Barnacle Bay (Little Habitats #1)

Crammed with ocean puns (“Shell-phones off, please!”), interesting factoids (“Young hermit crabs and young anemones bond with each other”), and nods to environmental damage (“Some big threats to kelp are pollution and climate change”), this information-packed graphic novel, the first in a series, uses a chance encounter between Crab and a tiny, floating blob, Larva, to explore sea creatures and plants. Crab is, well, crabby at first (“Heeey! Watch where you’re going!”), until Larva explains its mission: “I’m not actually sure where I’m going... but I’ll know when I find it!” Crab begrudgingly agrees to show Larva around, and gradually softens to expose a warm, kind heart. In polished cartoon-style panel artwork by Curll (Busy Scooters), the two visit a kelp forest, learn about anemones, meet bivalves, and more: “Everyone in the bay has an important role to play,” the crustacean turned tour guide says. At last, Larva finds a place to settle—and makes an unexpected reveal. Each section is followed by a slightly less tongue-in-cheek informative sidebar, with a few comedic asides sprinkled throughout this cheerful introduction to marine life. Ages 6–9. (Apr.)