Kutztown author Lisa Schnell released her new book “High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs” on April 14.
Schnell found inspiration for the book while walking on the beach a few years ago.
“I saw a horseshoe crab and realized that I’d seen these animals all my life but didn’t know much about them. I was at the early stages of exploring ideas for a new research project.”
Schnell wanted to write about a natural phenomenon that deeply interested her, since she would be spending a lot of time on the project, also wanting to find a subject to share with children and adults “in a way that would encourage them to go out and see it for themselves,” she said.
“The more I learned, the more I realized how incredible horseshoe crabs are. They’ve been around longer than dinosaurs!”
She explained that horseshoe crabs are critical to migrating birds and other animals.
“By feasting on horseshoe crab eggs, shorebirds can double their weight in two weeks! And, humans benefit from horseshoe crabs, too. All vaccines, injectable medications, and implantable devices – for humans and our pets – are tested using a chemical derived from horseshoe crab blood,” she said.
The book takes the reader on a trip to the beach.
“The main arc of my book is the amazing spectacle of horseshoe crab spawning along the east coast of the United States,” said Schnell. “It’s an amazing sight!”
“Each spring, during the full or new moon when the tides are highest, millions of horseshoe crabs come to shore to spawn. They leave behind masses of tiny, nutritious green eggs. In Delaware Bay, these eggs are the main source of food for migrating shorebirds while they are on their way up north to breed. Some of the birds double their body weight in just two weeks-mostly from feasting on horseshoe crab eggs. Scientists and volunteers also come to observe the horseshoe crabs and the birds, so for a couple of weeks in late May each year, the Delaware Bay area is a bit of a three-ring circus. Horseshoe crabs spawn all up and down the east coast of the US, but Delaware Bay has the highest concentrations of these animals.”
The book also shows a young girl and her mother “who come to watch all the action.” I
“I hope that those ‘characters’ will help children relate to the situation and realize that they could be there, too.”
Schnell also said that in general, horseshoe crabs are easy to observe.
“They’re kid-friendly creatures, and their spawning is predictable and happens within a few hours of where millions of people live. Horseshoe crabs even spawn within NYC limits.”
Schnell hopes her book influences children and adults.
“If this book encourages children to get outside and explore and learn about horseshoe crabs (or anything else!), I will consider it a success. I also hope the book helps children realize that science is an amazing tool, but it doesn’t have all the answers. We have learned a lot from science, but there are still many things to discover and explore, and sometimes a fresh perspective, such as that of a child, can be extremely valuable.”
“I also hope that, at some level, my book will encourage adults to work to instill a sense of wonder in their children, rather creating a feeling of panic over the problems and mistakes we humans have caused,” said Schnell. “That seems to me the best way to encourage children to grow into adults who will do everything they can to take care of the world they love.”
Upcoming events and presentations include Barnes and Noble in Wyomissing, April 25, from 1 to 3 p.m.; Firefly Bookstore in Kutztown for her book launch on May 2, from 1 to 3 p.m.; Peace, Love, and Horseshoe Crab Festival, DuPont Nature Center, May 16, time TBA; and Aaron’s Books in Lititz, July 11, time TBA.
She will also be at Bethany Beach Books, Bethany, Delaware, on June 16, for a children’s program at 10 a.m., and a book event and signing at 6:30 p.m.
This past weekend, she presented at the Kutztown University Children’s Literature Conference on April 18.
