The best 16 Ocean books

Life in the Ocean by Claire A. Nivola is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the remarkable true story of Sylvia Earle, a pioneering oceanographer. It takes young readers on a journey through Earle's life and her deep connection to the ocean, inspiring them to appreciate and protect the wonders of the underwater world.

Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway is a delightful children's book that follows the journey of a little fish who just can't seem to stay still. As he darts and dashes through the ocean, encountering various sea creatures along the way, young readers will be captivated by the playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations. It's a fun and engaging tale that teaches kids about the wonders of the underwater world.

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a lighthouse and the families who lived there. Through stunning artwork and poetic prose, the book takes readers on a journey through time, showcasing the importance of lighthouses and the lives intertwined with them. It is a captivating and heartwarming tale that will enchant both children and adults alike.

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino is a captivating biography that delves into the extraordinary life of the legendary ocean explorer. Filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating anecdotes, the book takes readers on a journey through Cousteau's groundbreaking underwater expeditions and his relentless passion for marine conservation. It offers a glimpse into the wondrous world beneath the waves and inspires a deep appreciation for our oceans.

Jaws by Peter Benchley is a gripping thriller that takes place in the fictional town of Amity Island. When a great white shark begins terrorizing the local community, police chief Martin Brody, oceanographer Matt Hooper, and shark hunter Quint set out to stop the deadly predator. As the body count rises, they must confront their deepest fears and battle the relentless beast in a fight for survival.

I'm a Shark by Bob Shea is a delightful children's book that follows a confident shark who claims to be fearless. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that even the bravest of creatures have their own fears. With humor and colorful illustrations, this book teaches kids about facing their fears and the importance of empathy.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant is a gripping science fiction thriller that delves into the mysteries of the deep ocean. When a research crew sets out to uncover the truth behind a series of deadly attacks on a previous expedition, they find themselves face to face with terrifying creatures they never thought could exist. As they fight for survival, they also uncover shocking secrets that could change our understanding of the ocean forever.

If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams explores the important role that sharks play in the ocean ecosystem. Through beautiful illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book highlights the impact of shark extinction on the balance of marine life and ultimately on the planet as a whole. It encourages young readers to understand the significance of every species in our environment and the importance of conservation.

If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano and Erin E. Stead is a gentle and whimsical picture book that follows a young boy who sets out on a quest to see a whale. Filled with beautiful illustrations and poetic language, the book encourages readers to slow down and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Grayson is a captivating memoir by Lynne Cox that tells the remarkable true story of her encounter with a lost baby gray whale. Set off the coast of Southern California, Cox shares the heartwarming and inspiring tale of her bond with the whale, her determination to reunite it with its mother, and the extraordinary journey that unfolds. It's a beautifully written account of the connection between humans and animals, and the power of compassion and empathy.

Nugget and Fang is a delightful children's book written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Michael Slack. It tells the story of Nugget, a small fish, and Fang, a big shark, who are best friends despite their differences. When Nugget goes off to school, he learns that sharks are supposed to be scary, and this puts their friendship to the test. It's a heartwarming tale about acceptance, loyalty, and the true meaning of friendship.

I Spy Under the Sea by Edward Gibbs is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on an underwater adventure. Through clever cut-out pages and playful rhymes, the book encourages children to guess which sea creature is being described. With vibrant illustrations and an interactive format, this book is sure to captivate little ones and spark their curiosity about the mysteries of the deep blue sea.

Hooray for Fish! by Lucy Cousins is a delightful children's book that celebrates the diversity of sea creatures. With its vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, it takes young readers on a joyful underwater adventure. From stripy fish to spotty fish, shy fish to fly fish, this book introduces a wide array of colorful characters and is sure to spark the imagination of children everywhere.

Meg is a thrilling science fiction novel that takes you on an underwater adventure to uncover the existence of a prehistoric predator, the megalodon. Written by Steve Alten, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat as a team of scientists and divers risk their lives to study and ultimately face the ancient giant shark.

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle tells the story of a hermit crab who outgrows his shell and must find a new one. Along the way, he forms friendships with sea creatures who help decorate and protect his new home. This heartwarming tale teaches children about change, friendship, and the beauty of making a new place feel like home.

I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean! by Kevin Sherry is a delightful children's book about a boastful squid who proudly declares himself the biggest creature in the ocean. As he swims around, he encounters various sea creatures, each larger than the last, humbling him in the process. With vibrant illustrations and a fun, repetitive narrative, this book teaches kids about relative size and the importance of humility.