{"id":2495,"date":"2024-07-22T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=2495"},"modified":"2024-07-16T13:26:40","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T17:26:40","slug":"8-swimmingly-good-reads-kids-love-sea-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/8-swimmingly-good-reads-kids-love-sea-life\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Swimmingly Good Reads for Kids Who Love Sea Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

You could call it the \u201cFinding Nemo\u201d effect, but that wouldn\u2019t be true; kids have always been fascinated by the world under the sea. Maybe it\u2019s that it looks so different from what\u2019s above ground, or that ocean life is its own rainbow. Or maybe I\u2019m getting too poetic. Maybe my son just loves all things aquatic because he doesn\u2019t yet have permission to go hang out underwater alone. Whatever the case, these 11 books are great for little ones enamored with marine life.<\/p>\n

no no 9780525647201 Ocean: A Peek-Through Picture Book<\/i> by Britta Teckentrup <\/p>\n

Author-illustrator Britta Teckentrup’s peek-through picture books (also including Tree<\/i><\/a>, Moon<\/i><\/a>, and Bee<\/i><\/a>) are fun for the whole family. Each turn of the page reveals enchanting cut-out details of marine life, and the rhyming text is perfect for growing readers learning to follow along. From hermit crabs to Nemo lookalikes to enormous humpback whales, there’s something to love for everyone. <\/p>\n

9780823458776 Great Carrier Reef <\/i> by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright <\/p>\n

After decades of service, the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany<\/i> sank to the ocean floor off the coast of Florida. Scientists and engineers put their heads together and devised a plan to convert the carrier into an artificial reef. Kids will love reading about how the shipwreck became a vibrant home to ocean life and an essential part of the underwater ecosystem.<\/p>\n

9780525578772 Hello, World! Ocean Life<\/i> by Jill McDonald <\/p>\n

The youngest readers can enjoy the wonders of sea life with this beachy addition to Jill McDonald’s Hello, World!<\/i> series<\/a>, an engaging set of concept books that introduces babies and toddlers to science, nature, and more. In this lively board book, there are layers of learning to unfold – children can learn the names of creatures, observe their colors, and count their fins and flippers. <\/p>\n

9780399242694 Mister Seahorse<\/i> by Eric Carle <\/p>\n

Carle, of Very Hungry Caterpillar<\/i> fame, teaches as he tells stories. In this one, kids learn about the miracle of life from Mr. Seahorse who is responsible for carrying baby seahorse eggs in his belly. As he bobs along, he encounters other undersea daddies who also help out with their babies-to-be. With colorful overlays on each page, it\u2019s an excellent and interactive way to learn about the different lives of animals.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Read It, Make It: Books and a Craft for Ocean Lovers<\/a><\/p>\n

9781524713379 A Small Blue Whale<\/i> by Beth Ferry and Lisa Mondorff <\/p>\n

A small blue whale feels lonely and wonders what having a friend might be like. With poetic language and beautiful illustrations, this sweet picture book follows the whale as he refuses to lose hope in his search for friendship. When the whale unexpectedly finds himself in need of help from a group of penguins, he finally discovers what friends are.<\/p>\n

9780525554592 I Am Not a Fish!<\/i> by Peter Raymundo <\/p>\n

The first thing you need to know about Edgar, the jellyfish at the heart of Peter Raymundo’s delightful picture book, is that he is not a fish! As a matter of fact, Edgar’s not sure what he is, and it’s stressing him out. Our tentacled hero attends an underwater support group, where he makes new friends and learns that labels are pretty silly after all. <\/p>\n

9780823452286 Life After Whale<\/i> by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin <\/p>\n

When a blue whale dies, its body becomes a source of food and shelter for dozens of creatures. For over 100 years, one whale carcass sustains life on the ocean floor. This well-researched and beautifully illustrated picture book is a must-read for kids curious about the circle of life.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Books for Little Ocean Enthusiasts and Conservationists<\/a><\/p>\n

9780803731929 I\u2019m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean<\/i> by Kevin Sherry <\/p>\n

In a quite funny style, a giant squid takes inventory of every creature in the ocean, eager to brag how he\u2019s the biggest thing in it. However, he maaaaay be overlooking a sea animal bigger than him. Kids will enjoy the surprise of the larger animal lurking about, even if they don\u2019t quite yet understand the concept of hubris that\u2019s at play here. <\/p>\n

9780399170720 The Mermaid<\/i> by Jan Brett <\/p>\n

Bestselling author Jan Brett puts an aquatic spin on a favorite fairy tale. When a young mermaid happens upon a beautiful seashell house, she’s charmed to find three breakfasts, thee chairs, and three gently rocking beds. Sound familiar? Of course, bears don’t live under the sea – but the Octopus family does, and they’re not thrilled to find their home topsy-turvy. Mesmerizing and intricate (there’s a whole story in the border art!), The Mermaid is sure to be a reader favorite. <\/p>\n

9781623542979 Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? <\/i> by Steven J. Simmons and Clifford R. Simmons, illustrated by Ruth E. Harper <\/p>\n

Rhyming prose and vibrant watercolor illustrations take young readers under the sea to learn about how marine animals sleep. From octopuses and turtles to whales and sharks, readers will discover how these animals rest and recharge at the end of the day. <\/p>\n

RELATED: Superb Shark Books for Hungry Readers<\/a><\/p>\n

9780593301975 Speck <\/i> by Margaux Meganck <\/p>\n

Curious young readers will love this story about a tiny speck searching the vast ocean depths for its place. It travels the ocean from floor to surface, observes wildlife, and explores shipwrecks before finding a place to call home. The subtle message about belonging pairs beautifully with the stunning watercolor illustrations and gentle prose.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.<\/small>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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