My Shell Book

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer on 09/20/2008 Young children will enjoy this simple board book. Each full-page photo has a "Wh-" question, something that children love to answer and that grown ups don't ask enough. Each answer is in large, easy font that very early readers have a chance at grasping. The Smithsonian line of children's books seem to be well-research into what works for the target ages, and this little board book is no exception. If you're looking for something highly visual and meaningful, this is a good choice.

Reviewed by Cayden (age 3-1/2) and Max (age 20- months) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (5/08) "My Shell Book" is a Smithsonian board book that introduces seven different types of shells. Each page starts with a question such as "What has an oval shape and colored bands?" and then has the answer "A clam shell" with the picture of that particular shell. Cayden: "Shells are in the ocean." Cayden: "Look, it is a white shell." Max: "White shell." Cayden: "What is a spire?" Max: "Mouth" Cayden: "Yes, that shell looks like it has a mouth." Cayden: "We eat clams in soup." Cayden: "That one looks like a screwdriver!" Max: "Tool!" Cayden: "That shell is purple in the inside." Parent's comments: My children enjoyed the descriptions of the shells and had fun learning the names of the different types. Although some of the words used were a little over their heads (like "spire") they still got the general idea. The photographs of the shells were very detailed and fun to look at. "My Shell Book" would be a great book to bring along on a beach vacation to see if you can find the shells pictured in the book!