Books about the ocean for primary-aged children

Aaron is scared of going under the water. But when he finds an octopus stranded on the beach, he must be brave. A gentle story about facing fears, and about ocean conservation. 

This wonderful, beautifully illustrated book about all things fishy (and ocean‑y) has a gentle sense of humour: presenting digestible facts, ideal for lower primary children, with a light-hearted twist. 

Crab boasts that he is the ruler of the rockpool, as he’s so brave and strong, but Prawn insists that there’s more to survival than just being tough. An entertaining picture book with colourful, cartoon-like illustrations and plenty of witty one-liners. 

Owen Davey’s sixth book in this brilliant nonfiction series is as insightful, fascinating and beautifully designed as the rest, with a perfect amount of stunning illustrations and well-selected information about octopuses for mid and upper primary school children.

Intrepid wildlife reporter Andy Seed is back with another collection of interviews for which he has risked personal safety, and gotten seriously wet, while talking to the giants of the oceans.

With remarkable illustration that will make anyone want to dive in and learn more about the wondrous oceanic realms, this is a brilliant addition to the now extensive ​“Welcome to the Museum” series, which has featured the planets, plants, history and more.

Migrating animals are found in all areas of the animal kingdom: birds, fish, reptiles, crustaceans, amphibians, mammals and insects. But why do they do it, and how does it work? There’s so much to learn, from the varying migration routes of different birds (gannets can cross oceans easily as they can take breaks to swim, float and fish for food, and storks rely on thermal column or rising air) to the yearly habits of whales, who migrate from the freezing waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to warmer waters to give birth.

Humans would not survive on Earth without water. But what is it exactly, and how do planet Earth’s weather and environments cycle water around so that we always have it? How does urine get cleaned up and put back into rivers and oceans? How do plants take water out of the ground, how do dams work, and what is the future of water in the world? 

This large-format book is packed with incredible facts about the different flora and fauna that light up our world, from fireflies to anglerfish and even glowing mushrooms!