The Most Splash-tastic Ocean Picture Books
There are so many fun, engaging, and exciting opportunities when reading ocean picture books. All of the bright colors and animals big and small always draw children’s attention.
Whether you are looking for ocean picture books because
- You’re giving a book buddy gift of an ocean toy with a book
- You’re gifting a book to a ocean lover
- You’re teaching a lesson or doing an activity about ocean
- You like ocean animals yourself and want to share the joy
- You are teaching about
you’re in the right place!
I have compiled a list of ocean books that my kids have loved reading together over and over!
Tips for reading ocean picture books with a baby
Reading with a baby can be a treasured time. It can also be sometimes a little awkward if you aren’t sure how to make the most of this time together.
- pick books with bright colors or contrasting colors or photographs
- choose books with familiar animals or objects
- let them choose! Put out a pile or keep the bookshelf at a height they can reach the books safely
- if they want to flip the pages and not hear all of the words it is OK → it is most important that they enjoy the reading experience rather than hear every detail of the story
- talk about what you see, point to things in the picture, ask them questions or to point
- use voices for animals or characters to make the experience fun and interactive
- use hand motions where appropriate to make sounds or act out a part of the story
- make reading together a part of your daily routine
- hold a stuffed animal version of the characters to bring the story to life
Ocean Board Books
A board book lift the flap adventure your toddler will love to take over and over! During this short and sweet book, you will see turtles, hermit crabs, an octopus, and shark .
The Peek A Flap series has tons of themes to choose from and this ocean one does not disappoint! Full of facts and labels a young ocean lover will love LEARNING as they read this lift the flap book.
The Hello, World series introduces nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. This board book shows the plants and animals that live in the ocean in clear easy to understand terms!
This silly book is full or rhymes and fictional fun! Each page has a silicon touch and feel element that kids love to feel as they laugh along.
Discover a new ocean friend on each page as they pop out at you! The cute pictures and fun rhyming story make this a favorite.
This “Who Am I?” themed book is a fun way to explore and talk about a variety of ocean animals. The silicon touch and feel elements are a hit with kids of all ages!
These handmade octopus rattle and fish stuffie make the perfect pair for an ocean present!
Board Books Continued
Poke A Dot Who’s In The Ocean?
This interactive book is really unique! Each animal has a plastic button that pushes in or out and makes a fun popping sound.
National Geographic Kids: Ocean Creatures
This nonfiction book is full of photographs and facts about your favorite ocean animals!
Black and white pages provides a high contrast book that catch baby’s interest and support their development. Each page uses a different way to say “hi” to a favorite ocean friend!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Ocean Hide and Seek Book
An interactive book with 2 hands on features?! This book has lift the flap opportunities as well as a grooved trail for little fingers to follow. This is the perfect introduction to ocean animals.
Ocean Picture Books
A school of fish tell a beautiful tale on the importance of working together!
A tale based on a real life aquarium escape! Follow Inky as he escapes his tank to the open ocean on a brave adventure. Perfect for kids interested in aquatic animals and marine biology.
Kids LOVE this true life story of a scientist who studied sharks, Eugene Clark. This informative, inspirational tale will teach kids about sharks while striving to reach for their dreams!
Follow the tiny snail and the huge whale on a lovely adventure of friendship. Even the smallest creatures can help in a BIG way!
This classic story follow the adventure of a beautiful sparkly fish on the search for what it truly means to be happy.
Why pair up a stuffed animal with a book? THE BEST GIFT!
- Brings the story to life
- Kids get to hold a 3D version of the character they are looking at in the picture and listening to a story about, it brings a personal connection to what is happening in the text
- Gives child something to hold or play with do with their hands while reading, the younger the child the shorter the attention span to listen to a story so having an associated toy to keep their little hands busy will encourage them to sit and listen to the story
- Can extend the character into imaginary play
- Give meaning to a toy by giving them a story and the enjoyable memory of being part of story time with an important adult
Looking for books on other topics? Check out these amazing lists of book gift ideas!
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