Celebrate World Oceans Day with stories that inspire kids to learn about the ocean, sea creatures, conservation, and underwater adventure. From beautiful picture books for young readers to engaging middle-grade stories for tweens, these ocean-themed books are perfect for summer reading, classroom activities, or family story time.
12 Kids Books to Celebrate World Oceans Day
Ocean! Waves for All
by Stacy McAnulty (Author), David Litchfield (Illustrator)
An energetic and fact-filled picture book that takes young readers beneath the waves with the ocean itself acting as the narrator. Packed with humour, fascinating science facts, and colourful illustrations, it introduces kids to marine life, ocean ecosystems, tides, and the important role oceans play on Earth. A fun and accessible read for curious children who love nature and science.
Recommended for ages 4–8.
Available in hardcover and paperback format.
Mister Seahorse
by Eric Carle (Author, Illustrator)
A beautifully illustrated underwater story that introduces children to a variety of sea creatures while celebrating the important role fathers can play in caring for their young. Featuring colourful collage artwork and interactive transparent pages, this gentle ocean-themed read is ideal for younger children.
Recommended for ages 2–6.
Available in hardcover and paperback format.
Hello Lighthouse
by Sophie Blackall (Author)
This award-winning picture book offers a calming glimpse into life at a remote lighthouse surrounded by the sea. Detailed illustrations and lyrical storytelling follow the changing seasons, ocean storms, and daily routines of a lighthouse keeper and family. A thoughtful read that captures both adventure and quiet beauty.
Recommended for ages 4–8.
Available in hardcover and paperback format.
Over and Under the Waves
by Kate Messner (Author), Christopher Neal (Illustrator)
Combining storytelling with fascinating nonfiction details, this beautifully illustrated book explores the rich marine life found both above and below the ocean’s surface. Young readers discover whales, coral reefs, sea turtles, and other ocean animals while learning about delicate underwater ecosystems.
Recommended for ages 5–9.
Available in paperback and hardcover formats.
Commotion in the Ocean
by Giles Andreae (Author), David Wojtowycz (Illustrator)
Filled with playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this lively collection introduces children to a wide variety of ocean animals, from dolphins and sharks to crabs and jellyfish. The short poems make it a fun read-aloud choice for younger kids who enjoy silly humour and sea creatures.
Recommended for ages 3–7.
Available in hardcover, paperback and board boook formats.
Over and Under the Coral Reef
by Kate Messner (Author), Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)
Young readers are taken on an underwater journey through a vibrant coral reef ecosystem filled with colourful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and other fascinating marine life. Beautiful illustrations and informative text introduce children to the delicate balance of coral reef habitats while encouraging curiosity about ocean conservation and the natural world.
Recommended for ages 5–9.
Available in hardcover format.
Look Inside Seas and Oceans
by Bao Luu (Illustrator), Megan Cullis (Author)
Packed with interactive flaps and fascinating facts, this engaging nonfiction book gives children an up-close look at life beneath the ocean’s surface. Kids can explore coral reefs, deep-sea creatures, underwater habitats, and ocean science in a hands-on way that encourages curiosity and discovery.
Recommended for ages 5–9.
Available in board book format.
Deep in the Ocean
by Lucie Brunellière (Author)
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces babies and toddlers to ocean life through simple text and bold, colourful artwork. Young readers can discover whales, jellyfish, sea turtles, and other marine animals while exploring the different layers of the ocean from the surface to the deep sea.
Recommended for ages 1–4.
Available in board book format.
Somebody Swallowed Stanley
by Sarah Roberts (Author), Hannah Peck (illustrator)
A clever and engaging picture book that introduces young children to the issue of ocean pollution in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Stanley is a plastic bag who accidentally ends up in the sea, where different marine animals mistake him for food. Along the way, kids learn about ocean wildlife, recycling, and the importance of keeping our oceans clean — all through colourful illustrations and playful storytelling.
Recommended for ages 3–7.
Available in paperback format.
Obsessive About Octopuses
by Owen Davey (Author)
Filled with fascinating facts and striking illustrations, this engaging nonfiction book introduces kids to the incredible world of octopuses. Young readers will learn about camouflage, intelligence, underwater habitats, and the unique behaviours that make these sea creatures so remarkable. A great pick for curious kids who love marine animals and ocean science.
Recommended for ages 6–10.
Available in hardcover and paperback format.
If I Were a Whale
by Shelley Gill (Author), Erik Brooks (Illustrator)
This beautifully illustrated picture book invites children to imagine life beneath the ocean as a whale swimming through icy northern waters. Gentle storytelling and rich artwork introduce young readers to whale behaviour, marine habitats, and the wonders of ocean life while encouraging empathy and curiosity about the natural world.
Recommended for ages 4–8.
Available in boardbook format.
Saving Matilda: A Tale of a Turtle and a Whale
by Shelley Gill (Author), Erik Brooks (Illustrator)
This heartfelt ocean adventure follows a young turtle and a whale as they navigate the dangers of pollution in the sea. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, children learn about the impact of plastic waste on marine animals and the importance of protecting ocean habitats. A meaningful introduction to environmental awareness for young readers.
Recommended for ages 4–8.
Available in paperback format.
To keep the ocean learning going, pair these reads with a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, a beach clean-up, or some fun ocean-themed crafts at home.
Looking for even more nature-inspired stories? Explore our Earth Day book roundup for additional reads that encourage kids to connect with and care for the world around them. However you choose to celebrate, these shared moments can help children develop a lasting appreciation for our oceans and the incredible life they support.
