Ocean Commotion

Gr 1-3 A molting hermit crab is searching through a splendidly colored seascape for a new shell to replace the one it has outgrown. Among other things, the perky heroine "tiptoed through a garden of anemones," "waved to a family of cleaner shrimp," and "danced across the bottom" where she finally found a vacant conch shell that was a perfect fit. Vivid illustrations fill the spreads, and all the creatures have faces with expressive mouths and searching eyes. The red grouper with blue spots and the accompanying red-and-yellow cleaner shrimp pop off the pages. The nighttime view of the reef is beautiful, and the glossary will help with words like "copepods" and "bioluminescence." Endpapers contain serious talk about the endangered coral reefs of the world, and the author has referenced international organizations working to combat their destruction.-"Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.