A strange contraption descending from above comes to rest in the midst of an undersea neighborhood. Only the bluefish recognizes it for what it is: a trap! Duly warned, no one ventures inside, but poor, flat Flounder is trapped underneath. Meanwhile, the solitude-loving hermit crab is off on his own when he spots the most beautiful shell he’s ever seen and climbs inside. Only his new shell is visible when he spots the strange contraption and gives it a shake, unknowingly freeing Flounder. “Our HERO,” cries the lobster, and a celebration ensues. The hermit crab’s new shell happens to be the top half of a superhero action figure, making for delightful visual humor in Carter Goodrich’s silly story. The droll tenor of the narrative is also marvelous, with clever dialogue and over-the-top drama among the assorted sea creatures. (Ages 5–8)

The hermit crab would prefer to blend into the background. He is happy to spend his time alone, looking for food. But when he finds a flashy new shell, he can’t resist trying it on for size. He is so taken with it that he doesn’t notice the mysterious contraption that floats down from the surface. While the lobster wonders if the contraption is a restaurant and the bluefish thinks it’s a trap, the poor flounder gets stuck underneath! When the hungry hermit crab investigates the delicious smells coming from the contraption and frees the flounder, he inadvertently becomes a hero. But is the hermit crab ready for the limelight?