Beach Bountiful

Library Journal

Williams, a beachcomber of 35 years, guides us through the identification of shells, marine birds, crustaceans, and plant life along the South Atlantic beaches. Her book also offers information on sharks' teeth, sand dollars, sea stars, and other beach debris. About half the book is given over to shell identification and shelling locations. Descriptions are written clearly enough for the lay reader who has little or no skill in identifying beach life. The drawback is the inclusion of a pelican telling his story, which is out of place in this type of book. This is for public libraries on or near the South Atlantic coast or for libraries with patrons who vacation in this popular area. Ignore the bird and shake out the sand before reshelving.-- David Schau, Kanawha Cty. P.L., Charleston, W.Va.