For anyone who has ever carted a bucket on their beach rambles—or wished for pockets in a bathing suit!—this lovely "illustrated guide to collecting and identifying beach treasures" will help you to differentiate between a lightning whelk and a pear whelk, understand the importance of a "mermaid's necklace," and tell genuine sea glass from fake. Delicate watercolor illustrations pair with short, informative write-ups about shells and other natural seaside wonders, and an accompanying list of "beachcomber's commandments" will help you be an environmentally conscientious collector. Whether you're landlocked this summer or counting down the days until you step into the sand, The Beachcomber's Companion is a wonderful keepsake for beach lovers and a thoughtful hostess gift for coastal-dwelling friends.