Sharing a Shell
What’s inside...
Sharing a Shell is a delightful underwater tale by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks about a hermit crab who finds a new shell and initially wants it all to himself. However, life in the rock pool is challenging, and he soon realizes he needs the help of his new housemates, a purple anemone and a bristleworm. Together, they learn about cooperation and sharing as they navigate the trials of their undersea world. The book features rhythmic verse, vibrant illustrations, and a glittery cover, making it a favorite among children and parents. It is part of a series of stories by the same authors, including titles like The Princess and the Wizard and What the Ladybird Heard.
Age
2-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Hermit Crabs
Sea Anemone
Bristleworm
Discussion points
How do you think Crab felt when he found his shell? Can you think of a time when you found something special?
What do you think about sharing? Would you have shared the shell if you were Crab?
Why is it important for Crab, Blob, and Brush to work together? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others?
How do the friends solve their problems in the story? What would you have done in their situation?
What do you think is the best part of having friends to share things with?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book to encourage them to think about the story’s events.
Use expressive reading: Change your voice for different characters and emphasize exciting or important parts to keep your child engaged.
Relate the story's themes to your child’s experiences by discussing times they have shared with others or worked together with friends.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the characters’ emotions and their own feelings to deepen understanding of the story’s moral.
After reading, ask your child if there’s anything they would like to share or something special they want to work together with friends or family on, connecting the story to real-life actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Cooperation
Explanation: The book 'Sharing a Shell' showcases characters who discover the benefits of sharing and working together to live harmoniously.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys and collaborate on projects with peers, understanding that teamwork often leads to beneficial outcomes for all involved.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter challenges that they need to solve collectively, such as finding a new home or dealing with a storm.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work together to find solutions to common problems, helping them develop critical thinking and cooperation skills.
Example Lesson: Adapting to Change
Explanation: The characters in 'Sharing a Shell' often face changes to their living situation, which they learn to adapt to with positivity and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be flexible and adapt to changes such as moving to a new classroom or welcoming a new family member, understanding that change can lead to new opportunities.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of respecting and appreciating the different abilities and contributions of each character.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value the diversity among their friends and peers, and to appreciate that everyone has unique strengths that contribute to group success.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: The narrative promotes acts of kindness and how these gestures can forge strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice kindness in daily interactions, which can strengthen their relationships and build a supportive community around them.