What do you get when a New Yorker illustrator/animation designer (Shrek, Finding Nemo) tells the tale of an unlikely hero (he casts him as a shy crustacean) in an undersea world of colorful characters? The Hermit Crab, by Carter Goodrich.

In the third and final installment of the Summer Book Club, here’s what the gang had to say:

Camille (age 6): The crab looks frustrated.

Roan (6): He’s just shy.

Camille: I’m not.

Sage (11): I think this book is funniest to little kids. They like it when animals talk.

Brittany (11): The pictures pop out more than the words.

Camille: I like the colors and the flounder’s googly eyes.

Ellis (11): This is a perfect book for our Reading Buddies program at school, where fifth graders read to second graders.

Sage: Mom says if you read to your children 50 minutes a day they’ll become better readers.

As for ways to alleviate crabbiness, you’re on your own.

Available online at amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

The Hermit Crab Activity:
Many kids have a hard time sharing their thoughts — especially in group settings. Start the discussion with an art project. Cut out paper seashells, fish, and marine creatures, and have them create an underwater world. Ask them to describe how the picture is similar to or different from their own homes.

30% off Layla Grayce
The site-wide discount means you’ll catch a break on everything (except sale items) from diaper bags by Petunia Pickle Bottom and Skip Hop to bedding from DwellStudio and Serena & Lily. Plus, pick up gifts in the home and women’s sections. Enter DCKIDS at checkout; valid thru July 30.

Together with You Launches
The first in a series of personalized videos heads to the park. Incorporating your own photos (think Grandma), voice (saying Uncle Ben’s name), and words (playground, slide), each 25-minute clip familiarizes your child with the people who love her most — no matter how far away they are.

AblePlay: Products for Kids with Special Needs
A free, independent site that researches, rates, and reviews toys for kids with disabilities. Search by need, category, or age range; use the wish list for holidays or birthdays. Find something you like? Click through to buy.