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The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell
The lucky hermit crab found a perfect, swirly new shell to replace her old home she had outgrown. But when she gets too big for this shell, will she be able to let go of her favorite shell to find a new, bigger one that will keep her safe and comfortable? This is Petrie's fourth illustrated children's book in her Seatales Sea Animal series. Her other books include The Bumpy, Lumpy Horseshoe Crab, Did You Make the Hole in the Shell in the Sea?, and Something's Tugging on My Claw! Each book in this series is a rhyming adventure, with brightly colored illustrations that bring to life authentic tales of what really happens at the edge of the sea. Petrie's books are perfect for ages three through ten, but most adults are surprised at how much they learn from reading these stories, too! About the Janice S. C. Petrie has been enchanted by the sea for as long as she can remember. She became a certified SCUBA diver while in high school and spent many years exploring coastal waters. Her fascination with marine invertebrates grew while working for the New England Aquarium as an outreach specialist. Since then, she has spent years caring for coastal marine animals and providing hands-on experiences to children in schools throughout the United States. Petrie holds a B.S. and M.Ed. with a specialty in reading, and a B.A. in Art with a concentration in graphic design.
30 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2022
1549 people want to read
About the author
Janice S.C. Petrie
8 books23 followersPetrie has been enchanted by the sea for as long as she can remember. She became a certified SCUBA diver while in high school, and spent many years exploring coastal waters. Her fascination with marine invertebrates grew while working for the New England Aquarium as an Outreach Specialist. Since then, she’s spent years caring for these fascinating sea animals, and teaching children and adults about the habitats and sea life commonly found near the shore. The material covered in her children's stories are topics commonly taught by Petrie in her popular sea animal programs. Petrie has experience in all facets of the sea, having spent several years as the assistant plant manager of a large, Gloucester/Boston seafood company.
In her free time, Petrie made many trips to the Ossipee, New Hampshire area to visit with the Ossipee Historical Society, the Carroll County Courthouse, and the Concord State Library, trying to piece together the events of 1916 that kept everyone mesmerized while the tragic story was unfolding, yet was seldom mentioned years later. She gained interest in this story after learning the cottage she spent a single night vacationing in as a baby, seemed to be occupied by an unsettling presence.
As a certified teacher, grades K-8, and a Reading Specialist, all ages, Petrie has earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in the field of education, with a concentration in reading. Petrie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, with a graphic design concentration. Petrie has been traveling throughout the United States, reading her books and teaching children and adults about the sea animals she's spent her life getting to know.
In her free time, Petrie made many trips to the Ossipee, New Hampshire area to visit with the Ossipee Historical Society, the Carroll County Courthouse, and the Concord State Library, trying to piece together the events of 1916 that kept everyone mesmerized while the tragic story was unfolding, yet was seldom mentioned years later. She gained interest in this story after learning the cottage she spent a single night vacationing in as a baby, seemed to be occupied by an unsettling presence.
As a certified teacher, grades K-8, and a Reading Specialist, all ages, Petrie has earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in the field of education, with a concentration in reading. Petrie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, with a graphic design concentration. Petrie has been traveling throughout the United States, reading her books and teaching children and adults about the sea animals she's spent her life getting to know.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 16, 2022
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! Such a fun book, love the drawings, the cute fish telling hermit crab facts, the information at the end and the sweet story. Definitely recommended for kids interested in sea creatures. I'm happy that invertebrates are featured more and more in children's stories, they have been underrepresented for a long time!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC to read. Opinions are my honest ones!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC to read. Opinions are my honest ones!
August 14, 2022
The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell is a cute book that has good illustrations that will catch the child's attention. There is a message about growth. Which can be used over the years as a reminder to children about change and that growth. There are nice educational areas for hermit crabs. However, I do agree that something is lacking but that seems to be a common issue within children's books.
October 19, 2022
what a nice story, an interesting way to get to know about hermit crabs. there's even trivial things happened behind the main story, and while it's not really affecting the plot, it's fun to notice them. there's further more-detailed explanation about hermit crab and octopus at the end of the story. i loved it.
April 29, 2024
OH MY GOD IT WAS SO FIRE IT ATEEEEE UP AND COOKED ME DEAD!!!!!!! ALSO THE HERMIT CRAB WAS SO HOT HE MADE ME BUST IN MY PANTS LIKE 61357460857614958743658734567 TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALSO HIS SHELL IS SO BIIG I WANT TO STICK IT UP MY BUSSSY5
ALSO HIS SHELL IS SO BIIG I WANT TO STICK IT UP MY BUSSSY5
October 20, 2024
I won this in a giveaway. Thank you for sending this to me. This book was really cute and informative. The illustrations were nice and I liked the information about the animals at the end and the fact that the fish side characters gave information about hermit crabs throughout the book. We had hermit crabs as class pets in 3rd grade, I'm sure my teacher would have loved to read this to us.
March 10, 2026
The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell by Janice S. C. Petrie is a delightful children’s picture book that combines playful rhymes, engaging illustrations, and gentle life lessons about growth and change.
The story follows a cheerful hermit crab who discovers a beautiful, swirly shell that becomes her new home after she outgrows her previous one. For a while, the shell feels perfect—comfortable, safe, and just right. But as time passes, the little crab continues to grow, and soon she faces a difficult realization: even her favorite shell cannot remain her home forever.
Reluctant to leave something she loves so much, the hermit crab must learn an important lesson about letting go. Just like children who outgrow toys, clothes, or familiar routines, the crab must accept that growing up sometimes means leaving things behind in order to stay safe and continue moving forward.
Through Petrie’s rhythmic storytelling, the narrative presents this universal experience in a way that young readers can easily understand. The rhyming text keeps the story lively and accessible, while the colorful underwater illustrations bring the ocean setting to life with playful detail.
Adding another layer of fun, various sea creatures observe the crab’s journey and provide humorous commentary along the way. Their reactions offer interesting facts about marine life, giving the book an educational dimension that helps children learn about hermit crabs and other ocean animals.
One especially entertaining element is the hidden octopus that appears throughout the pages, creating a seek and find activity that encourages young readers to interact with the illustrations as they follow the story.
Part of the award winning Seatales Sea Animal Series, this book blends storytelling and learning in a way that feels natural and engaging. By connecting the hermit crab’s experience to the everyday challenges of growing up, Petrie delivers a meaningful message about change, resilience, and the importance of embracing new stages in life.
Warm, imaginative, and educational, The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell offers a charming underwater adventure that both children and adults can enjoy.
The story follows a cheerful hermit crab who discovers a beautiful, swirly shell that becomes her new home after she outgrows her previous one. For a while, the shell feels perfect—comfortable, safe, and just right. But as time passes, the little crab continues to grow, and soon she faces a difficult realization: even her favorite shell cannot remain her home forever.
Reluctant to leave something she loves so much, the hermit crab must learn an important lesson about letting go. Just like children who outgrow toys, clothes, or familiar routines, the crab must accept that growing up sometimes means leaving things behind in order to stay safe and continue moving forward.
Through Petrie’s rhythmic storytelling, the narrative presents this universal experience in a way that young readers can easily understand. The rhyming text keeps the story lively and accessible, while the colorful underwater illustrations bring the ocean setting to life with playful detail.
Adding another layer of fun, various sea creatures observe the crab’s journey and provide humorous commentary along the way. Their reactions offer interesting facts about marine life, giving the book an educational dimension that helps children learn about hermit crabs and other ocean animals.
One especially entertaining element is the hidden octopus that appears throughout the pages, creating a seek and find activity that encourages young readers to interact with the illustrations as they follow the story.
Part of the award winning Seatales Sea Animal Series, this book blends storytelling and learning in a way that feels natural and engaging. By connecting the hermit crab’s experience to the everyday challenges of growing up, Petrie delivers a meaningful message about change, resilience, and the importance of embracing new stages in life.
Warm, imaginative, and educational, The Lucky Hermit Crab and Her Swirly New Shell offers a charming underwater adventure that both children and adults can enjoy.
October 23, 2022
Thank you so much to Seatales Publishing Company and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
The hermit crab had outgrown her shell home so had to go searching for a new one, she finds the most beautiful perfect shell to be in but she quickly gets too big and a scary octopus lurks by scaring her out so quick.
This was so adorable, I loved seeing the journey with the hermit crab making herself a new home. Trying to find the most perfect one, but struggling until it falls down right to her, it was so cute.
The illustrations were really pretty and I really liked the rhyming too, it made the story even more fun. I loved the little fish that went along with her to share facts as though they were discussing hermits to each other was a very clever touch.
I also liked that at the back you get facts about the hermits and octopus too which that’s great. I enjoyed this picture book a lot, it was so enjoyable, sweet and I think kids will love reading this, it’s fun, pretty and has a bit of education within it but in a very fun way.
The hermit crab had outgrown her shell home so had to go searching for a new one, she finds the most beautiful perfect shell to be in but she quickly gets too big and a scary octopus lurks by scaring her out so quick.
This was so adorable, I loved seeing the journey with the hermit crab making herself a new home. Trying to find the most perfect one, but struggling until it falls down right to her, it was so cute.
The illustrations were really pretty and I really liked the rhyming too, it made the story even more fun. I loved the little fish that went along with her to share facts as though they were discussing hermits to each other was a very clever touch.
I also liked that at the back you get facts about the hermits and octopus too which that’s great. I enjoyed this picture book a lot, it was so enjoyable, sweet and I think kids will love reading this, it’s fun, pretty and has a bit of education within it but in a very fun way.
August 30, 2022
**Goodreads giveaway recipient**
Had to read it straightaway with my littluns, of course!
Review from my 6-year-old (5 stars!!): I really liked it! The pictures are pretty. And the hermit crabs are sooooo cuuuute! Hermit Crab struggles as she grows…but it works out when she finds the most perfectest shell for her!
Review from my 9-year-old (4-1/2 star): It’s good! The story is fine and all, but I really like the facts. And it’s cool that it’s nonfiction AND fiction at the same time, so no matter what, the reader will like it! Nicely done!
And from me (5 stars!): Short and sweet, with something to spot and discuss on every page (hello, octopus!). Cute and informative, without being overly obnoxiously so on either end. Even-keeled writing (neither dumbed-down nor hifalutin), which is a difficult road to thread. And yes, even I learned a thing or two, which is the author’s goal—educating all ages.
Recommend? YES! Love it!
Thank you for our copy!
Had to read it straightaway with my littluns, of course!
Review from my 6-year-old (5 stars!!): I really liked it! The pictures are pretty. And the hermit crabs are sooooo cuuuute! Hermit Crab struggles as she grows…but it works out when she finds the most perfectest shell for her!
Review from my 9-year-old (4-1/2 star): It’s good! The story is fine and all, but I really like the facts. And it’s cool that it’s nonfiction AND fiction at the same time, so no matter what, the reader will like it! Nicely done!
And from me (5 stars!): Short and sweet, with something to spot and discuss on every page (hello, octopus!). Cute and informative, without being overly obnoxiously so on either end. Even-keeled writing (neither dumbed-down nor hifalutin), which is a difficult road to thread. And yes, even I learned a thing or two, which is the author’s goal—educating all ages.
Recommend? YES! Love it!
Thank you for our copy!
August 20, 2022
This book tells a story of a hermit crab looking for a new shell. When the crab has a close call, as he has grown out of this ‘perfect’ shell, the other ocean animals worry. When he finally does leave the shell and moves on to a bigger shell. A new little hermit crab moves in and finds this perfect shell and makes it his home.
The Illustrations are very sweet and funny! There is definitely a message: what once was perfect for you, might no longer be now and that it might be time to move on. Towards the end of the book, there is some more factual information about invertebrates, which is a very nice touch!
The Illustrations are very sweet and funny! There is definitely a message: what once was perfect for you, might no longer be now and that it might be time to move on. Towards the end of the book, there is some more factual information about invertebrates, which is a very nice touch!
November 16, 2022
What a fun and educational children’s book! We really enjoyed learning about the hermit crab and the similarities between hermit crabs and octopus’s. I had no clue they could inhabit any type of shell and while my young daughter isn’t old enough to grasp all that we learned in the book, there’s something in the book for children (and adults) for all ages!
The illustrations are colorful and eye catching, and the little chat bubbles of information from the other sea creatures were some of the best parts of the book. Would recommend to anyone looking for buy a fun children’s book for a loved one!
The illustrations are colorful and eye catching, and the little chat bubbles of information from the other sea creatures were some of the best parts of the book. Would recommend to anyone looking for buy a fun children’s book for a loved one!
August 15, 2022
This book tells a story of a hermit crab looking for a new shell. When disaster almost strikes the other ocean animals worry about this hermit crab and his new shell, but when he leaves the shell and moves on a new little hermit crab moves in and finds the perfect shell. The animals are sweet and funny and the story is nice. The font is a bit small but is clear and fairly easy to read. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book to parents of children in the age 4-6 range.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
August 31, 2022
I won this book as a goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book and it's illustrations. Throughout the pages, the crab was the star of the show, but the other fish in the sea are very eager to share their knowledge of sea life, and they are very concerned over the hermit crabs safety...against the octopus!
I'm an adult and I learned a lot about hermit crabs reading this book....and enjoyed the additional information on the hermit crab and octopus at the end of the book.
I would absolutely recommend this book to young children.
I also appreciated the personalized autograph.
I really enjoyed this book and it's illustrations. Throughout the pages, the crab was the star of the show, but the other fish in the sea are very eager to share their knowledge of sea life, and they are very concerned over the hermit crabs safety...against the octopus!
I'm an adult and I learned a lot about hermit crabs reading this book....and enjoyed the additional information on the hermit crab and octopus at the end of the book.
I would absolutely recommend this book to young children.
I also appreciated the personalized autograph.
November 30, 2022
A happy hermit crab loves its shell but it is getting too small. A greater problem is the octopus that is watching the crab hungrily, hoping to catch the hermit crab out of its shell before it finds a new one.
This colorfully illustrated book holds a host of interesting information and an engaging plot in a delightful package. This would be a valuable addition to a school library or the children 's section of a public library.
This colorfully illustrated book holds a host of interesting information and an engaging plot in a delightful package. This would be a valuable addition to a school library or the children 's section of a public library.
September 3, 2022
This is a great book. Not only does it have a great storyline, but it is filled with tidbits of information throughout.
The two pages of information at the end of the story makes this adaptable for not just youngest children, but extends to school-aged children as well.
I received this through GoodReads First Reads.
The two pages of information at the end of the story makes this adaptable for not just youngest children, but extends to school-aged children as well.
I received this through GoodReads First Reads.
September 5, 2022
My grandkids love watching the hermit crabs when vacationing at the beach. They both love nature and science. This book was a great combination of both as it explained how the hermit crabs find the perfect shell. Thanks #NetGalley
August 31, 2022
Such a great book! I loved the way everything rhymed making the story fun and educational. Cute story of a hermit crab finding a new home with colorful pictures on every page.
August 31, 2022
Cute story. My kids enjoyed finding the octopus on each page and learning new facts about hermit crabs. I enjoyed the rhyming flow of the story.
March 9, 2023
Children’s books are hard to review. I mean I don’t want to write something that has more text than the book, you know?
This one tells the story of a hermit crab who outgrows her shell, the dangers of being without a shell, how she finds a new one, and what happens to her old abandoned, too small shell. There is also a fact page comparing the differences between hermit crabs and octopi.
Very cute. Very informational. I live in a very land-locked state and so I have never come across a hermit crab and knew nothing about them. And now I have some knowledge! The illustrations are gorgeous and full of detail. This will be a nice addition to my daughter’s bookshelf.
This one tells the story of a hermit crab who outgrows her shell, the dangers of being without a shell, how she finds a new one, and what happens to her old abandoned, too small shell. There is also a fact page comparing the differences between hermit crabs and octopi.
Very cute. Very informational. I live in a very land-locked state and so I have never come across a hermit crab and knew nothing about them. And now I have some knowledge! The illustrations are gorgeous and full of detail. This will be a nice addition to my daughter’s bookshelf.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews