Leo walked on the white beach. He looked for pretty things in the sand.

The sun was warm and bright. The waves were small and soft.

He saw a blue shell. It sat in the wet sand by the water.

The shell had gold spots. It was very beautiful and shiny.

Leo picked up the shell. He held it close to his ear.

He did not hear the wind. He heard a tiny, soft voice!

"Hello there!" said the voice. Leo looked all around him.

A small green crab was near his foot. The crab waved a little claw.

"My name is Pip," the crab said. Leo was very shocked.

"You can talk?" Leo asked. Pip laughed a little bit.

"The shell helps you hear us," Pip said. "It is a magic shell."

Leo felt very lucky. He had a special magic gift now.

A tall bird flew down. It was a white gull with long wings.

"I am hungry," the bird said. "Where are the small fish?"

Leo pointed to the deep water. "The fish are over there," he said.

The bird said thank you. Then it flew away very fast.

Next, a big blue dolphin jumped. It made a very loud splash.

"Come and play!" the dolphin called. Leo ran to the water.

He could not swim far. But he could talk to the sea animals.

The dolphin told a funny joke. Leo laughed and laughed.

The sun began to set. The sky was pink and orange and gold.

Leo had to go home for dinner. He put the shell in his bag.

"Goodbye, friends!" Leo called out. The sea waved back at him.

He knew he would return soon. He had many new stories to hear.

The magic shell was quiet now. But Leo was very happy.

He would come back tomorrow. The ocean was full of friends.