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Shells... and what they hide inside: A Lift-the-Flap Adventure
A richly illustrated, informative, and interactive introduction to shells for children aged 2-4 with over 40 interactive flaps In this board book companion to What a Shell Can Tell , award-winning marine biologist and documentary maker, Helen Scales, introduces children ages 2-4 to the wonders of shells. With over 40 flaps to lift creating interactive opportunities on every page, stunningly lifelike illustrations, children are encouraged to observe, engage with, and understand a range of shells and environments. From where shells are found and who lives in them, to what a shell’s look and feel can reveal about its inhabitant and environment. The book expands on a child’s natural instinct for collecting things, nurturing their interest and curiosity in nature by giving them simple observation skills that will help them to explore the connections between objects found in nature and the wider ecosystem, as well as building their vocabulary. With a timely message of environmental stewardship combined with stunning illustrations, this book encourages children to explore and care about the world around them. Ages 2-4
16 pages, Board Book
Published April 17, 2024
2 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Helen Scales
23 books235 followersIn their review of my first book, Poseidon’s Steed, the Economist called me “The aptly named Helen Scales” and I guess they’re right. I do have a bit of a thing about fish (get it?).
Across the airways and in print, I’m noted for my distinctive and occasionally offbeat voice that combines a scuba diver’s devotion to exploring the oceans, a scientist’s geeky attention to detail, a conservationist’s angst about the state of the planet, and a storyteller’s obsession with words and ideas.
I have a Cambridge PhD and a monofin, I’ve drunk champagne with David Attenborough and talked seahorse sex on the Diane Rehm show. I spent four years (on and off) chasing after big fish in Borneo and another year cataloguing marine life surrounding 100 Andaman Sea islands.
These days I write books and articles, I make podcasts and radio, travel the world in search of stories, and do my best to spend as much time as I can in the sea as a scuba diver, free diver and rookie surfer. I’m a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the steering committee for the Museum of Curiosity. I’m also a proud aunt, I sew dresses, grow organic vegetables, put on high heels and dance Argentine tango, play piano, sing in the shower, and make a mess in a printmaking studio.
Across the airways and in print, I’m noted for my distinctive and occasionally offbeat voice that combines a scuba diver’s devotion to exploring the oceans, a scientist’s geeky attention to detail, a conservationist’s angst about the state of the planet, and a storyteller’s obsession with words and ideas.
I have a Cambridge PhD and a monofin, I’ve drunk champagne with David Attenborough and talked seahorse sex on the Diane Rehm show. I spent four years (on and off) chasing after big fish in Borneo and another year cataloguing marine life surrounding 100 Andaman Sea islands.
These days I write books and articles, I make podcasts and radio, travel the world in search of stories, and do my best to spend as much time as I can in the sea as a scuba diver, free diver and rookie surfer. I’m a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the steering committee for the Museum of Curiosity. I’m also a proud aunt, I sew dresses, grow organic vegetables, put on high heels and dance Argentine tango, play piano, sing in the shower, and make a mess in a printmaking studio.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 14, 2022
I would have loved this as a shells (and rocks!) loving child and I think today’s kids will enjoy it too.
I learned a lot of information I hadn’t known. I would have liked knowing all these facts when I was young and spent a lot of time at beaches.
There is a lot of information provided and interesting detailed illustrations of many shells. There is a world map at the end with where shells are found but it’s not even close to comprehensive. Only one type of shell is shown for even close to my area and I know that is not the case.
I wasn’t in love with the illustrations and I know that the text was meant to be engaging but I didn’t like it that much. I’m not the target audience for this book though and I’d like to hear from elementary school-aged kids how much they enjoy this book. My guess is that it would be a hit. I think I would have happily over the pictures in this book when I was a young reader.
I do appreciate the message at the end, even though it’s very short, about human caused harm to the ecosystem and the encouragement for us to try to do something positive about it.
3-1/2 stars rounded up (I think many readers will consider this book 5 star worthy. I was impressed by how much information it contains and how educational reading it Is.)
I learned a lot of information I hadn’t known. I would have liked knowing all these facts when I was young and spent a lot of time at beaches.
There is a lot of information provided and interesting detailed illustrations of many shells. There is a world map at the end with where shells are found but it’s not even close to comprehensive. Only one type of shell is shown for even close to my area and I know that is not the case.
I wasn’t in love with the illustrations and I know that the text was meant to be engaging but I didn’t like it that much. I’m not the target audience for this book though and I’d like to hear from elementary school-aged kids how much they enjoy this book. My guess is that it would be a hit. I think I would have happily over the pictures in this book when I was a young reader.
I do appreciate the message at the end, even though it’s very short, about human caused harm to the ecosystem and the encouragement for us to try to do something positive about it.
3-1/2 stars rounded up (I think many readers will consider this book 5 star worthy. I was impressed by how much information it contains and how educational reading it Is.)
June 5, 2022
Honestly the best book on shells I have ever read. Mostly aquatic, mostly marine, but also some terrestrial molluscs. Covers concepts such as structure and function, defense, predation and camouflage, carbon 14 capture and dating, fossils (cameroceros, ammonites), habitats (pelagic, deep sea vents, coastline/intertidal, kelp forests, coral reefs), diet, you name it. Having some background in marine biology, I didn't expect to learn anything, but amazingly, I did (I had never heard of South African carrier shells, or the shelled octopus (but not a nautillus) called an argonaut which lives a fully pelagic life).
The beautiful pictures will entrance any seashell-loving youngster, and the text will inspire deeper, scientific thought.
I absolutely love this book. Only complaint is that it's not longer (but it is more than sufficient for the target juvenile audience!).
The beautiful pictures will entrance any seashell-loving youngster, and the text will inspire deeper, scientific thought.
I absolutely love this book. Only complaint is that it's not longer (but it is more than sufficient for the target juvenile audience!).
June 9, 2022
This is a delightful in-depth nonfiction book all about shells for children ages 6-9. Written by Dr. Helen Scales, a marine biologist, this title takes children on a deep dive into such a fascinating scientific topic! Many children have explored and wondered about shells in their lifetime, and this book is a great way for them to make connections between their observations and scientific explanation.
The narrative takes you on a logical journey, starting with what is a shell, anatomy of a shell, examples of shells, and what a shell's shape, color, pattern, and texture can tell you. Then, we learn about what uses shells, how mollusks move, and what mollusks eat. We even get to learn about the environments in which shells are found and how we can make connections between the shell and its ecosystem. We of course learn about current challenges these ecosystems face as well.
I love the unique format of this book and the illustrations are lovely. The book is a larger-format and utilizes full color illustrations. This is packed with information but it is also readable. The scientific information is in-depth yet accessible.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Phaidon. Opinions are my own.
The narrative takes you on a logical journey, starting with what is a shell, anatomy of a shell, examples of shells, and what a shell's shape, color, pattern, and texture can tell you. Then, we learn about what uses shells, how mollusks move, and what mollusks eat. We even get to learn about the environments in which shells are found and how we can make connections between the shell and its ecosystem. We of course learn about current challenges these ecosystems face as well.
I love the unique format of this book and the illustrations are lovely. The book is a larger-format and utilizes full color illustrations. This is packed with information but it is also readable. The scientific information is in-depth yet accessible.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Phaidon. Opinions are my own.
June 24, 2022
The first time I took my Kiddo shelling on the Jersey shore, she filled her pail with all kinds of shells and declared "we're rich!" Since I still have some of those riches, they came in handy when I introduced this book to my young readers. It is incredibly well-organized, each section beginning with a question, and the questions following a very logical order, beginning with what a shell is, what a shell's shape and pattern can tell you as well as what it's color and texture reveal. On of the most interesting facts I learned was how a shell is created by the mollusks that live in it. Additionally, Scales goes into how mollusks move and what they eat, and who else uses a shell (and it's not always to original mollusk who created it), and where the various shells can be found around the world. Each question gets a digitally created two-page colorfully illustrated spread. One of the things I did very much like is how Scales brought together past, present and future and how the things like how global warming, increases in carbon dioxide, uses of mines in the deep ocean, and heavy nets used for catching shelled mollusks for increased consumption are all taking their toll on the ocean's ecosystem. This is a great book kids who are curious about the oceans and what lives in them, and will hopefully spark some real interest in conservation and preservation. Since NYC's beaches aren't far away for most of my young readers, they are anxious to see if they can find some shells this summer. Maybe that's just the beginning interest that this book is aiming for.
September 28, 2022
In preparation for my trip to the beach next week, I was excited to read this book and learn all about shells that I might find in my walks along the ocean. Even though this book is targeted at elementary to middle-school-aged kids, I found so much to learn in this book.
Over the years, I’ve collected jars of shells that I have displayed around our home. It is always a thrill to find a unique color or pattern during my morning walk on the beach. Especially because there is really nothing like that in the area where I live. I have some favorite shells that I’ve found over the years, but I never really thought about the reason behind their color or pattern.
Dr. Helen Scales is an award-winning marine biologist. Her learning approach in this book immediately engages kids to want to know the answers to the questions she poses. What is a shell? It is a home for mollusks, or soft animals that have no bones, and need protection. When the mollusk is born, the shell is tiny, but it grows as the mollusk grows and layer upon layer is added for protection. When the mollusk dies, the shell is left behind. This is why it is crucial to make sure the shell is empty before you take it home.
No two shells are exactly the same even though I have many similar ones. But, when I find a unique spiral shell or one with a pretty pattern, I get excited. Those patterns are a bit of a mystery. Scientists wonder if the mollusk is trying to write a message to themselves in the pattern much like we write a to-do list. For many, their colors and patterns relate to another layer of protection, naturally camouflaging them in their environment.
Some mollusk shells can tell us their age, much like a tree. Scientists using a microscope can count the layers of the shell to determine its age. Many are only a few years old, but the quahog can live for 500 years on the bottom of the ocean. Obviously, not all shells come from the sea. Snails can live in our backyards or forests and leave their shells behind.
The richly-colored and detailed illustrations in this book along with the brief paragraphs of facts will entice kids to want to study the previous shells they’ve collected on trips to the beach. I found this book to be extremely informative and fascinating and can’t wait to do my own searching next week on the Atlantic Ocean.
The end of the book discusses the changes happening in our oceans and on our beaches related to pollution and how that can affect mollusks. There is also a guide for studying your own shells with pictures to match them up. A map of the world shows the best places to find certain shells. Overall, this book is a great resource if your family likes to collect shells or wants to learn more about the shells in your collection.
Over the years, I’ve collected jars of shells that I have displayed around our home. It is always a thrill to find a unique color or pattern during my morning walk on the beach. Especially because there is really nothing like that in the area where I live. I have some favorite shells that I’ve found over the years, but I never really thought about the reason behind their color or pattern.
Dr. Helen Scales is an award-winning marine biologist. Her learning approach in this book immediately engages kids to want to know the answers to the questions she poses. What is a shell? It is a home for mollusks, or soft animals that have no bones, and need protection. When the mollusk is born, the shell is tiny, but it grows as the mollusk grows and layer upon layer is added for protection. When the mollusk dies, the shell is left behind. This is why it is crucial to make sure the shell is empty before you take it home.
No two shells are exactly the same even though I have many similar ones. But, when I find a unique spiral shell or one with a pretty pattern, I get excited. Those patterns are a bit of a mystery. Scientists wonder if the mollusk is trying to write a message to themselves in the pattern much like we write a to-do list. For many, their colors and patterns relate to another layer of protection, naturally camouflaging them in their environment.
Some mollusk shells can tell us their age, much like a tree. Scientists using a microscope can count the layers of the shell to determine its age. Many are only a few years old, but the quahog can live for 500 years on the bottom of the ocean. Obviously, not all shells come from the sea. Snails can live in our backyards or forests and leave their shells behind.
The richly-colored and detailed illustrations in this book along with the brief paragraphs of facts will entice kids to want to study the previous shells they’ve collected on trips to the beach. I found this book to be extremely informative and fascinating and can’t wait to do my own searching next week on the Atlantic Ocean.
The end of the book discusses the changes happening in our oceans and on our beaches related to pollution and how that can affect mollusks. There is also a guide for studying your own shells with pictures to match them up. A map of the world shows the best places to find certain shells. Overall, this book is a great resource if your family likes to collect shells or wants to learn more about the shells in your collection.
October 11, 2022
I know summer is over, but What a Shell Can Tell by Helen Scales was the most fascinating of our summer vacation reads. I’m not sure what it is that draws me to shells at a beach, to look for and collect them, but I can’t stop myself. It’s silly, because I see now that I know nothing.
Turns out we just needed a simple lesson from marine biologist @drhelenscales. I’ve never considered the whys and whats of color, texture, shape, pattern, spikes, and more on things like age, diet, habitat, predators, climate, etc. My kids have been pulling out old collections to study how the mollusk died or how old it might have been.
Beautiful, informative, and engaging in every way. We’ve been completely impressed!
Turns out we just needed a simple lesson from marine biologist @drhelenscales. I’ve never considered the whys and whats of color, texture, shape, pattern, spikes, and more on things like age, diet, habitat, predators, climate, etc. My kids have been pulling out old collections to study how the mollusk died or how old it might have been.
Beautiful, informative, and engaging in every way. We’ve been completely impressed!
February 21, 2023
Absolutely awesome. I’ve looked for other books on shells for the kids, and they’ve either been way too basic and little kid-ish or like a college textbook and boring.
Not this book. The illustrations are beautifully & brightly colored. The information is detailed enough that you learn something, but also not so detailed that you are bored out of your mind.
We read it in one setting, but it is a little longer of a children’s book. Thankfully, it’s broken up into easy to read sections so you could find perfect stopping points to read it over a series of 2-3 days.
I don’t usually love to buy books like this because they often don’t get read or referenced…but I actually think all the kids would read this one and reference it often, so I might pull the trigger.
Not this book. The illustrations are beautifully & brightly colored. The information is detailed enough that you learn something, but also not so detailed that you are bored out of your mind.
We read it in one setting, but it is a little longer of a children’s book. Thankfully, it’s broken up into easy to read sections so you could find perfect stopping points to read it over a series of 2-3 days.
I don’t usually love to buy books like this because they often don’t get read or referenced…but I actually think all the kids would read this one and reference it often, so I might pull the trigger.
April 18, 2023
Another gorgeous junior non-fiction book. It's a work of art frankly, and is full of information about shells and the molluscs that make them too. I actually learnt a lot from reading this one - the difference between gastropods and bi-valves, how molluscs build shell, why some shells have mother-of-pearl in them, how molluscs move, eat, grow and defend themselves, amongst much more. The illustrations are both beautiful and informative. Definitely one I will be sharing with kids and adults of all ages.
November 16, 2022
I'm not sure the "what can a shell tell about..." framing makes a lot of sense, but I like going through different aspects of shells and creatures with shells and going to different places they live! Not too much text on any page, detailed illustrations, and easy to flip to a page and pick up wherever.
There is a spread at the end about climate change and its effect on creatures with shells.
There is a spread at the end about climate change and its effect on creatures with shells.
June 28, 2024
It's meant for kids 6 to 9, but WOW! I loved this brilliant children’s book about seashells, with its fascinating facts and stunning illustrations. As an adult and a visual learner who often struggles with dense scientific texts, I found this book wonderfully accessible and informative. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in seashells, regardless of age!
July 30, 2022
The colors
The shapes
The immense detail
More of nature's treasures
The shapes
The immense detail
More of nature's treasures
November 30, 2022
This was really cool! I had not expected it to go so deep or so far. The oversized pages gave lots of room for color and detail, and there was a lot to cover. Really fun book.
December 22, 2022
This is a wonderfully illustrated book that can be enjoyed by younger reader with inquisitive minds.
March 2, 2023
So interesting!
May 18, 2023
Excellent! Intriguing, loaded with layers of information!!!! Just an excellent resource !!!!
October 1, 2023
Très intéressant. On se laisse vite prendre dans la lecture car on apprend plein de petites choses.
November 23, 2023
Would have enjoyed this as a child &, even as an adult, I thought it was an interesting & enjoyable book.
January 7, 2024
Sweet and informative guide to shells on beach
November 2, 2024
This book is VERY cool and you should buy it for every child and maybe adult you know
November 28, 2024
Really cool.
July 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5)
Is What A Shell Can Tell a children's book? Yes.
Am I a child? Not by age.
By behavior? Who isn’t, honestly?
This book is a joyful celebration of curiosity and wonder. It beautifully combines scientific insight with playful, accessible storytelling—and the illustrations? Absolutely gorgeous! Whether you're five or fifty-five, there's something magical about learning how a seashell can tell stories of the ocean, of survival, of time itself.
It reminded me that curiosity doesn’t expire, and you’re never too old to be amazed by nature. Highly recommended for actual children and the childlike hearts among us.
Is What A Shell Can Tell a children's book? Yes.
Am I a child? Not by age.
By behavior? Who isn’t, honestly?
This book is a joyful celebration of curiosity and wonder. It beautifully combines scientific insight with playful, accessible storytelling—and the illustrations? Absolutely gorgeous! Whether you're five or fifty-five, there's something magical about learning how a seashell can tell stories of the ocean, of survival, of time itself.
It reminded me that curiosity doesn’t expire, and you’re never too old to be amazed by nature. Highly recommended for actual children and the childlike hearts among us.
February 22, 2024
Grab those buckets and bags because this one inspires to head outside and discover the world of shells.
This book is like going on a shell hunt with tons of surprises to find. From beaches to gardens, a variety of shells are explained and portrayed. Young readers learn that shells come in many colors and shapes, and can be found in more places than just along the ocean beach. To add to the fun, each shell can be opened (a flap) with more to discover inside. And there are quite a few flaps.
While this is a board book sold for ages 2 to 4, I'd recommend it more for ages 3 to 8. The board book style makes it robust, which works especially great for the flaps. The text is a little heavy for the youngest readers, but the slightly older audience will have no trouble understanding it. The facts aren't heavy, but rather, are more intuned to introduce readers to the variety and purpose of shells. The fun of discovering shells stays front and center throughout the read, and this is especially true with the flaps. Inside aren't just surprises on the illustration side but also hints, tips, and words of encouragement.
The illustrations project energy, joy and life on every page. The portrayed individuals are playful and full of smiles. The shells are large and detailed as their environment, habits, and more are shown. While many young readers will connect shells with the beach, this pushes beyond that and shows where they can, sometimes, even be found in the backyard. All of this is done in a gentle flow without heavy facts.
Shells, their variety, and the fun in discovering them come across on every page, making this a great read to inspire shell hunting or simply to get readers to discover more about the world outside. It works well for individual as well as group settings and can be used to inspire a project or used with a group theme. I received a DRC and wanted to head out a collect shells myself after reading this.
This book is like going on a shell hunt with tons of surprises to find. From beaches to gardens, a variety of shells are explained and portrayed. Young readers learn that shells come in many colors and shapes, and can be found in more places than just along the ocean beach. To add to the fun, each shell can be opened (a flap) with more to discover inside. And there are quite a few flaps.
While this is a board book sold for ages 2 to 4, I'd recommend it more for ages 3 to 8. The board book style makes it robust, which works especially great for the flaps. The text is a little heavy for the youngest readers, but the slightly older audience will have no trouble understanding it. The facts aren't heavy, but rather, are more intuned to introduce readers to the variety and purpose of shells. The fun of discovering shells stays front and center throughout the read, and this is especially true with the flaps. Inside aren't just surprises on the illustration side but also hints, tips, and words of encouragement.
The illustrations project energy, joy and life on every page. The portrayed individuals are playful and full of smiles. The shells are large and detailed as their environment, habits, and more are shown. While many young readers will connect shells with the beach, this pushes beyond that and shows where they can, sometimes, even be found in the backyard. All of this is done in a gentle flow without heavy facts.
Shells, their variety, and the fun in discovering them come across on every page, making this a great read to inspire shell hunting or simply to get readers to discover more about the world outside. It works well for individual as well as group settings and can be used to inspire a project or used with a group theme. I received a DRC and wanted to head out a collect shells myself after reading this.
August 13, 2023
Shells fascinate me and this oversize nonfiction title which is fully illustrated on every page gives information about shells that I didn’t know I could see by looking at the shell itself. I have much to remember from this title that is suitable for children third grade and up and definitely recommended for adults also.
Helen Scales is a marine biologist and in another children’s title about Jeanne Power who began studying live ocean creatures in aquariums who were live Scales title for adults was listed in the bibliography. Now I am about to read Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells by Helen Scales copyrighted 2015.
Helen Scales is a marine biologist and in another children’s title about Jeanne Power who began studying live ocean creatures in aquariums who were live Scales title for adults was listed in the bibliography. Now I am about to read Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells by Helen Scales copyrighted 2015.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews