A House for Hermit Crab

K-Gr 2—This classic Eric Carle circle story (S. & S., 1987) gets new life in this visually stimulating production that spotlights the challenges of growing up. One January, after realizing his shell is too tight, Hermit Crab steps out onto the ocean floor in search of a new home. He's nervous about making such a big change and being all alone. In early February, he finds a new, larger house. However, it's very plain looking. Hermit Crab sets out to beautify his new abode, adding a different sea creature to his shell each month. He befriends a sea anemone, a starfish, some coral, a snail, a sea urchin, a lantern fish, and some pebbles. By the year's end, his shell is quite beautiful, but he discovers that once again, it feels too tight. When a small crab passes by and promises to look after his friends, Hermit Crab once again moves out and begins searching for a new place. This time, he's optimistic about all the new friends he might meet—sponges, barnacles, clownfish, eels, and sand dollars. Carle's vibrant tissue paper collage artwork shines in this production, and the underwater animals' bright colors stand out against a white ocean backdrop. A bonus segment features facts about each of the creatures Hermit Crab meets.