Author Description

The conch is a symbol of the Caribbean. Conch meat is an important food and income source, and conch shells are sold as items of beauty throughout the world. Shelley the Conch presents the life story of a conch in word and picture. It is written with young children in mind, but the colorful artwork and interesting story will appeal to all ages. The story traces Shelley's life from her first days as a drifting baby the size of a pinpoint through to the hatching of her own offspring. In this work of creative nonfiction readers will learn some fascinating facts about the life of the conch as well as the habits of other marine animals with whom it has contact. Readers will also appreciate the importance of conserving this lovely marine resource. Author and illustrator Katherine Orr is a marine biologist who has spent hundreds of hours underwater studying conchs in their native habitats. Orr's paintings reflect her intimate knowledge of the conch and its world.