There is lot about life under the sea to inspire children. We share some of our favourite titles about underwater animals, pirates and mermaids. There’s something for all ages.
Babies to 3 years
Ocean Babies by Deborah Lee Rose
The babies of the ocean come alive in this colourful tale of life as it begins beneath
the waves. Your baby can see how their favourite sea animals grow and learn just as they
do.
Clumsy Crab by Ruth Galloway
Nippers is a little crab with big claws. No matter how hard he tries, he always
seems to get things caught between them and ruin the fun. When he finds his friend, the
Octopus caught in the weeds, it’s Nippers’ turn to be the hero and use his claws for good.
Under the Sea by Fiona Watt
With jigsaw puzzles of different textures you can help your little one improve their
sensory abilities alongside a story showing various vibrant sea creatures.
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.
Do Pirates Take Baths? by Kathy Tucker
Ever wonder what it was like to be a pirate? This charming book leads you through
the fantastic lives of pirates: what they do, what they eat, what their birthdays are like,
and of course, if they take baths!
Clam I Am by Dr. Seuss
Norval the fish is setting up for his seaside talk show on the Fish Channel but
needs some help. Who better to film than the Cat in the Hat himself?
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.