Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me

Written by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp

Paintings by Amy Lind, Photographs by David A. Erickson

Lettering and drawings by Dean Fleishcer-Camp

Penguin Group, 2011

42 pages

Picture Book-Fiction

                I chose this book because it is extremely unique and comical. When I picked this book up it intrigued me, and I had to learn more about this shell. This book is about a shell named Marcel. He has an eye, and he wears shoes. Marcel lives a pretty normal life, except for the fact that he is a very tiny shell. He even has his own “breadroom,” helmet, and pretend dog. Readers are able to see everyday life from a particularly interesting perspective. 

                David A. Erickson took photos of a typical home and Amy Lind painted these photographs. The pictures are realistic, and the reader feels as though they are actually in the home. Dean Fleishcer-Camp did all of the lettering and drawings in this book. The colors used are rich and warm, giving the book a cozy feeling.

                
               This book is suitable for ages 5 and up. I think all ages will find it comical and amusing. In an elementary school classroom, this book could be used to talk about the difference between realistic fiction and non-realistic fiction. This book could also be used to get students to think about everyday life from a point of view other than their own. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me could also be used in an elementary school classroom to open discussion for the students to share things about themselves that may be similar to some of the things that Marcel shares in the book.