These ocean books for little learners are sure to take you away on a visit to the salty sea!
Join us as we dive right in with a stack of books that are full of sharks, crabs, fish, seahorses, and so much more. We’re able to touch on the subject of diversity, thinking positive, and we get some giggles out along the way.
What are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
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Ocean Books for Little Learners
The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark
A twisted fairy tale off of the classic, Three Little Pigs, comes the three little fish. Perfect for the ocean theme! LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!
Octopus can be very sneaky creatures. They can change their colors to match their surroundings and they can slip through very small holes.
The folks who wrote the Smart Kids Book Series, bring your little learners one AWESOME book! The pictures alone will make you want to take the plunge into the salty sea.
Another great ocean book that was written by a favorite author, Eric Carle. This book doesn’t disappoint with an adorable story along with captivating illustrations.
Introduce your little learners to this very interesting sea creature with this book! Once you read one Eric Carle book… you’ll have to read another.
The pictures in this book are made out of clay. It’s almost impossible to tell, talk about a piece of art!
I love this ocean book because it gives young readers a small reminder about the power of positive thinking… and it’s all wrapped up in an ocean theme!
The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark
Explore the depth of the ocean with Pout-Pout Fish in this book that is about being brave. Add a little more to the reading fun by having your little learners point out the different sea creatures on each page.
Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea
Use this book as a way to provoke some imagination. Even though the text and illustration lead you to believe that this story takes place in the ocean… but with an imaginative twist, it ends in a surprise.
Diversity is alive and on magnificent display in this ocean book! Join Adri (from Only One You) and the other beautiful rockfish while they swim in the deep blue sea.
Take a trip down to the beach and explore. Ask your little learners what they would expect to see when they visit the beach.
Smiley Shark may be one of the biggest creatures in the ocean, but he’s also one of the nicest. When he starts to feel left out of all the fun, the story takes a sweet turn that ends with a simple smile.
There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish
What is it with these characters that eat up everything in sight? Get those little learner’s imaginations warmed up with a little help from this book that will bring some laughter into reading time.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell
Here we go again… cue the giggles! Another great addition to add to the guessing game of what will she eat now?
These sea creatures are a topic all on their own. Introduce this book with a fun fact, sea turtles can live to be 100 years old!
Since we’re discussing the wonders of sea turtles, I had to include this book on the list. It gives readers a chance to view sea turtles in their environment.
Here is another book that gives reader’s a glimpse of a sea creature in its own environment. This time around, it features octopus. Check out the rest of the A Day in the Life: Sea Animals Book Series where you will find several other sea creatures to admire.
A must-have classic ocean book! It also helps kids understand the gift of sharing.
It’s a celebration of every kind of fish! From happy fish to curly fish, this book has every kind of fish covered!
The adventure of discovering what the ocean shore holds is as important as finding the perfect seashell.
A little bit of rhyming fun with your favorite ocean creatures. What could be causing all the commotion in the deep blue sea?
To end this ocean book list, let’s add a little more laughter, along with some understanding with this book that follows the dilemmas of a clumsy crab.
For more ocean fun, head on over to my Aquarium Theme in Dramatic Play Post where my little learners have a TON of fun! It’s like visiting your local aquarium!
Or hop over to my TPT store and grab my Ocean Math & Literacy Centers pack.
Share your favorite ocean books and activities with us in the comments!
Want more to check out more of my favorite books for little learners? Check out my Book List Blog Series with over 33 different themed book lists (and growing)! If there is a book list for a theme you need just let us know so we can create it for you.
hey, i’m jackie!
I’m Jackie, your go-to girl for early childhood inspiration and research-based curriculum.