Deep Blue
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7

Deep Blue

Written by Dashka Slater · Illustrated by Laura Hughes

Part of the Dashka Slater’s Blue Books series

A young girl must conquer her fear of the ocean without her trusty floatie.

3.9 Goodreads · 66 ratings
32 pages· ~580L
$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Kayla faces her fear of the ocean when her beloved dolphin floatie deflates. With her father's encouragement and her vivid imagination, she musters the courage to dive into the waves. Can she transform her fear into confidence and swim like a dolphin? This heartwarming tale explores the power of imagination and parental support in overcoming daunting challenges.

From the publisher

Swimming in the ocean can be scary, until Kayla uses her imagination to overcome her fears in this lyrical story for readers trying something new. When Kayla’s favorite dolphin floatie loses its air at the beach, she wants to just sit on the sand. Daddy calls for her to play with him and her brother in the surf, but the DEEP BLUE SEA gulps sand out from underfoot, and a wave knocks her down, sending water up her nose. “I want to go home,” Kayla says. “I can’t swim without my dolphin.” But Daddy reminds her that she knows how to swim and even how to hold her breath underwater. He hoists her up on his shoulders and wades into the sea. “You be the island,” Kayla says. “I’ll be the lighthouse.” In a charming sequel to Wild Blue: Taming a Big-Kid Bike, author Dashka Slater and illustrator Laura Hughes take on another milestone moment, showing that with patience, a parent’s easygoing support, and a creative mindset, a child can gain the confidence to tackle a daunting new experience–and grow from clinging to a dolphin floatie to swimming through the ocean just like a dolphin!

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Reading age
3–7
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~580L
The author

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Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.8
F&P level
~O
Publication
Published
April 7, 2026
Publisher
Candlewick
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781536233377

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