The Book:
Author/Illustrator: Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah Brannen
Publication Info.: Charlesbridge, 2019
Category: Nonfiction, compare/contrast, expository, layered text, list structure
Overview (from the publisher): “Prolific, award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart reveals the surprising ways seashells provide more than shelter to the mollusks that inhabit them.
Young naturalists discover thirteen seashells in this elegant introduction to the remarkable versatility of shells. Dual-layered text highlights how shells provide more than a protective home in this expository nonfiction exploration. The informative secondary text underscores characteristics specific to each shell. Elegant watercolor illustrations create a scrapbook feel, depicting children from around the world observing and sketching seashells across shores. ”
What’s noteworthy for authors and educators:
Compare/contrast list books are hard to write. You must get the hook/concept just right in the opening spread. Then all subsequent examples must reinforce the idea. Melissa Stewart’s SEASHELLS: MORE THAN A HOME is a perfect example.
Additional Resources/Classroom activities:
Melissa Stewart’s website is a rich resource for educators (and authors). Her video lesson about voice choice draws upon SEASHELLS, and would be a great lesson for authors of all ages.
Kirsten W. Larson 
Melissa’s website is an amazing resource isn’t it? Every time I visit I find new treasures!
Melissa is my idol! I love how deeply she thinks about the creative work of writing nonfiction.