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Books That Take You There: Under the Sea

The ocean is a mesmerizing realm, teeming with an astonishing diversity of life. It contains microscopic bacteria and algae to towering kelp forests and countless marine creatures. Beyond its beauty, the ocean is vital to life on Earth. It supplies oxygen, sustains food chains, and plays a crucial role in climate regulation. Dive into these six captivating books that will transport you beneath the waves and unveil the wonders of the deep.


The Sea Knows 
Written by Alice B. McGinty and Alan B. Havis 
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis 
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020, Picture book 

The Sea Knows is a lyrical picture book that explores the vastness and wonder of the ocean. Through rhythmic, poetic text, the book contrasts the seaā€™s many characteristics. It can be both fierce and calm, shallow and deep, full of tiny creatures and enormous whales. This captivating book encourages curiosity about the natural world and highlights the ever-changing, awe-inspiring nature of the sea. 

Dream Submarine 
Written by Charlotte Gunnufson 
Illustrated by Cleonique Hilsaca 
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2024, Picture book 

Charlotte Gunnufson's new book invites young readers on a soothing underwater journey. A child explores the global ocean's depths in a cozy submarine, observing various sea creatures as they prepare for bed. The book's gentle prose and Cleonique Hilsaca's vibrant illustrations create a calming bedtime story that also educates about marine life.  

The Ocean Gardener 
Written by Clara Anganuzzi 
Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2023, Picture book 

The Ocean Gardener tells the story of Ayla, a girl who lives on a tropical island with her marine biologist mother. They discover that the surrounding coral reef is whitening, and fish are leaving due to rising ocean temperatures. Ayla and her mother cultivate coral fragments at home and transplant them back to the ocean to restore the reef. This beautifully illustrated picture book is inspired by real-life efforts to protect coral reefs.  

Maya Makes Waves 
Written by Maya Gabeira 
Illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2024, Picture book 

The author of this book is Maya Gabeira, a world-record breaking big wave surfer. In this story, she shares her love of the ocean and the creatures who live there. They teach her valuable life lessons that help her to advocate for better protection of the ocean. The vibrant illustrations further bring Mayaā€™s inspiring journey and the beauty of the ocean to life, making the story both engaging and educational. 

The Ocean Calls 
Written by Tina Cho 
Illustrated by Jess X. Snow 
New York: Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2020, Picture book 

Dayeon dreams of becoming a haenyeo, a Korean female free diver. With the guidance of her wise and experienced grandmother, she learns about the traditions, challenges, and beauty of diving deep into the ocean to collect seafood. In this touching story by Tina Cho, Dayeon celebrates intergenerational bonds, perseverance, and the importance of respecting nature. 

Kaiā€™s Ocean of Curiosities 
Written By Josephine Topolanski 
San Francisco: Blue Dot Kids Press, 2024, Picture book 

Josephine Topolanskiā€™s book tells the story of Kai, an intrepid explorer, who embarks on an underwater journey in her yellow submarine, Nessy. Her curiosity leads her to question the mysteries of the deep sea, such as what lies beyond the kelp forest and whether squids communicate through secret messages. The vivid white-on-dark-blue illustrations convey the importance of caring for the ocean and its inhabitants. 

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