Many children (and adults) suffer from shyness. Shanti Hershenson shares the story of a young hermit crab, Zeke, who overcomes his shyness after a terrifying experience. In Zeke Comes Out of His Shell, Zeke is washed out into the ocean far away from his safe tidepool. On his journey back home, Zeke meets a crab and a snail. They entertain each other, and Zeke shares his talent for singing. Read this story to discover how Zeke learned to come out of his shell and enjoy being with others. During Zeke’s adventure, he finds out that others are shy but would love to find someone to share time with. It is good when someone shy meets someone else who understands them and becomes friends. The excitement in this book will keep a child’s interest, wondering what might happen next.

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is written with younger children in mind and will help them understand that many people are shy. With the help of other sea creatures, Zeke learns to overcome his shyness and how to enjoy playing with others. Even if one stays shy, they are worthy of love. This wonderful book opens the door for discussing your child’s shyness and other ways people are different. Shanti Hershenson does a great job of letting children know they will be okay. Several ocean creatures mentioned in this book may not be familiar to children. Spend time discussing the varied and beautiful animals found in tidepools and oceans. I highly recommend this book to you and your child.

Having friends strengthens our self-confidence by making us feel valued and accepted. However, some children can be somewhat shy. In Zeke Comes Out of His Shell, Shanti Hershenson shows that socializing can be fun. Zeke is a little hermit crab who lives with his family. His parents encourage him to make new friends. His mom often tells him to come out of his shell because she wants him to explore the beaches and meet new creatures, but Zeke prefers to stay in his comfort zone. But an unexpected storm sweeps him into the ocean, taking him to an unfamiliar place. Encountering other lost sea creatures, he befriends them, and together they search for a way back.

I loved Shanti Hershenson's narrative style because it allows us to understand both the parents' and Zeke's points of view. The sentences are short, the language is simple, and she highlights the importance of living together. I enjoyed the explanations of the marine environment, such as when she describes the tidepools or the purpose of the crabs' shells. Zeke is also a charming character and his personality changes gradually and naturally. Children will identify with him and see that living together can lead to good times, such as when Zeke sings for his new friends. The visuals are adorable; all the characters look friendly and are in cheerful environments. I was impressed by the characters' aesthetics, with simple but textured designs that give them a charming expressiveness. Zeke Comes Out of His Shell will help young readers develop healthy self-esteem and express their feelings with confidence.

Join a hermit crab and his unexpected adventures in the sea with Shanti Hershenson's Zeke Comes Out of His Shell. On a beach in sunny Southern California, an abundance of creatures live in the shoreline tidepools, such as starfish, urchins, snails, and even entire families of hermit crabs. Among them is young Zeke, a shy hermit crab who spends most of his time tucked away in the comfort of his perfect shell. After his father leaves to watch his siblings play, a heavy downpour sweeps Zeke into the ocean, where he somehow manages to climb onto floating seaweed and comes across two other creatures -- Jay the crab and Maisy the snail. When they begin to lose hope, Zeke starts singing to keep them entertained. Now, they are on their way home and have become friends forever.

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a story of friendship, adventure, and discovering one's place in the world. Author Shanti Hershenson tells a heartwarming tale full of heart, good-natured charm, and lots and lots of fun. The book contains colorful illustrations alongside a captivating plot that will entertain young readers from start to finish. Hershenson fully immerses the young reader in a carefully crafted setting of a beach where half a dozen different creatures live. The characters are very likable and easy to get attached to. The burgeoning friendship and the interactions between Zeke, Jay, and Maisy were some of my favorite parts of the book. If you're looking for a wholesome adventure tale for your kids, you won't go wrong with this one!

Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a children's book by Shanti Hershenson that touches on educational concepts. Zeke, a hermit crab, stays in his shell - literally and figuratively. His parents try to encourage him to venture away from his home, but Zeke prefers to stay solitary, singing and humming to himself. One day, after his parents and siblings have left for a play date, Zeke is swept out to sea during a sudden storm. After the storm, Zeke hitches a ride on a patch of seaweed with a crab and a snail, searching for his family. They ask him to entertain him, and Zeke sings, not knowing his wonderful talent could help him make new friends.

Shanti Hershenson's tale is heartwarming and informative. As they read, children learn engaging scientific facts relating to the marine life around tide pools. Zeke's circumstances were extreme, but children could learn from his situation. The narrative shows that sometimes you must get out of your comfort zone to have new experiences that will positively help shape your life. Developing a community of friends is important, and Hershenson shows how easy it can be to connect with like-minded individuals, building confidence to expand "beyond your shell" and collect as many friends as possible. This book could be read in a home or educational setting to help children feel more comfortable about finding new friends. If you're looking for a beautifully illustrated story with lessons relating to science and friendship, you'll enjoy Zeke Comes Out of His Shell.