Hermit Crab's New Shell -- Ruth Owen, Library Binding

Crack! Smack! Whack! On a sandy beach, two hermit crabs are fighting over a large, empty snail shell. Why? Both crabs have outgrown their shells and their "homes" are starting to feel rather tight.

In this book, readers will be astounded to learn that a hermit crab's shell is not actually attached to its body. Instead, these crabs have a hard exoskeleton on their front halves, but must find secondhand shells to cover their soft, unprotected abdomens. Learn all about the bodies of these fascinating crustaceans.

  • Watch as a crab explores its seashore habitat looking for a new, bigger home.
  • Discover what happens on "moving day" as a crab discards its old shell and moves into its latest find.
  • And be amazed to see a group of differently sized hermit crabs form a line to swap shells--each moving into the shell of its bigger neighbor!

Readers will enjoy learning about the unusual behavior of these animals, and will love the close-up photos that show hermit crabs in search of their next home.

Author: Ruth Owen
Publisher: Ruby Tuesday Books
Published: 2/1/2026
Pages: 24
Binding Type: Library Binding
Weight: 0.55 lbs
Size: 8.4" H x 8.3" L x 0.3" W
ISBN: 9781788566278

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