book is that it can be read to children who are not yet reading; a quality book for preschool or kindergarten is rare. At the same time, the book does not talk down to its audience. Animals are identified with common names. More information about each remarkably- illustrated mollusk is at the back of this well-written, beautifully illustrated, and well-planned book. Children (or teachers or parents) can gain as much information as they desire and children will enjoy the book as they grow. This particular book is so fine it makes me want to see the rest of the series. What a wonderful tool to use while looking over that seashell collection or aquarium exhibit. The book includes a bibliography and a list of websites. 2005, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 3 to 8.—Judy Crowder