Shell

DK Eyewitness Books

by Alex Arthur, Andreas Einsiedel (Photographer)

Full-color photos. "Arthur showcases varieties of shelled mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, turtles, tortoises, and terrapins, illustrating how shells and pearls form and comparing species that inhabit such different environments as freshwater bodies and coral reefs. Stunning close-up photos and detailed captions will attract browsers and researchers looking for information on this popular subject."--(starred) Booklist.  

Genres: Science, Childrens, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Reference

62 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typically good entry in the EYEWITNESS series, noteworthy for being among its first dozen titles published way back in the late '80s, and purchased at time of publication from Taipei's famous CAVES BOOKS, then the only source of English-language books in the whole city, (and a major publisher in Taiwan's famous low-quality-at-low-prices "pirate book" industry).

While focusing on seashells (i.e., molluscs), it also devotes pages to other shelled creatures, including crustaceans (shrimp, lobsters, crabs, et al), echinoderms (sea urchins, sand dollars, etc.), and chellonians (turtles, tortoises and terrapins, and a new word for me). Other new words (mostly lobster-related, as I just updated my gastropod vocabulary via the excellent Shells: Jewels from the Sea): somites, maxilliped, and the difference between antennas and antennules.

PERSONAL COMMENT: As my grandson has started showing an interest in my shells here at home, I realize I know little about them other than general category, (cowrie, murex...um, the other kind). And so I will be listing, rating and briefly reviewing over the next few days/weeks some of the books in my overstuffed shell library...PLEASE IGNORE THESE LISTINGS AND REVIEWS, unless you are a true "afficionado of the conchological arts." I am posting them mainly for myself and those very few other combo shell/books nerds out there—trust me; your time will truly be spend better elsewhere 😃

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

DK eyewitness books are a wonderful way to explore topics - for kids, and adults too! Got this to help me learn to identify different types if sea shells!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

These DK Eyewitness books are a huge hit at our house. They are full of interesting facts and colorful pictures. We are using these as non-fiction read-alouds for early elementary and typically cover one 2-page spread a night. (The books are aimed at Grades 3-7 for an independent reader.) The books are well-organized and contain sections at the end about jobs in and tools used for studying the topic and places to go for more information.

[Megan]

Shell (Eyewitness Books) by Dorling Kindersley Ltd (1989)

[Brent Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great break from the heady stuff in which I usually immerse myself. A relief!

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in a long time. Many questions answered.