Mr Clownfish, Miss Anemone and the Hermit Crab – Sean E. Avery

Walker Books Australia

ISBN13:9781760654344

Australia RRP:$25.99

New Zealand RRP:$27.99

Here is another quirky tale from Sean E. Avery, whose sense of humour and subtle inferences remind me so strongly of Jon Klassen. And I LOVE it!

Most children will know about the symbiotic relationship that clown fish have with anemones, but I’ll guarantee they’ve never thought about it in these terms *grin*.

Mr Clownfish and Miss Anemone have the perfect mutually beneficial relationship, and both hugely appreciate each other. Because Miss Anemone can’t move around, Mr Clownfish finds tasty tidbits for both of them. Miss Anemone shields Mr Clownfish when he is threatened by big hungry fish. Likewise, when those fish who find anemones quite tasty try to munch on Miss Anemone, Mr Clownfish is at his fiercest and protects her.

On Miss Anemone’s birthday, Mr Clownfish presents her with a beautiful shell, and then goes off to find birthday treats for them to share. But when he returns, Miss Anemone is GONE! Well, yes she is, because Hermit Crab “Me Hermit Crab” has taken her for a roam around. Mr Clownfish thinks he has outlived his usefulness (and mobility) but not a bit of it. This trio now have the best triumvirate under the waves!

It is really cute and very funny and your kiddos will really get a kick out of it, particularly the expressive characters (and the fact that Hermit Crab is clearly not the sharpest claw in the water).

And, of course, while it is pure fun, it is also a great accompaniment to some nature study/oceanography and inquiry into those symbiotic/mutually beneficial relationships in nature. Not to mention a really good excuse – I mean, reason!- to throw in Finding Nemo on a slow Friday afternoon 🐟😁.