Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks is a lovely little book about sharing and friendship, which we have read over and over again.
The story is about a little hermit crab who is looking for a new home. He finds a lovely shiny shell and moves right in but then he meets an anemone who wants to move in too! He really doesn’t want to share his shell but the anemone explains that he can help ward off predators so will earn his keep. The crab reluctantly agrees and soon realises that having the anemone around is really helpful and they are very happy living together. Then up rocks a bristleworm who also wants to move in. Again, the crab isn’t keen but relents when he realises that the bristleworm will keep the shell nice and clean.
The three live together in harmony until one day the shell is just too small and the hermit crab asks them both to move out. They are rightfully a little miffed as they have done all the work keeping the shell clean and safe from danger! An argument ensues and they end up living in different parts of the rock pool, missing each other but too proud to try and make amends.
When a storm breaks the discover they really need friends by their side, but can they work together and learn to share?
This a is a great book for starting conversations about sharing and what it means to be a good friend. The illustrations are also fantastic. We love the sea creatures expressive little faces and our copy has raised glitter portions on every page which Ivy loves to find and touch.
Buy it now: https://amzn.to/2xcVgP7