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Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab by Kaye, Daniel Sean (2014) Paperback
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First published March 18, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 12, 2015
this is a little picture book about hermit crabs and some misconceptions that people have about them.
apparently, people think hermit crabs just sit around and aren't much fun. but this belief is incorrect, as the book will give us fact after fact about what hermit crabs are actually like: about their love of dance and their rich interior lives in which they dream they are astronauts and their moderately successful attempts at karate and their ability to control people's minds, and also that
hermit crabs often get dressed up because they feel fashion is fun
and also that they are afraid of shadows
sooooo basically, this is a book that is full of lies and cute pictures followed by one page of true facts that begin with the sentence:
while this book is silly fun, caring for your hermit crab is serious business!
and it is! because all of these statements about hermit crabs may in fact be true, but my poor hermit crab shelley, sadly passed before i was able to experience any of these things with her(?). she was given to me by well-intentioned grandparents with no instruction manual and while it was very cool to let her walk around on my hand and climb up the bars of her cage and watch her move into bigger shells whenever she got her hermit crab raise or whatever, i didn't really know what i was doing, and she was living on my screened-in back porch for the summer and we were planning to bring her inside to live for the season THE VERY NEXT DAY when a freak cold snap overnight did her in. and i cried.
so. if you want your hermit crab to live long enough to run for office, which is something this book would have you believe they will do if they don't freeze to death in september - please find out how to properly care for your little friend. and that pretty much goes for any pet. be smart about it. otherwise, you will cry.
thanks for the heads-up, hanne!
apparently, people think hermit crabs just sit around and aren't much fun. but this belief is incorrect, as the book will give us fact after fact about what hermit crabs are actually like: about their love of dance and their rich interior lives in which they dream they are astronauts and their moderately successful attempts at karate and their ability to control people's minds, and also that
hermit crabs often get dressed up because they feel fashion is fun
and also that they are afraid of shadows
sooooo basically, this is a book that is full of lies and cute pictures followed by one page of true facts that begin with the sentence:
while this book is silly fun, caring for your hermit crab is serious business!
and it is! because all of these statements about hermit crabs may in fact be true, but my poor hermit crab shelley, sadly passed before i was able to experience any of these things with her(?). she was given to me by well-intentioned grandparents with no instruction manual and while it was very cool to let her walk around on my hand and climb up the bars of her cage and watch her move into bigger shells whenever she got her hermit crab raise or whatever, i didn't really know what i was doing, and she was living on my screened-in back porch for the summer and we were planning to bring her inside to live for the season THE VERY NEXT DAY when a freak cold snap overnight did her in. and i cried.
so. if you want your hermit crab to live long enough to run for office, which is something this book would have you believe they will do if they don't freeze to death in september - please find out how to properly care for your little friend. and that pretty much goes for any pet. be smart about it. otherwise, you will cry.
thanks for the heads-up, hanne!
August 28, 2016
It’s a sad fact of my life that I do not know anyone who has a hermit crab as a pet. It’s probably even sadder that this picture book didn’t exist when I was a kid, or I would have wanted one.
That would have been so much better than what we had when i very young: we had an aquarium with a walking stick insect, but I don’t think I ever saw the damn thing – to me, it looked like an aquarium full of the sticks and the branches we just picked up from the forest! (To note: My parents and older siblings insist there really was one, and that they didn't make it up to tease their gullible little sister. I'm still not totally convinced).
This book makes me think that hermit crabs are cool. Because they want to be astronauts, they like to dance with disco-balls turning above their heads, and they think that the moon is made out of cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, Mexican and trace amounts of Gorgonzola to be exact – sadly, none of the moon is made out of Mozzarella).
I doubt our (presumably existing) walking stick ever thought about moon travels, and what he would eat there!?
This little picture book is creative, and really fun to read. It makes you realize that hermit crabs, aren't all that different from us. They even like comic books!
----
EDIT: These animals are amazing, and very inventive when there is housing shortage (which is actually kind of sad, but still!)
Just to be clear, none of the below has anything to do with the book though.
Next year in the superbowl: a budweiser crab friendship!
With invisibility cloak.
A real life lego house!
Screw it!
Shame about the smell, but otherwise cosy
That would have been so much better than what we had when i very young: we had an aquarium with a walking stick insect, but I don’t think I ever saw the damn thing – to me, it looked like an aquarium full of the sticks and the branches we just picked up from the forest! (To note: My parents and older siblings insist there really was one, and that they didn't make it up to tease their gullible little sister. I'm still not totally convinced).
This book makes me think that hermit crabs are cool. Because they want to be astronauts, they like to dance with disco-balls turning above their heads, and they think that the moon is made out of cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, Mexican and trace amounts of Gorgonzola to be exact – sadly, none of the moon is made out of Mozzarella).
I doubt our (presumably existing) walking stick ever thought about moon travels, and what he would eat there!?
This little picture book is creative, and really fun to read. It makes you realize that hermit crabs, aren't all that different from us. They even like comic books!
----
EDIT: These animals are amazing, and very inventive when there is housing shortage (which is actually kind of sad, but still!)
Just to be clear, none of the below has anything to do with the book though.
Next year in the superbowl: a budweiser crab friendship!
With invisibility cloak.
A real life lego house!
Screw it!
Shame about the smell, but otherwise cosy
March 30, 2014
Fun, funny, and inspiring. Great for children and adults.
A timeless message that speaks to everyone. Beautifully playful illustrations.
A timeless message that speaks to everyone. Beautifully playful illustrations.
February 12, 2014
Review also posted at: http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
An in-depth and totally serious examination of hermit crabs and their habits. Non fiction.
Firstly, I suspect someone was having a laugh when they filed this under the “children’s non-fiction” category in the Netgalley catalogue. This little book takes a hilarious look at all the less well-known talents and hobbies in which hermit crabs like to indulge. My favourites are karate, comic book criticism and DIY. Once again, the illustrations absolutely make the book. The range of facial expressions possible on a crustacean that essentially lacks a face really shows up the talent of the illustrator. Kudos.
Recommended for: Hermit crab owners and owners-to-be, and all those who like their non-fiction to contain a good dose of fictional content.
I received a digital review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
An in-depth and totally serious examination of hermit crabs and their habits. Non fiction.
Firstly, I suspect someone was having a laugh when they filed this under the “children’s non-fiction” category in the Netgalley catalogue. This little book takes a hilarious look at all the less well-known talents and hobbies in which hermit crabs like to indulge. My favourites are karate, comic book criticism and DIY. Once again, the illustrations absolutely make the book. The range of facial expressions possible on a crustacean that essentially lacks a face really shows up the talent of the illustrator. Kudos.
Recommended for: Hermit crab owners and owners-to-be, and all those who like their non-fiction to contain a good dose of fictional content.
December 12, 2013
This is a wonderful, heart-warming and funny story about the secret lives of Hermit Crabs. The art is minimalistic and brilliant!
February 10, 2014
Oh my gosh, this is too cute! I will definitely be recommending this one. The eyes are the best part.
January 2, 2014
Fun book! Creative kids book written by a good friend. Looking forward to his next effort!
March 8, 2014
Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab is a delightful picturebook by Daniel Sean Kaye, and is scheduled for release on March 18th 2014. You might think that hermit crabs are among the most dull and boring pets. However, you should know that behind those shells, there are adventurous astronauts, disco-dancing dynamos, and critters that just love being stylish. Take a quick peek into the secret lives of hermit crabs and you will find a lot more than you'd imagine!
Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab is a picturebook that surprised me. When I looked at the black and white over I did not have high hopes, however the illustrations inside were charming and sometimes quite funny. I loved the idea of hermit crabs being aspiring astronauts and martial artists. The connection between boring looking hermit crabs and their interesting lives to the children that could be reading or listening to the story makes the story even more impressive to me. The book is fairly simple, but that is a part of its charm. I really enjoyed this book, and think that children that read or hear this book will be begging for a new pet in short order.
I highly recommend Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab for public library, school, and personal libraries. Te book is charming and includes a care guide for hermit crabs at the end, which will come in handy when they reading of this book inspires the young readers to request a new pet. I think the book will particularly appeal to animal lovers, and has the added bonus of reminding children that people are like hermit crabs, regardless of how we look there is infinite possibilities in each and every one of us.
Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab is a picturebook that surprised me. When I looked at the black and white over I did not have high hopes, however the illustrations inside were charming and sometimes quite funny. I loved the idea of hermit crabs being aspiring astronauts and martial artists. The connection between boring looking hermit crabs and their interesting lives to the children that could be reading or listening to the story makes the story even more impressive to me. The book is fairly simple, but that is a part of its charm. I really enjoyed this book, and think that children that read or hear this book will be begging for a new pet in short order.
I highly recommend Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab for public library, school, and personal libraries. Te book is charming and includes a care guide for hermit crabs at the end, which will come in handy when they reading of this book inspires the young readers to request a new pet. I think the book will particularly appeal to animal lovers, and has the added bonus of reminding children that people are like hermit crabs, regardless of how we look there is infinite possibilities in each and every one of us.
February 28, 2014
(This has also been posted on my blog, where there are actual pictures to go with it! Check it out!)
This is a book about a hermit crab, which, apparently, you should never underestimate. They have elaborate, intricate lives, as you'll know when you've read/looked at the book. I absolutely loved the illustrations. I like the watercolour style, and they were mostly spot-on and quite funny.
I was less happy with the text that came with the pictures. There were just... too many words, and often the sentences seem not polished enough. For example on the second page of text "Now you might think that hermit crabs just sit in their shells, ignorig the world, not doing much of anything". In a children's book like this, I would have preferred something with
way less words.
Another thing I liked was the last page, were the author gave some advice on how to take care of your hermit crab pet. Although there could also be some improvement here as well. He mentions you should check other sources too and some specific recomendations would've made this much more useful. In the end, I don't think I would get this book for the (parents of) young people in my life. The writing style is really not my cup of tea.
Maybe I would get a print for on the wall though, because the hermit crab is a very picture-genic animal. Something that I would've never estimated.
This is a book about a hermit crab, which, apparently, you should never underestimate. They have elaborate, intricate lives, as you'll know when you've read/looked at the book. I absolutely loved the illustrations. I like the watercolour style, and they were mostly spot-on and quite funny.
I was less happy with the text that came with the pictures. There were just... too many words, and often the sentences seem not polished enough. For example on the second page of text "Now you might think that hermit crabs just sit in their shells, ignorig the world, not doing much of anything". In a children's book like this, I would have preferred something with
way less words.
Another thing I liked was the last page, were the author gave some advice on how to take care of your hermit crab pet. Although there could also be some improvement here as well. He mentions you should check other sources too and some specific recomendations would've made this much more useful. In the end, I don't think I would get this book for the (parents of) young people in my life. The writing style is really not my cup of tea.
Maybe I would get a print for on the wall though, because the hermit crab is a very picture-genic animal. Something that I would've never estimated.
February 26, 2014
Do you know that Hermit Crabs can do all sorts of things? Yes they can. Well, probably not the things in this book though.
I requested this book from NetGalley because it sounded cute. And it is, it's full of whimsical pictures with not much of a plot, just random descriptive sentences of hermit crabs. It appeals to the child in me.
Was this book cute? Yes.
Was this book funny? Most of the time.
I believe that to a younger child/the target audience, this book will be entertaining. But if you're a child-at-heart looking for a cute children's book that adults/older folk can read (see Dr. Seuss, especially Oh The Places You'll Go), you may find this a bit too simplistic. If the pictures and/or comments were much more exaggerated, I would have been more amused. As it stands now, hermit crabs just seem like people in crab form.
But this is really my fault for wrongly guessing the kind of book it'll be. It's a charming book and if I was back in Singapore/had child ESL students, I'll definitely be reading this book to them.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
I requested this book from NetGalley because it sounded cute. And it is, it's full of whimsical pictures with not much of a plot, just random descriptive sentences of hermit crabs. It appeals to the child in me.
Was this book cute? Yes.
Was this book funny? Most of the time.
I believe that to a younger child/the target audience, this book will be entertaining. But if you're a child-at-heart looking for a cute children's book that adults/older folk can read (see Dr. Seuss, especially Oh The Places You'll Go), you may find this a bit too simplistic. If the pictures and/or comments were much more exaggerated, I would have been more amused. As it stands now, hermit crabs just seem like people in crab form.
But this is really my fault for wrongly guessing the kind of book it'll be. It's a charming book and if I was back in Singapore/had child ESL students, I'll definitely be reading this book to them.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
February 22, 2014
This is a humorous look at hermit crabs. The author shares many unexpected things that hermit crabs do, such as imagine themselves as astronauts. The page on hermit crabs enjoying fashion reminded me of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems - just the whole idea of animals that don't need clothing. but think it is fun to dress up. The illustrations are funny and it is amazing how much emotion can be shown by critters hidden in shells.
If you know someone who has a hermit crab or is getting one, this would make a very amusing gift. It does include some basic tips on hermit crab care in the back of the book, as well as advice to get more detailed information if you will be caring for one.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you know someone who has a hermit crab or is getting one, this would make a very amusing gift. It does include some basic tips on hermit crab care in the back of the book, as well as advice to get more detailed information if you will be caring for one.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
February 9, 2014
A really fun children's book with extremely cute illustrations that looks into the illusive life of the hermit crab.
"Now you might think that hermit crabs just sit in their shells, ignoring the world, not doing much of anything."
You'd be wrong, read Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab with your kids and see that these quiet, seemingly shy animals are just waiting to bust out of their shells with creativity and imagination. A great story for your own introspective child or anyone interested in caring for a hermit crab. There are even hermit crab care tips at the end.
This book was received for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Now you might think that hermit crabs just sit in their shells, ignoring the world, not doing much of anything."
You'd be wrong, read Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab with your kids and see that these quiet, seemingly shy animals are just waiting to bust out of their shells with creativity and imagination. A great story for your own introspective child or anyone interested in caring for a hermit crab. There are even hermit crab care tips at the end.
This book was received for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2016
Hermit crabs lead much more interesting lives than you would expect. For instance, did you know that hermit crabs often imagine themselves as astronauts? Or that they take karate? Or like to pose in automobiles? Well, they do. Other fun "facts" abound in this special PAWS edition. Black and white cartoon-like illustrations depict the mysterious and mischievous hermit crab as it reveals its many, many secrets. A one-page hermit crab care instruction guide follows. Funny. For more in-depth/serious hermit crab care information, you'll want to supplement this book with another title.
September 10, 2016
Basically this whole book, short in length, contains cheerful humor with common human traits applied to the hermit crabs.
The art, though simple in form, has enjoyable subtleties. Its broad strokes are enjoyably supplemented by bright watercolor fill.
I've spent great 30 minutes with Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab and am looking forward to a new compilation by Daniel Sean Kaye.
The art, though simple in form, has enjoyable subtleties. Its broad strokes are enjoyably supplemented by bright watercolor fill.
I've spent great 30 minutes with Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab and am looking forward to a new compilation by Daniel Sean Kaye.
January 2, 2014
I loved this book. It is sweet and fun.
January 4, 2014
Creative children's book with black and white illustrations that will inspire creative discussion.
February 11, 2014
While the book has its charms (great typography, interesting subject matter, ok art and fun text), I wanted more. More zaniness, cuteness, just more elements to make me smile bigger.
August 5, 2016
What a lovely book. Very inspiring for children. Wonderful drawings and just fun all the way through. I even loved the serious page at the end which really balanced the book out nicely.
February 24, 2014
I got this free from NetGalley.
I loved the art, but the best I could say about the (story?) is that it was cute.
I loved the art, but the best I could say about the (story?) is that it was cute.
February 27, 2014
This was a cute book with hilarious illustrations - showing that hermit crabs are not boring, but indeed have vivid imaginations and know how to have fun!
July 24, 2016
I don't have a lot to say about this. I thought, incorrectly, that it would be a picture book that related with humor some educational facts about hermit crabs.
For the most part, it was just funny ideas about hermit crabs that had no nonfiction or educational value.
Some of it was clearly in jest, but I wondered if I would want to buy a book like this for a child. While hermit crabs are pretty amazing (and I wouldn't want them to be underestimated), I would probably gravitate toward something equally as cute, but with some more educational and accurate information.
Happily, the end of the book does cover these issues and give some information that is more illuminating, but there is not much to it. Overall, I felt like the book could have been more in many ways. The illustrations were cute though.
I was able to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks Netgalley!
For the most part, it was just funny ideas about hermit crabs that had no nonfiction or educational value.
Some of it was clearly in jest, but I wondered if I would want to buy a book like this for a child. While hermit crabs are pretty amazing (and I wouldn't want them to be underestimated), I would probably gravitate toward something equally as cute, but with some more educational and accurate information.
Happily, the end of the book does cover these issues and give some information that is more illuminating, but there is not much to it. Overall, I felt like the book could have been more in many ways. The illustrations were cute though.
I was able to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks Netgalley!
April 9, 2014
I was given the opportunity to own this book through the "First Reads" program here on Goodreads.
Without ever opening this book, I' could have rated it. I would give it four stars on the title alone. I thinks it's fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't think the story lived up to the potential in the title. I enjoyed the simple style of the story and illustrations. But I think the things that the author chose to have hermit crabs do, could have been better chosen. At the end, the moral of the story is not to underestimate what you, the reader, can do. But the things a hermit crab can do were quite random, some funny, some silly, but I really didn't feel that any of them were in line with the theme implied in the title or the moral at the end.
But, overall, this book is simple, cute and, again, has a great title!
Without ever opening this book, I' could have rated it. I would give it four stars on the title alone. I thinks it's fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't think the story lived up to the potential in the title. I enjoyed the simple style of the story and illustrations. But I think the things that the author chose to have hermit crabs do, could have been better chosen. At the end, the moral of the story is not to underestimate what you, the reader, can do. But the things a hermit crab can do were quite random, some funny, some silly, but I really didn't feel that any of them were in line with the theme implied in the title or the moral at the end.
But, overall, this book is simple, cute and, again, has a great title!
July 16, 2014
Never Underestimate a Hermit Crab could not possibly be a simpler story. The simplicity of the story makes it absolutely hysterical. I found myself shaking my head as another dream of a hermit crab was shared. I can see students laughing hysterically at this story. While simple, I appreciate that a motivational aspect was introduced at at the end. I did find it odd that caring instructions for a hermit crab were included in the end. But, maybe, the dream of a reader of this book will be to be a hermit crab owner.
August 28, 2016
Pure silly and oh so much fun. When I picked up this book I was expecting something a little more serious about the true nature of hermit crabs. It's been awhile since I've been so pleased to NOT have my expectations met.
My students will be in line to read this one and will, no doubt, return later to see the illustrations over and over again. Those who don't already want a hermit crab for a pet will certainly want one after reading this. Fortunately, there's a page in the back with tips for caring for your hermit crab.
My students will be in line to read this one and will, no doubt, return later to see the illustrations over and over again. Those who don't already want a hermit crab for a pet will certainly want one after reading this. Fortunately, there's a page in the back with tips for caring for your hermit crab.
April 21, 2015
I absolutely love this book! As a hermit crab owner, I know how unique these creatures are. But even if you do not have hermit crabs of your own, that will surely not stop you from enjoying this delightful, creative book! Who knew crustaceans could be so very sassy?? Whimsical drawings add to the overall playful tone of this book, and the end of the book contains useful tips for hermit crab owners or owners-to-be. Even just writing about it makes me want to read it again! Highly recommend this book for children and adults!
February 12, 2014
This book is simple, and it's silly. Parts made me laugh out loud. I'd never read or seen the comic strips by Kaye before, so this was all new to me. I enjoyed it. Any kid who has or likes hermit crabs should like it too. My favourite part is that Kaye includes instructions on how to care for a hermit crab if you decide to get one as a pet. Rarely do authors take the time and responsibility to do such a thing.
March 29, 2014
I won this book as a goodreads giveaway.
Cute little book. It is a great book for a young child that has or is getting a hermit crab as a pet. I thought it was neat that there is useful information about hermit crab care in the back of the book.
Cute little book. It is a great book for a young child that has or is getting a hermit crab as a pet. I thought it was neat that there is useful information about hermit crab care in the back of the book.
October 24, 2014
Outstanding!
January 7, 2014
A great book- wonderfully written and illustrated...it is funny and inspiring.....appropriate for all ages....can't wait for his next book!!
October 30, 2014
I never knew hermit crabs were so imaginative! ;) Reminds me of Marcel the Shell...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews