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Fiction Favorites
As we study different science themes, I like to select about half a dozen book on the topic to read with my boys. Fiction books help them get excited about a topic before we dive into the science behind it. Below are a few of our favorite ocean theme books.
Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes – Discover the variety of life in the nursery of the ocean, the coral reef. This colorful sea life in this book are made from polymer clay then photographed. A great book to encourage children to make their own ocean inspired art.
The Berenstain Bears at the Aquarium by Jan Berenstain – Join Brother and Sister Bear as they learn all about ocean animals at their local aquarium.
A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle – Follow Hermit Crab as he seeks the perfect home by trying out several options.
Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle – A beautifully illustrated tale of marine fathers. Follow Mr. Seahorse as he meets other underwater dads and learns how they care for their babies.
The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole – Dive full speed ahead into the depths of the ocean with Ms. Frizzle.
A Day in the Salt Marsh by Kevin Kurtz – A delightful way to introduce children to the rhythm and cycles of the ocean through the melodic rhyming verses in this story.
Curious George at the Aquarium by H.A. Rey – Wherever George goes, there is adventure and the aquarium is no exception! Join George in learning about beluga whales, sea lions and sharp-toothed piranhas!
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister – A wonderful story about a fish who learns to make friends through sharing.
I’m The Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry – A giant squid discovers he is much bigger than most of the sea creatures around him… until something bigger comes along!
You Are My Baby: Ocean, Illustrated by Lorena Siminovich – Match baby animals with their parents in this beautiful book for young children.
Squid and Octopus Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu – A whimsical tale of what friendship may look like under the sea.
Non-Fiction Resources
All the non-fiction books listed below are favorites because of the beautiful full color pages and variety of facts they provide to readers. When we are studying a particular topic, such as oceans, I try to get one or two resource books from the library in addition to the favorite fiction books we read. I encourage my boys to look up facts on the animals in our fiction stories. I’m sure you will enjoy these stunning books as much as we do!
The Blue Planet: A Natural History of the Oceans by DK Publishing
DK Eyewitness Books: Ocean by Miranda MacQuitty
Eye Wonder: Oceans By Prentice Hall
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean by Catherine D. Hughes
National Geographic Readers: Weird Sea Creatures by Laura Marsh
Oceans: Dolphins, Sharks, Penguins, and More! By Johnna Rizzo
Ocean Life From A to Z (Book & DVD) by Cynthia Stirle and Annie Crawley
About Becky Marie
Some wonderful books to pack for a summer trip to the beach or anywhere for that matter.