Once Upon a Book ~ Old Shell, New Shell ~ Ocean Week 3

Old Shell, New Shell

by Helen Ward

Summary: A hermit crab who has outgrown his shell searches for a new one among the creatures of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Includes a key which identifies the coral reef animals in the illustrations.


Field Trip:

Go to a pet store and look at hermit crabs. If you are really adventurous you can get one as a pet! Most teenagers that work for the pet store will get one out and let your LO look at them up close too! :)

Craft/ Art Time:

Ramblings of a Crazy Woman made the cutest Hermit Crabs out of pasta shells, pipe cleaners, pompoms, and google eyes! Visit her site for the step-by-step instructions.

Circle/Song Time:

(You could also make this finger play into a felt board activity or homemade book.)

Five Little Shells Finger play

(from Preschool Education)


5 little shells lying on the shore,

Crash went the waves and then their were 4.

4 little shells down by the sea,

Crash went the waves and then there were 3.

3 little shells, smooth as new,

Crash went the waves and then there were 2.

2 little shells, sparkling in the sun,

Crash went the waves and then there was 1.

1 little shell, left by itself,

I took it home, and put it on my shelf.


Snack Time:

Make some shells macaroni with cheese or butter some noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Want to see what's coming next (and books we've done in the past)? Click here to see our Once Upon a Book webpage!