Great Kids’ Books For Exploring The Oceans

by Alicia Klepeis
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6 books
As a geographer and former teacher, it is my passion to get kids excited about discovering all aspects of our world. Much of my writing has focused on the countries, cultures, and creatures around the globe. Both nonfiction and well-researched fiction can help children learn. As I was working on my own book about the world’s oceans, I came across many others I thought were terrific. What happens in the more than 70% of the planet covered by oceans is relevant to all of us. From exploring the different layers of the oceans to discovering the diverse habitats and marine life, all the books on this list will help children (and their caregivers, too) explore the diverse habitats and marine life from Australia to Antarctica.
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Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

DK, John Woodward, 2015
I first came across this book when visiting a science museum gift shop. The moment I picked it up, I knew I had to take it home. A collaboration between DK and the Smithsonian, this 250+ page book is incredibly well-organized and easy to find exactly what you are looking for, from Arctic seals to kelp forests to the twilight zone. Spectacular photographs and chunks of text mean that both new and fluent readers can glean great information and satisfy their own curiosity. The book doesn’t shy away from topics like climate change or ocean pollution, but does a good job of also talking about initiatives to improve conditions in a variety of ocean habitats.

Earth's Incredible Oceans

Jess French, 2021
Underwater adventures lay ahead for young readers in this book by veterinarian and TV presenter Jess French. The mixture of lovely illustrations by Claire McElfatrick and photographs make for a fun and accessible read targeted at 7-to-9-year-old readers. It includes animals like narwhals and glowing jellyfish that captivate the imagination, as well as covering topics such as how marine animals play and take care of their young.

Ocean Animals

Who's Who in the Deep Blue
Johnna Rizzo, 2016
Geared for readers in Grades 3-6, this eye-catching book will hook readers from the start. I must confess to having a soft spot for books published by National Geographic, with their emphasis on both stunning photography and well-written (and fact-checked!) material. Rizzo’s conversational writing style is super appealing and keeps future oceanographers keen to discover what’s coming next. The book includes favorite, familiar marine animals such as sea turtles and sharks but also introduces young readers to creatures they may not know as much about (like blobfish or luminescent fish).

Weird But True Ocean

National Geographic Kids, 2021
Librarians know that trivia books are one of the most popular genres to fly off the shelves. This ocean-themed one will not disappoint. Kids will love finding out how the jaws of megalodon, the prehistoric shark, were so huge it could swallow a car. They will want to tell their friends stories about the dogs and cats (and other creatures too!) that learned to surf. As a lover of reading and writing trivia books and magazine articles myself, I had to include at least one on my list.

Secrets of the Ocean

15 Bedtime Stories Inspired by Nature
Alicia Klepeis, Neon Squid, 2024
Full disclosure here: I included my new book about oceans in this list. This title, the second in a series of three, is a hybrid of fiction and nonfiction. Each story is based on the real biology and behavior of these incredible wild animals. At the end of every story is a nonfiction section where readers will find out more about the science that inspired the story. Kids will encounter favorite animals such as diving penguins, ancient sharks, and adorable sea otters. But they’ll also be introduced to new ones including a jellyfish that looks like a fried egg. The lovely illustrations by Kaja Kajfež will delight children and parents alike.

The Great Barrier Reef

(Earth's Incredible Places)
Dr. Helen Scales, 2022
With their diverse life forms and brilliant colors, coral reefs capture the imagination. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is no exception. Marine biologist and author Dr. Helen Scales shares one of the world’s great natural wonders with young readers. Lisk Feng’s gorgeous illustrations will delight children as they explore the kaleidoscope of creatures that live in the Great Barrier Reef. Scales does a great job of balancing topics of concern, including climate change and coral bleaching, with hopeful explanations of the efforts being made to preserve this reef.