Hector The Hermit Crab by Katie Boyce

Hector The Hermit Crab

Hector is a shy crab that likes to hide in his shell. But, one night while he was sleeping, a flower grew on his shell. To him this was a terrible thing, so he tries everything to get it off, but it just grows and grows making him stand out more and more in the crowd. He is so miserable that he finally talks to the crowd that is following him and tells them to leave him alone. Instead of leaving him alone they start talking to him and he discovers he likes them.

There are two points to discuss with your child while reading this book. 

 What seems like a disaster turned into a blessing.

What Hector thought was the most terrible thing to happen in his life actually turned out to be a blessing. He had spent a long time trying to get rid of the flower. But that flower was a tool that helped him  get out of his shell and make friends.

Think of an incident that happened to you,  which at the time you thought was terrible but turned out to be a blessing. Tell your child about it and what it taught you.

My Experience

My mom moved 560 miles away from my dad after they were divorced. I was only 10 years old and this devastated me. But I learned how to make my home were ever I was. I discovered a love for traveling. I learned how to manage my way through airports which helped me  become confident and I learned independence. I realized that I didn’t need to rely on my parents and could go months without seeing one or the other.

It’s hard to make friends unless you emerge from your shell.

If you stay in a shell and hide you will never be able to make friends. How can you meet someone if you are hiding? It is easier to hide but we are made to have relationships. We will never truly grow unless we make the effort to connect  with others.

Take your child out and have him/her practice connecting with others by talking to adults they don’t know while in your presence. Teach them to give a handshake and to introduce themselves. It will help them get over the fears they have when they approach  another child or someone they don’t know. Remember, “Practice makes perfect”.  

Enjoy your time with your child while they are young. And remember that a great way to “Inspire-Your-Kids” is to read with them.

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