In the South Pacific there is a remote isolated tropical island whose beaches are totally made out of shells. Everyday, and especially during storms, thousands of shells are washed in onto the sand and collected by a family who live on the edge of the beach. For years Tom's parents have been collecting shells and making them into elaborate jewellery and hanging ornaments. This is the story of the baby (Thomas) brought up on the beach who through constant contact with the beach managed to develop an unusual capability of incorporating shells into the skin on his back. This had never been recorded before and no one else on the island had this ability. As he grew up he became well known and respected and when people had problems they would go and see the shell man for advice. This phenomenon led to him leaving the island but returning years later to find that shell island was no longer the peaceful home that he knew so well.