Tony Torzillo

Herms' New Shell Tony Torzillo

Herms finds one day, that his shell isn't fitting quite like it used to. His mom and dad suggest that it's time for him to pick out a new one. But Herms loves his old shell, he doesn't want something new. He's had it since he was a very young hermit crab and he and his best friend, Nick, even have their own "matching purple shell" club. Everyone tells Herms that this is an important change, a good change, but change is scary. What if he won't like it? What if he doesn't look like himself anymore? Herms thinks that if he can just stop growing he won't ever have to change. He stops eating but his shell still pinches when he tries to play with his friends, so Herms stops playing with his friend. Soon Herms can't even get on the bus without his shell pinching. He has no choice, his Dad is taking him to buy a new shell. When he finally gets his new shell he finds that not only does his new shell suit the crab he has grown to be, it make life a whole lot more comfortable. He can run and play again and best of all his friends and family all think the new shell suits him perfectly. Herms' New Shell is a story that growing children can easily relate to. It speaks to the changes in life that a child might find scary and provides parents and children a way to talk about them.
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