Amazing Seashells: Spirals, Pearls, and Ocean Treasures

Why are some seashells shaped like perfect spirals? How does a pearl begin? And who lived inside the shells we find on the beach?A seashell may look like a beautiful ocean treasure, but every shell has a story.Amazing Seashells - Spirals, Pearls, and Ocean Treasures takes young readers to the shoreline to discover the surprising world hidden inside shells.Children will meet scallops, clams, oysters, cowries, conchs, nautiluses, and other remarkable shell-makers while discovering how shells grow, why they come in so many shapes and colors, and how they protect the animals that build them.Along the way, young explorers will discover: - How a tiny sea animal builds its own shell- Why shells grow bigger as their owners grow- How spiral shells get their amazing shapes- What the lines and patterns on shells can tell us- Why some shells are smooth while others have bumps and spines- How oysters can make pearls- Why hermit crabs borrow empty shells- How people and animals use shells- Why empty shells are still important to a beach- How to explore the shore without harming the creatures that live thereCreated for curious children ages 3-7, the book combines real nature facts with beautiful watercolor illustrations and simple explanations that make the science easy to follow without turning it into a textbook.The large 8.5 × 8.5 inch square format gives children plenty of room to examine the shells, patterns, sea creatures, and tiny details on every page.Perfect for children who collect shells, love the beach, ask endless questions about the ocean, or simply want to know who made that beautiful shell lying in the sand.Pick up a shell. Look closely. An entire ocean story may be hiding inside.