Momma and Poppa crab have a problem. Their three crablings, Claudius, Gemma, and Albert, are growing bigger and bigger making their coconut home feel smaller and smaller. It’s time the crablings take the first big step towards independence, finding their very own shell. “Be careful," Momma crab warns them, "your shell is not just for looks, it will protect you from Hook Billed Heron!” Will the three crablings listen to Momma and Poppa and find their perfect shell or will they have too much fun and forget their parents warning? "Momma and Poor Hermit have raised three little crablings, each with very different ambitions. Gemma loved to run and wanted to be the fastest crab on the island. Claudius wanted to be the strongest crab and spent all his time lifting heavy things he found on the beach. Albert loved to read and ask questions. When the time comes for them to find their own shells, Momma sends them out into the wide, wild beach with a final warning to choose their shells carefully because Hook Billed Heron loves to feed on unprotected little hermit crabs. Something terrible happens to the two little Hermit crablings who ignored their Momma's advice and set about merrily fulfilling their own ambitions first. Albert, whose ambition is to be the smartest crab, listens to his Momma and finds the perfect shell to make his own safe and portable home where he can read all the books he wants to his hearts delight. When Hook the Heron comes for Albert his new home saves him and his crawling siblings with a happy ending and an unforgettable session about independence and responsibility. The illustrations by Danny Deeptown are exquisitely detailed and beautifully colored. This book is highly recommended for family story time. Five Starfish! " - The Lake Worth Herald, Coastal Observer Born on July 4th, 1988 under the sign of the crab, Joseph Torcivia has spent his entire life by the sea. As a child he was snorkeling before he learned to talk. This love of the ocean followed him when he joined the Coast Guard which brought him to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. While living in St. Croix, the inspiration for this story occurred when the neighborhood hermit crab began using a PVC pipe for it’s shell. He continues his work to protect the sea and all its inhabitants including the the tiniest crab. He hopes we can all join together and protect this watery blue planet we live on.