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Inspired by a Stuffed Animal
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell follows a young hermit crab living in Southern California who is swept away from home during a storm and must find his way home. What was the inspiration for your story?
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell came to me as a surprise. I am not a children’s author by any means—and I am still learning the ins and outs of writing a book for a younger audience—but writing a children’s book has always been something I’ve wanted to do. This story in particular was inspired by a stuffed animal that I’ve had in my room—a hermit crab! The story’s setting was greatly inspired by San Diego and Southern California in general, as that is where I live.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Particularly with children’s stories, I’ve always enjoyed writing the first page. To me, that’s the most important part of the story—at least for drawing in young readers. The same goes for this book as well. Writing the descriptions of the tide pools and the ocean waves, and introducing the characters, was the best part.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
To me, I felt that keeping the book as factual as possible was very important. I included details such as how hermit crabs find and replace their shells, as well as little references as to what they eat and how they live. Other than that, as the book is for a younger audience, I allowed my imagination to take forth!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
For now, I don’t have definite plans to write another book in this series—with that being said, continuing the journeys of Zeke and his friends is something I would like to do in the future.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Are you ready to explore the ocean? Join Zeke, a young hermit crab from the sunny coast of Southern California, on his quest to return home after being swept away during a storm. Along the way, he will meet new friends and discover a bravery inside himself that he never knew was there—and maybe you will too.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is the perfect adventure for budding readers, lovers of the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it, and those still trying to come out of their shells.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of Zeke, a shy young hermit crab living in the tidepools along the sunny coast of Southern California. Zeke, who prefers the safety of his shell over the adventure of the world outside, is swept away by a storm and finds himself far from home. Through this unexpected journey, Zeke not only finds his way back but also learns the value of friendship, courage, and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
One of the first things that struck me about this book was the vivid imagery Hershenson uses to bring the coastal setting to life. The descriptions of the beach, the tidepools, and the ocean are not only beautifully written but also help young readers immerse themselves in Zeke’s world. The author’s ability to create a sense of place is impressive, and it’s easy to visualize the colorful underwater scenes and the diverse creatures that Zeke encounters on his journey. The character development in this book is also notable. Zeke starts as a timid, reclusive hermit crab, but as the story progresses, he evolves into a brave and sociable character who learns to trust others and embrace new experiences. Hershenson does an excellent job of portraying Zeke’s internal struggles, particularly his fear of the unknown and his hesitation to interact with others. These themes are universal and relatable, making Zeke’s journey not just a physical adventure but also an emotional one. The moment when Zeke finally sings for his new friends is particularly touching, symbolizing his growth and newfound confidence. I also appreciated the underlying message of the story, which encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and make new friends. The book handles these themes with a gentle touch, making them accessible to young readers without being didactic. The friendships Zeke forms with Jay, Maisy, and Harry are heartwarming and show that even the most unlikely companions can become the best of friends.
Zeke Comes Out of His Shell is a delightful read that I would highly recommend to young children, particularly those who might be shy or hesitant to try new things. The book’s combination of engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and a positive message makes it a great choice for parents and educators looking to instill confidence and social skills in children. Shanti Hershenson has created a charming and memorable story that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D9N1JWSQ
LITERARY TITAN 