Read your students tidepool books to help them understand how resilient organisms must be to survive life in a tidepool. Sea stars, mussels, anemones and other organisms cope with daily changes in temperatures, waves, currents, salinity, as well as predators.
A few of the tidepool books below are out of print but can be purchased from Amazon.com or other online book sellers. I recommend introducing the theme by displaying whelks, crab, oyster, or clam shells in the science center, then reading a few of the tidepool books. Once the children have some background hands on experiences and have listened to a variety of books, a field trip to a tidepool will be more meaningful.
Life in a Tide Pool (Rookie Read-About Science)
Rookie Read-About Science books are a great addition to the primary-grade classroom with books that cover every part of the science curricula. Includes: animals, nature, scientific principles, the environment, weather, and much more!
In One Tidepool: Crabs, Snails, and Salty Tails
A great preschool to grade 2 book about a little girl peering into a tidepool. The bulk of the book is a “House-That-Jack-Built”-style cumulative rhyme introducing barnacles, fish, anemones, a sponge, snails, crabs, limpets, and a sea star.
It also has a page of field notes that gives brief information about each of the animals.
Seashore (One Small Square)
A great tidepool book for the young science enthusiast. The excellent drawings and explanations will motivate and teach children about tidal areas.
Beautifully illustrated, with a picture reference and glossary, Seashore is just one volume from the One Small Square series of hands-on science books, now available in paperback.
A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle. A story about a hermit crab that is trying to find a bigger shell. He makes many friends who help him decorate his shell, such as sea anemones, a sea star, some coral, a sea snail, a sea urchin, and a lantern fish. (Ages 4 to 8)
Kermit The Hermit ,by Bill Peet
Although this tidepool story is about a deep-sea crab, rather than a tide-pool shore crab, the story is delightful and set in rhyme.
Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars: Take-Along Guide (Take Along Guides)
An introduction to the world of seashells, crabs, and sea stars including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts. Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested.
