What a Shell Can Tell

Reach for this book when your child returns from a walk with pockets full of pebbles or shells, or when they start asking complex questions about how the natural world is built. It is the perfect tool for slowing down a fast-paced day and channeling a child's natural urge to collect into a meaningful scientific inquiry. Author Helen Scales, a marine biologist, explains how the physical traits of a shell, its ridges, colors, and thickness, tell the story of the animal that once lived inside. It moves beyond a simple identification guide to teach children how to look for clues and think like researchers. This beautifully illustrated book fosters a deep sense of wonder and respect for small, easily overlooked lives in the ocean and on land. It is ideal for children aged 6 to 9 who are transitioning from basic nature facts to more complex biological concepts.