We Sea You Love Reading!

Jagger Price
May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 9

The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, yet so much of it remains a mystery. Following our Earth Week session, we are diving in to the ecosystem that is the basis for so much of our life and systems on our home. We've selected six picture books that celebrate marine animals, teamwork, and the beauty of the underwater world. Each one brings the ocean to life through vibrant illustrations and thoughtful storytelling.

To extend the learning and fun, there’s also an ocean-inspired craft at the end of this post—easy to make and eco-conscious too!

Our picks:

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

This timeless classic follows a little fish named Swimmy who survives a predator attack and must find a way to help his new school of fish stay safe. With clever thinking, Swimmy teaches them how to swim together as one big fish, using teamwork as protection.

Swimmy’s journey emphasizes the power of cooperation and problem-solving in the face of danger. It’s also a tribute to the importance of community in protecting our shared environment.

Where the Sea Meets the Sky by Peter Bently & Riko Sekiguchi

This poetic story follows a young girl as she drifts off into a dream where the sea and sky blend into a magical world full of sea creatures and mysteries. The illustrations are soft and whimsical, carrying readers into an imaginative underwater journey.

It fosters wonder and appreciation for the ocean’s beauty, key steps in inspiring young readers to care about marine ecosystems.

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae & David Wojtowycz

A fun and rhyming romp through the ocean, this book introduces a variety of sea animals, from sharks to stingrays, each with its own silly poem and colorful illustration. It’s great for younger children and early readers.

This book highlights the diversity of life in our oceans in a playful, approachable way, making it easier for kids to connect with animals they may have never seen in real life.

The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer

Packed with fascinating facts and gorgeous illustrations, this nonfiction book dives into all things ocean—from how deep-sea creatures live to why whales sing. It’s perfect for curious kids who want to learn more about sea life.

It doesn’t just present ocean facts; it also discusses how human actions impact marine life and why it’s important to protect it.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

This well-known story is about a shimmering fish who learns that sharing his beautiful scales makes him happier than keeping them all to himself. It’s a story of generosity, friendship, and finding joy in giving.

This book models empathy and community, values that go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

Gigantic by Rob Biddulph

This heartwarming tale follows a small blue whale with a big heart. Gigantic may be small, but he shows that even the tiniest voice can make a big difference. With playful illustrations and a strong message about self-worth and courage, it’s a delight to read.

It encourages kids to speak up and believe that their actions matter.

Craft: Recycled Jellyfish Mobiles

Turn plastic waste into something wonderful with this jellyfish mobile made from recycled materials. It’s a fun craft that reinforces the importance of reusing and protecting marine life from ocean pollution.

Materials:

Empty yogurt or fruit cups (clear or opaque plastic)
Tissue paper or fabric scraps (for tentacles)
Glue or tape
Hole punch or scissors
String or yarn for hanging
Markers or paint (optional for decorating)

Instructions:

Clean the plastic cups and remove any labels.
Punch or poke holes around the bottom edge of the cup (these will be for the tentacles).
Cut strips of tissue paper or fabric and thread them through the holes, securing with tape or glue.
Decorate the cup like a jellyfish body with markers, googly eyes, or paint.
Punch a hole in the top and tie on a string to hang.
Display your jellyfish in a window or from the ceiling to remind everyone how recycling helps protect ocean creatures.

These books and the accompanying craft are a joyful way to learn about the ocean’s wonders. Whether you're reading aloud, crafting with little ones, or just diving into the beauty of the sea, there’s always something new to discover and love about our planet.