This book is dedicated to the fiercely resilient residents of Albuquerque—this story is yours.

Once in Crablandia, every hermit crab could find a shell and a home easily.  Crabs need shells for hiding, living, resting, and growing. 

But things have changed. Now, shells are hard to find. 

Hermy lived in a little shell at the edge of the tidepool. It wasn't perfect, but it was home.

One morning while Hermy was hanging out with Sandy, a notice was stuck to Hermy's shell. He didn't know what to do.  

THIS SHELL IS NO LONGER APPROVED. VACATE IMMEDIATELY.

Oh no! Hermy, what does that mean?

Hermy didn’t know what vacate meant, but the big crab officer who posted it said...

You can't stay in that shell anymore. It's the rule.

What! Why does he have to leave his shell? 

VACATE

Crablandia Shell Rules

1. If you grow out of your shell you have to find a new one right away!

2. If you can no longer pay for your shell, you will have to vacate.

3.Crabs without shells may not apply for shells.

4. To qualify for a new shell, crabs must provide:

Let's look for new shells!  We can go to the Shell-less Center!

Where am I supposed to go... I have no shell now?

Hermy and Sandy didn't know what to do. None of Crablandia was prepared for Shell Eviction.

Taking Sandy's advice, Hermy scurried to the Shell-less Center.  A shell-ter for shell-less individuals.

Shell-less Center

The line was long...

Shell-less Center

I was told that I am no longer allowed to live in my shell because I grew out of my old one. 

Then we can't help you. No shell, no file! 

After many minutes of waiting...Hermy was denied service because he did not have Form B and proof of shellhood (both required for getting a new shell). Sandy and Hermy decided to go to the  shore and see if any shells washed up.

He grew out of his shell.  What is he supposed to do? 

This isn't fair!

Hermy's friends did not understand this rule. Nobody in the tidepool community understood why it was so hard to find new shells. 

Hermy and Sandy decided they were going to try and find a shell for Hermy, but on the way there, Sandy's shell cracked.

Shell Reserve

Sandy! Your shell. 

With a cracked shell, Sandy was violating Rule #5 of Crablandia's Shell Rules. Her shell was taken away, leaving her with no protection. 

I'm sorry Sandy. We will look for shells together. 

Sandy and Hermy went to the shore to look for shells, but found that fewer shells were washing up. One was covered in trash and seemed to be broken. The others were bottle caps. Neither seemed safe for them to live in...

bottle cap

water bottle cap

Hermy and Sandy decided to use the shells that they found.

That night, Hermy and all of his friends celebrated having shells again!

After the celebration, a big current suddenly came through Crablandia. Hermy, Sandy, and all of their friends were swept away. 

Woaahhhhhahahhh