Books About Ocean Conservation

The Best Ocean Conservation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to the Ocean, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about ocean conservation? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Ocean Conservation

Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2020

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

By S.J. King · Book #1 in the The Secret Explorers series

Two friends go on an underwater adventure to help a lost whale calf find its mother and the rest of the pod.

128 pages· 8,809 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 467 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Connor, a marine life expert, and Roshni, a space whiz, as they embark on a daring mission to rescue a pod of lost humpback whales. Navigating a submarine through treacherous waters, they face challenges like stranded baby whales and a fleet of boats. Will they guide the whales safely home? This thrilling adventure blends action with fascinating facts about marine life and the impact of climate change, making it an exciting read for curious minds.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean

A group of fish work together to clean up a big mess in the ocean and learn to adopt new habits to prevent it from happening again.

32 pages· 549 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 330 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the ocean, Mr. Fish and his friends discover a puzzling mess. As they investigate, they realize the mess is bigger than they thought. Together, they must find a way to clean it up and learn the importance of taking responsibility for their environment. Can they solve the mystery and restore their home?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1992

Dolphins!

Dive into the world of dolphins, the ocean's friendliest giants.

48 pages· 1,098 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 415 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the fascinating lives of dolphins, the ocean's most intelligent and friendly creatures. Discover their unique behaviors and how they navigate the vast seas. Perfect for young readers curious about marine life, this journey into the world of dolphins will captivate and educate, revealing the wonders of these remarkable animals.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Lost Whale

A boy's quest to find a missing whale may heal his family.

304 pages· 38,334 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,775 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rio, feeling isolated in California, befriends Marina and learns about migrating gray whales. Discovering his mother's love for these creatures, he believes reuniting her with a whale named White Beak will bring her back to him. But White Beak is missing. Rio embarks on a perilous ocean journey, hoping to find the whale and mend his fractured family. Will he succeed against the odds, or will the ocean's dangers prove too great? This tale of friendship and adventure explores the challenges facing gray whales and the power of hope.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

If You Take Away the Otter

What happens when sea otters vanish and kelp forests collapse?

Orbis Pictus Honor (2021)
32 pages· 648 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 368 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On the Pacific Coast, sea otters are vital to the survival of lush kelp forests. Once hunted to near extinction, their absence led to a surge in sea urchins, devastating the ecosystem. Discover how new protections helped otters and kelp forests recover, revealing the delicate balance of nature. What happens when a single species holds the fate of an entire habitat? Explore the intricate connections and the impact of human actions on this fragile environment.
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2016

Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean

Dive into the vibrant world of coral reefs and uncover their ecological secrets.

128 pages· 8,303 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 664 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the vibrant underwater world of coral reefs, where tiny sea creatures create vast ecosystems. This graphic novel delves into the biology and ecological significance of these marine marvels. Join the journey to understand how these colorful habitats support ocean life and why they are crucial to our planet's health. With engaging illustrations and fascinating facts, discover the hidden wonders beneath the waves and the challenges they face. Will these vital ecosystems survive the threats looming over them? Dive in to find out!
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2020

The Mess That We Made

By Michelle Lord, Julia Blattman (Illustrator)

Witness the ocean's plight and join the fight against pollution in a rhythmic journey of change.

32 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 437 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Four children in a small boat confront the vast ocean mess caused by plastic pollution. As they witness the harm to marine life, they realize the urgent need for change. With rhythmic storytelling and vivid illustrations, this tale highlights the growing environmental crisis and inspires action. Will they find a way to save the seas before it's too late? Discover the facts about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and learn how everyone can help turn the tide. Dive into this compelling story and be part of the solution to protect our oceans.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Fish

A fisherman catches trash instead of fish, sparking a recycling adventure.

32 pages· 853 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 188 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Finn, a determined fisherman, only reels in ocean trash instead of fish. With his dog Skip, he turns this misfortune into a recycling venture, transforming debris into treasure. As Finn cleans the sea, he discovers a way to fill his plate and restore the ocean's beauty. Can his innovative spirit save the day and the environment?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2009

Nicole the Beach Fairy

Can two friends help a fairy find her wand and save the beach from pollution?

80 pages· 5,111 words· Est. 57 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 381 ratings
$14.75Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Rachel and Kirsty join forces with Nicole the Beach Fairy to tackle pollution on Rainspell Island. With sea creatures in peril, they must find Nicole's missing magic wand to restore balance. Can they succeed in their quest and protect the environment? Discover the magic and mystery as they embark on this eco-friendly adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2021

The Magic Ocean Slide

Three friends dive into an ocean adventure to save sea creatures from plastic pollution.

112 pages· 9,345 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 7 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Best friends Katy, Cassie, and Zia embark on a magical underwater journey on a scorching day. Their imagined water slide leads them to a sea in peril, where a distressed dolphin reveals the ocean's plastic crisis. With sea creatures' homes at risk, the girls must devise a clever plan to restore balance. Can they save the ocean before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure to find out!
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Ocean Conservation Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about ocean conservation for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Earth Ninja

Ages 2–11 · 2019

A ninja discovers how small actions can change the world.

Garbage Guts

Ages 5–7 · 2020

A trash monster threatens the ocean. Can it be stopped?

The Brilliant Deep

Ages 5–8 · 2018

One idea can save the world's coral reefs. Discover the power of hope and action.

View all ocean conservation picture books
Browse by age

Ocean Conservation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ocean conservation for developing and independent readers.

Return of the Dark Queen

2009

A girl must stop a queen from seizing ocean control with a magical shell.

Angel Sharks

Ages 6–8 · 2020

Discover the hidden world of angel sharks as they hunt beneath the sand.

Quest for Clean Water

Ages 6–9 · 2019

Purrmaids race to save a mermicorn trapped in ocean trash.

The Coral Kingdom

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A new mermaid must solve the mystery of damaged coral caves.

Sale price
$1899

Clean Up the Ocean

2023

No book description provided.

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