Books About Oceanography

The Best Oceanography Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about oceanography? 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.

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?
Dark Day in the Deep Sea
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Oceanography

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Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Sea Knows

By Alice B. McGinty, Alan B. Havis, Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

Uncover the ocean's secrets and its mysterious creatures in a lyrical journey beneath the waves.

48 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 127 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Embark on a lyrical journey through the ocean's depths, where the sea reveals its ancient secrets. From majestic whales to tiny krill, and vibrant starfish to the eerie glow of an anglerfish, discover the wonders and mysteries of marine life. This enchanting exploration invites readers to dive deep into the ocean's hidden world, celebrating its beauty and power. What secrets does the sea hold beneath its waves?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2015

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?

The life of Jacques Cousteau, a French naval officer, explorer, and filmmaker who revolutionized underwater exploration and conservation.

112 pages· 7,426 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 334 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Discover the journey of Jacques Cousteau, a naval officer turned ocean explorer, who revolutionized underwater exploration. From his first dive off France's coast to his groundbreaking documentaries, Cousteau's adventures beneath the waves captivated the world. What secrets did he uncover in the deep, and how did his innovations transform our understanding of the ocean? Dive into a story of passion, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1997

Big Blue Whale

Discover the awe-inspiring world of the Big Blue Whale.

32 pages· 1,003 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 245 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Dive into the ocean's depths and explore the life of the magnificent blue whale. Journey alongside this colossal creature and uncover the mysteries of the sea. How does such a giant thrive in the vast ocean? What secrets does the underwater world hold? Embark on an adventure that reveals the awe-inspiring scale and beauty of nature, leaving you to wonder about the marvels beneath the waves.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Flying Deep

By Michelle Cusolito, Nicole Wong (Illustrator)

Dive deep with Alvin to uncover ocean mysteries and explore life two miles below the surface.

32 pages· 697 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 768 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Join an Alvin pilot on a thrilling journey two miles beneath the ocean's surface. Experience the challenges of deep-sea exploration, from collecting samples to encountering mysterious marine life. What secrets will the depths reveal? Discover the daily life aboard this famous submersible, including the unique gear and meals required for the mission. As you descend into the unknown, the wonders of the deep sea unfold in vivid detail, inviting you to explore a world few have seen. Will you uncover the secrets hidden in the ocean's depths?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2010

Dolphins

Discover the wild world of dolphins and our role in their conservation.

32 pages· 1,076 words· Est. 12 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 395 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Dive into the fascinating world of dolphins, exploring their intelligence and playful nature. Uncover the challenges they face in the wild and our responsibility to protect their habitats. This engaging journey not only reveals the secrets of these remarkable creatures but also invites you to take part in their conservation. Will you help ensure their future in the wild?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2003

Dolphins and Sharks

Uncover dolphin mysteries and shark secrets with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

128 pages· 5,305 words· Est. 59 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,208 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they dive into the mysteries of the ocean. After their adventure with dolphins, they seek answers: Did dolphins once walk on land? How do sharks hunt? Discover fascinating facts and thrilling tidbits about these sea creatures. This journey is perfect for curious minds eager to explore the wonders of the deep. Will Jack and Annie uncover the ocean's secrets, or will the mysteries remain unsolved? Dive in to find out!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Life in the Ocean

Dive into the ocean's mysteries with a passionate explorer's journey beneath the waves.

32 pages· 1,273 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,079 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Discover the ocean's depths with Sylvia, a trailblazer who fell in love with the sea as a child. From designing submersibles to swimming with whales, her adventures reveal the ocean's secrets. As she explores the 'blue heart of the planet,' Sylvia's dedication to marine life transforms her into a global advocate. What wonders will she uncover, and how will her passion inspire the next generation of environmentalists? Dive into a world where the ocean's mysteries await.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2008

Dark Day in the Deep Sea

Two siblings travel back in time to the 19th century and find themselves on a ship in the middle of the ocean, where they encounter a giant octopus and learn a valuable lesson about compassion and understanding.

144 pages· 11,069 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 5,126 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Jack and Annie find themselves stranded on a deserted island, only to be rescued by a ship of explorers on a mission to find a legendary sea monster. As they join the quest, the siblings must navigate mysterious waters and uncover secrets of the deep. Will they solve the ocean's mysteries, or will the sea monster remain a legend? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every wave brings new challenges and surprises.
Board Book · Ages 1–3 · 2019

Baby Oceanographer

Dive into ocean wonders with Baby Oceanographer's underwater adventure.

22 pages
4.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 85 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Join Baby Oceanographer as he dons his snorkel and mask to explore the mysteries of the ocean. From curious sea creatures to the secrets of waves, this board book invites young minds to discover the underwater world. What lies beneath the surface? Are ocean waves like those in the bathtub? Dive in and find out! Perfect for budding scientists, this vibrant journey is part of the Baby Scientist series, which also includes Baby Astronaut and more. Embark on an educational adventure that makes science fun and accessible for the littlest learners.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2005

Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers

Explore the vital roles of oceans, lakes, and rivers in sustaining life.

24 pages· 1,288 words· Est. 11 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1 ratings
$27.13Save 5%
Summary: Dive into the essential world of water, where oceans, lakes, and rivers sustain life on Earth. Discover their unique roles and importance through engaging diagrams and experiments. What secrets do these waters hold?
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Browse by age

Oceanography Picture Books

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

Earth's Changing Islands

Ages 8–11 · 2003

Explore the evolving landscapes and cultures of global islands.

Orcas

Ages 5–10 · 2011

Discover the mysterious lives of orcas, pack hunters or lone wanderers of the sea.

Sea Turtles

Ages 9–12 · 2014

Explore the secret lives and survival of sea turtles.

Sharks

Ages 5–9 · 2009

Dive into the world of sharks and discover their secrets beneath the waves.

Amazing Dolphins!

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Uncover the secrets of dolphins and their surprising traits in this engaging exploration of these intelligent creatures.

Curious George Discovers the Ocean

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A curious monkey helps his friends find a lost satellite in the ocean

Whales

Ages 7–10 · 1989

Dive into the mysterious world of whales and their oceanic lives.

View all oceanography picture books
Browse by age

Oceanography Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about oceanography for developing and independent readers.

Swept Away by the Storm

Ages 8–11 · 2014

Lost at sea, can science save him?

Deep Oceans

Ages 8–10 · 2014

Explore the mysterious depths of Earth's oceans and their hidden wonders.

Ink!

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover the secret lives of cephalopods, masters of disguise and survival in the ocean's depths.

The Oceanology Handbook

Ages 9–12 · 2010

Uncover ocean secrets and mysteries aboard a legendary submarine.

Narwhals and Other Whales

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Discover the secrets of the narwhal, the unicorn of the sea.

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