"Hermit Crab moves out of his small shell on the sea floor, in search of a new residence. The pictures are occasionally quite abstract, but always engaging," said <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">PW. Ages 5-8. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Apr.)

PreS-Gr 2 Hermit Crab, having outgrown his old shell, sets out to find a new one. He's a bit frightened at first, but over the course of the next year acquires not only a shell, but also an array of sea creatures to decorate, clean, and protect his new home. The story ends with him once again outgrowing his shell. He finds a new tenant'' to look after his friends and sets off on a new adventurea big empty shell withso many possibilities.'' This simply-told fable is replete with gentle messages about growing, moving on, accepting new challenges, interdependence, and building self-confidence. It is beautifully illustrated and designed in bold, full-color, distinctively Carle collages. Carle includes a little factual information about the various sea creatures mentioned in the story at the end of the book. A good solid picture book with many story hour and bibliotherapy possibilities. Luann Toth, Summit Free Public Library, N.J.