Working at the public service desk, you notice trends of what people are looking for at the library. A consistent trend? People looking for information about the ocean in our children’s nonfiction section. Below I have gathered a list of new children’s nonfiction books about the ocean. This is by no means a complete list. As of this writing, all of these titles are owned by the Davenport Public Library. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.
Encyclopedia of Undersea Life for Young Readers written by Bohdana Jarosova, illustrated by Tomás Tuma
Explore the vibrant, mysterious world beneath the ocean’s surface with this fully illustrated encyclopedia, introducing young readers to fascinating sea creatures, coral reefs, and underwater wonders.
As the fourth book in the Encyclopedias for Young Readers series, this large-format encyclopedia invites children to dive into the vast and colorful world of oceans and seas. Covering the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Indian Oceans, it introduces young readers to the wonders of undersea life, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to the strange, deep-sea creatures that glide through the darkest depths. With stunning visuals and engaging facts, kids will encounter everything from the sharp teeth of sharks to the playful antics of clownfish, learning about the incredible variety of life hidden beneath the waves.
Perfect for readers aged 6-9, this large-format book not only captivates but also educates, offering a treasure trove of information in an accessible and engaging way. Ideal for inspiring curiosity and a love for marine life, it encourages young minds to explore the natural world, making it a must-have for budding marine biologists and curious explorers alike. – Albatros
The Magnificent Book of Sharks written by Barbara Taylor, illustrated by Val Walerczuk
Dive into the oceans of the world and get up close to 36 amazing sharks.
The Magnificent Book of Sharks takes you across open waters, into coastal seas, through warm tropical reefs, and deep into the murky ocean depths where sharks live.
From the tiny pygmy shark to the massive whale shark, The Magnificent Book of Sharks depicts some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures in stunning and accurate, original illustrations. Intriguing facts accompany every illustration. Find out why the lantern shark glows in the dark, how the epaulette shark “walks” on land, and which senses sharks use to find their prey. Discover hundreds of fascinating facts about sharks in this gorgeous reference that you will revisit again and again. – Weldon Owen
Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses written by David Scheel, illustration by Laurel ‘Yoyo’ Scheel
A behavioral ecologist’s riveting account of his decades-long obsession with octopuses: his discoveries, adventures, and new scientific understanding of their behaviors.
Of all the creatures of the deep blue, none is as captivating as the octopus. In Many Things Under a Rock, marine biologist David Scheel investigates four major mysteries about these elusive beings. How can we study an animal with perfect camouflage and secretive habitats? How does a soft and boneless creature defeat sharks and eels, while thriving as a predator of the most heavily armored animals in the sea? How do octopus bodies work? And how does a solitary animal form friendships, entice mates, and outwit rivals?
Over the course of his twenty-five years studying octopuses, Scheel has witnessed a sea change in what we know and are able to discover about octopus physiology and behavior—even an octopus’s inner life. Here he explores amazing new scientific developments, weaving accounts of his own research, and surprising encounters, with stories and legends of Indigenous peoples that illuminate our relationship with these creatures across centuries. In doing so, he reveals a deep affinity between humans and even the most unusual and unique undersea dwellers.
Octopuses are complex, emotional, and cognitive beings; even as Scheel unearths explanations for the key mysteries that have driven his work, he turns up many more things of wonder that lurk underneath. This is the story of what we have learned and what we are still learning about the natural history and wondrous lives of these animals with whom we share our blue planet. – Norton Young Readers
Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep by Mark Leiren-Young
With their blue blood, big brains and eight arms, octopuses are dramatically different from any other being.
Octopuses are masters of camouflage and known for their incredible escapes from tight spots. New research shows that they are highly intelligent creatures, and while they prefer to be alone, they will interact with humans and display unique personality traits.
In Octopus Ocean, discover the mysteries and histories of octopuses big and small—their biology, habitat and habits—and explore the top threats to their future, including warming oceans, over-fishing and pollution. – Orca Book Publishers
Salmon Run: An Epic Journey to the Ocean and Back by Annie Chen
An exquisitely presented account of the life cycle of a Pacific salmon that is sure to entice young naturalists with its accessible design and inviting and informative text
She begins as a tiny orange egg . . . smaller than a pea! Salmon Run follows a Pacific coho salmon as she begins her journey in the freshwater rivers of Washington State, travels to the vast Pacific Ocean, and finally returns to the place of her birth to spawn and begin the cycle of life once again. During this arduous adventure that spans hundreds of miles, she will grow and change through five distinct stages of life: egg, alevin, fry, smolt, and adult. From river to estuary to ocean, she will hide from predators, search for food, and encounter a range of marine environments. With a careful balance of scientific accuracy and luminous illustrations, Salmon Run invites young readers to explore the remarkable life of this keystone species in the North Pacific ecosystem–and the magic of its journey home. – Red Comet Press
A Salmon Story: Protecting the Future written by Willie Poll of the historic Métis community of Sault Ste. Marie ; illustrated by Chantelle Trainor-Matties of the Nisga’a and Métis Nations ; with an afterword by Tanina Williams of Lil’wat Nation.
A lyrical informational picture book about how harmful fish farming practices impact wild salmon and their ecosystems
Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of harmful practices like open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls of action to protect salmon for future generations.
As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of unsustainable fish farming, and the role of salmon as a keystone species.
Boldly illustrated with gorgeous Northwest Coast formline art, rhythmic poetry combines with supportive nonfiction content to illuminate the struggles faced by wild salmon populations. – Owlkids Books
Sharks and Other Ocean Animals: A Riddle Puzzle Book by Jody Jensen Shaffer; art by Travis Foster
Dive into a sea of fun with ocean animal riddles!
Get ready for an ocean adventure like no other! Who Am I? Sharks and Other Ocean Animals is packed with playful, fact-filled riddles about the coolest ocean creatures — like speedy sharks, clever dolphins and dazzling sea stars.
Each riddle is a fun guessing game that challenges kids to figure out which amazing animal is being described. Plus, all the fascinating facts are vetted by an expert, ensuring accuracy and credibility for young learners. This 32-page shark book is a must-have for curious kids and aspiring marine biologists. They’ll enjoy:
– jaw-dropping fun facts for kids
– mind-bending visual puzzles
– stunning artwork
– fascinating information all about ocean life!
As kids splash through the pages, they’ll spark their imaginations and sharpen their thinking skills. A handy glossary in the back of this ocean animals book will boost future scientists’ vocabulary, too. Who Am I? Sharks and Other Ocean Animals delivers endless fun and learning for young ocean explorers! – Highlights Press
Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, underwater ranger by Patricia Newman, illustrated by Becca Hall
Some people are scared of sharks. Not Cristina Zenato.
As a little girl, Cristina dreamed of making friends with the sharks deep in the ocean. When she grew up, she made those dreams come true, becoming a diver, conservationist, and shark advocate. But Cristina discovered that sharks—the sleek, strong, powerful guardians of the ocean—need our help. She started diving in a protective suit and, as she built trust with sharks, they began coming to her with fishing hooks stuck in their bodies. Did she have the courage to remove the hooks?
Sharks Unhooked is the true story of how one woman is exploring the ocean, helping our ecosystem, and forming incredible bonds with animals beneath the rolling surf. – Millbrook Press
There’s an Ocean in this Book by Rachel Elliot, illustrated by Genevieve Lacroix.
A children’s nonfiction book about ocean habitats that places the reader in the diving mask of an ocean explorer.
Young adventurers will take an intrepid journey around the world to five incredible oceans. Starting in the Arctic, readers will meet polar bears and narwhals in Svalbard’s icy waters before diving down to the world’s largest cold-water coral reef. The journey continues to some of the least explored ecosystems on Earth. Discover flying fish in the Sargasso Sea; the smoking underwater chimneys of Kairei Vent Field in the Indian Ocean; the colorful coral of the Great Barrier Reef; towering icebergs in Antarctica’s Ross Sea; and learn what’s at the bottom of the Challenger Deep.
Using clever die-cuts and gatefold pages, this colorful volume explains how underwater volcanoes turn into islands; the difference between a sea and an ocean; how the Moon affects the tides; and reveals some astonishing species, including deadly jellyfish and a spooky vampire squid that glows in the dark.
Written by children’s nonfiction author Rachel Elliot, There’s an Ocean in This Book features fascinating facts and immersive descriptions in combination with novelty flaps, expedition logs, and infographics—all to bring the world’s oceans to life. – Thames & Hudson
Underwater Park: Learning about Sea Animals written by Helena Haraštová ; illustrated by Justyna Holubowska-Chrzaszczak
Dive into an imaginative underwater amusement park where sea creatures take on fun roles, teaching kids fascinating facts about ocean life through playful, interactive storytelling.
Explore a whimsical underwater amusement park where sea creatures transform into playful workers and visitors, each with a unique job. From cuttlefish stamping fins with ink at the entrance to turtles supervising the playground in the coral reef, every corner of this park is bustling with life. Kids will be delighted as they see mackerels racing on a racetrack, sardines filling the Ferris wheel cabins, and manta rays offering a joyful ride for tired guests. Along the way, young readers will discover fun facts about the diverse animals of the deep sea, and the fold-out map adds to the interactive adventure.
Perfect for young readers aged 3-6, this book combines educational content with vibrant illustrations, turning learning into a fun and engaging experience. With a creative and imaginative approach to exploring marine life, it’s an excellent tool for fostering curiosity about the natural world. The fold-out map enhances the interactive element, making it a must-have for any young reader eager to dive into the wonders of the ocean. – Albatros Media
Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories about the Ocean by Mary Boone, Illustrated by Max Temescu
Wrestle an octopus, swim through a sunken city, and discover 20 incredible-but-true stories from our unbelievable—and unpredictable—oceans. From acclaimed nonfiction writer Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the fascinating stories that take place under (and above) the sea.
Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn’t know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they…BLEW IT UP?
As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean’s surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.
From accomplished nonfiction author Mary Boone comes an illustrated look at the unfathomable tales our oceans have to tell. Each chapter contains one story, with interview quotes and hands-on research that uncovers the science and history behind the event. You’ll get facts AND more! – Bright Matter Books
What Fish are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean words by Kirsten Pendreigh; pictures by Katie Melrose
Follow along with one little shellfish to discover cutting-edge, under-the-sea science!
Did you know that deep in the ocean, fish are loud? Scientists have recently discovered that fish and shellfish grunt and groan, crackle and cluck, and even burp and boop to communicate. They warn each other, woo each other, and welcome each other with all kinds of sounds, making the ocean quite noisy! This upbeat, rhyming nonfiction picture book explores underwater science in a unique way and is perfect for any school or home library. – Sourcebooks Explore