There is lots about life under the sea as well as plenty of activity on the waves which will inspire children and spark their imagination. We share some of our favourite books about underwater animals, pirates and mermaids. There’s something for all ages.
Babies to 3 years
I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
As the giant squid goes about bragging, babies and toddlers will get an eyeful of undersea life, from shrimp and jellyfish to turtles and more.
Don't Worry Little Crab by Chris Houghton
In the rockpool above the sea, live two crabs: Very Big Crab and Little Crab. Today, they’re going for a dip in the sea. “This is going to be so great!” says Little Crab. But then Little Crab catches a first glimpse of the water... Oh. The waves! They're ENORMOUS. "Oh..." Will Little Crab be brave enough to go in?
Eco-Baby: Oceans by Lorna Freytag
Find out why oceans are important, how they're under threat and what we can do to protect them. With bright, bold illustrations and simple text, Eco Baby: Oceans is perfect for little ones... because we're never too young to start caring about the planet.
Ages 3 to 4 years
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
When the rainbow fish’s friend asks for one of his beautiful scales, he doesn’t want to share. After seeking advice from an octopus, the rainbow fish discovers that sharing is caring.
The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson
A mermaid with a lovely voice joins the circus to sing and perform, but even though the audience loves her, she finds herself to be quite lonely. Can she find a way to
escape?
Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae
Every single creature is moving and grooving in the deep blue sea to this lyrical and rhyming verse book from Giles Andreae.
Ocean Meets Sky by Eric Fan
Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him. Every time he looks out his window it's a constant reminder of the stories his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Where whales and jellyfish soar and birds and castles float.
Tiddler: The Storytelling Fish by Julia Donaldson
From being saved by a mermaid to riding a seahorse, Tiddler is a lively little fish who loves to tell tall tales about his adventures…
Ages 5 to 8 years
Winnie Under the Sea by Valerie Thomas
When Winnie drags poor Wilbur to the seaside for holiday, he’s reluctant to splash
in…that is, until Winnie turns him into a catfish.
Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Join the pirates of the Black Bloomer on a quest for the magical Pants of Gold. Sail
through bubbly swamps, navigate around grumpy crocodiles, and meet some sharks with some very fancy shorts.
A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
When Hermit Crab outgrows his shell, he realises it is time to choose a new one. With the help of his friends, Hermit Crab decorates his shell and realises that home is where the heart is.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch by Ronda Armitage
Every day Mr. Grinling attends to the lighthouse, and every day he enjoys a lunch prepared by his wife Mrs. Grinling. But soon a flock of seagulls begin stealing Mr. Grinlings lunch.
Ages 9 to 12 years
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne
Long before Jacques Cousteau was an oceanographer, he was just a curious child. Shown in a series of stunning pictures, we learn of Jacques Cousteau’s marvellous journey.
Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman
The day after a storm, best friends Hailey and Claire discover a mermaid named Aquamarine trapped in the pool of the local beach club.
Pirates! by Celia Rees
Two young women from different backgrounds set sail on a pirate ship in order to live the life of freedom they’ve always wanted. Together they battle the high seas and dangerous enemies in this liberating adventure.
