The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson. I’ve read many a review on this book that reported that if you enjoyed The Soul of an Octopus , there’s no doubt this will fascinate you as well. In a focused examination of the world’s most elusive fish, The Book of Eels details just how very little is known about the European eel … so much so that for hundreds of years, scientists and philosophers have curated a fascination with “the eel question:” What are they; fish, or some other creature? Where do they come from? Even today, we don’t know what drives these animals to swim extreme distances to the ocean after thriving for decades in freshwater systems. And by the way: no one has ever seen eels mate or give birth. Major facets of their life stories remain a mystery. In this book, Svensson documents the history of the mysterious web that so many great philosophers, psychologists, conservationists, biologists and more have yearned to unravel for centuries, and points out the parallels of this “eel question” to the complexities of the human condition. Tip: Plan ahead and reserve these at your local library if you don't want to buy them - although after re-reading my list, these would all look good on my bookshelf!) Without a doubt your book shelf should contain some encyclopedia’s although the internet is great children need to learn how to use these classic books for research and for your budding marine biologist Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia is a perfect starter to discover more about the oceans of the world and learn how to use encyclopedias as well. The Ocean Alphabet Book Into the Planet: My Life as a Cave Diver by Jill Heinerth.Jill Heinerth was the first person in history to dive to the bottom of an iceberg in Antarctica and led a team that discovered the underwater remains of Mayan civilizations. This book tells her firsthand story of what it’s like to explore our planet’s final frontier: the deep sea. Illuminating both the “terror and beauty” of our planet’s remaining unknowns, Heinerth’s memoir shares a plethora of diving experiences and spotlights key issues surrounding this occupation. A few of these issues include the barriers that prevent women from pursuing careers beneath the waves, harrowing experiences that inevitably come with the territory of being a diver and the critical discoveries made possible by the risks these divers take.

Kraken by Wendy Williams . Traditionally the name for enormous sea monsters, Kraken is a book that takes us on a mesmerizing journey into the lives of yet another wildly elusive ocean dweller: the squid. The field of squid science is a perplexing one, and author Wendy Williams is here to provide commentary both on the animals themselves and what we can learn from them about the truth when it comes to intelligence. Also covering other cephalopods like octopus and cuttlefish, Kraken points out the simultaneously unexpected and enchanting abilities of these creatures, from bioluminescence to camouflage and beyond, and what we have yet to learn about these legendary creatures of the sea.If you're looking for fantastic underwater books for toddlers then you can't go past these great ones! These are books that you will frequently find in early childhood classrooms and that are favorites with parents and teachers. The Brilliant Abyss by Helen Scales. In this book about the deep sea’s elaborate ecosystems, marine biologist Helen Scales highlights the wild fact that the deep sea is a realm we know less about than the moon! When we think about the sea, most of our attention is paid to areas like the ocean’s surface and coastlines. But thriving in the deepest corners of our ocean is a treasure-trove of interconnected ecosystems teeming with life forms we may never have expected … Yet, these seemingly far-removed systems have a massive impact on our daily lives, especially when it comes to climate and weather. In this book, Scales illuminates the wonder that resides within the deep, while also shining a spotlight on the reality that how we care for it (or fail to do so) could have drastic impacts on our planet’s future, for better or for worse.

Do watch out for our Sea Turtle book list coming soon as they were my specialist as a marine biologist but in the mean time Sea Turtles: Amazing Pictures and Animal Facts Everyone Should Know by Ann Lawrence is a good non-fiction book for you and your child to read featuring all 7 species of turtles. Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia Below the Edge of Darkness by Edith Widder, Ph.D. If you’re fascinated by the ability of certain organisms to thrive in the darkest areas of the deepest parts of our ocean, look no further than this captivating documentation of bioluminescence. Below the Edge of Darkness was written by Edith Widder, a marine biologist who became fascinated by the power of light after experiencing temporary blindness due to surgery complications. This book takes readers on a journey 800 feet below the surface to explore some of the biggest modern questions about the deep sea, as well as the risks of modern exploration and their implications for the future health of our ocean. If you want to combine these books with some fun under the sea crafts & activities then you'll love THESE toddler activities. I love incorporating books into our learning, and there are some amazing toddler booksfocusing on 'Under the Water' and 'The Ocean' themes. Some of my favorites are below. I've focused mainly on fiction books, but I really encourage you to look through some nonfiction books with your toddlers. You'll be amazed how interested they are and if you look at the pictures and ask open-ended questions they will learn so much! These books have been chosen as our favourite under the sea themed books to read with your toddlers and preschoolers.The World of Coral Reefs by Erin Spencer. Did you know that coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but provide food and shelter for 25% of all marine species? In this vibrantly illustrated book specifically curated for kids ages 7 to 10, Erin Spencer—a marine ecologist, ocean explorer and Ocean Conservancy alumna—transports young ocean lovers on the journey of lifetime beneath the waves to learn all about the lives or corals, the systems that make up coral reefs, the vast diversity of ocean life that thrives among them … and what they can do to help protect them. Soft, activity books like this Ocean Story Cloth Bookhave a fantastic dual purpose you can read together but at the same time play. They are perfect to slip into your baby bag to take on trips or place in the car for your young toddler to “read” whilst you drive. In My Ocean This year I've decided to have a focus on our toddler books and activities at home, and am aiming to spend a few weeks on each topic. My daughter is a huge Octonauts fan and has taken a big interest in the ocean and all of the animals that live there. For this reason, we are going to start with'Under the Water' and will be planning activities relating to this theme. As a teacher, this hasalways been one of my favorite themes with young children. The underwater theme leaves so much to be explored that the biggest problem is always narrowing down our activities and deciding which ones are the best. The Sea Mammal Alphabet Book by Jerry Palotta. If you have (or know) little ones who are learning their ABCs and who also love ocean animals, this book is both a wonderful tool to practice alphabet memorization while simultaneously learning about some of our ocean’s most charismatic megafauna: marine mammals. From whales and dolphins to seals and sea otters (and beyond), this colorfully illustrated book is sure to both build children’s foundational literacy skills while also building up a foundation of love, admiration and appreciation for our ocean.

Along with National Geographic, we also love the Eyewitness guides from DK and DK Eyewitness Books: Oceanis full of information with fantastic images and another that will last through the years so a good investment. Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef Books that are sensory are a hit with young toddlers and also older ones too, and Discovery Kids Splash in the Ocean!with 10 different sounds will sure to be a hit with them. Read along, press the buttons and learn about the Under Sea World. National Geographic Kids Look and Learn With beautiful illustrations and interesting facts Simon & Schuster Children’s Guide to Sea Creatureswill be able to answer most of those questions from your inquisitive preschooler that you have no clue of the answer to. I would recommend any of this series of illustrated encyclopedias for your family bookshelves. DK Eyewitness Books: Ocean We seem to have focused on the life in the oceans so far but this book Oceans Of The World In Color: Marine Life and Oceanography for Childrengoes into more details about the oceans themselves, where they can be found, what they are like, their names as well as a little on the creatures that live there. Oceans: Dolphins, Sharks, Penguins and more! A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue by Catherine Barr. If you’re looking for a book that can help introduce children to the challenges facing our ocean today in a gentle but captivating and action-inspiring way, this book is a winner. In A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue, a sea turtle guide takes young readers on a tour of Earth’s five oceans, showcasing the fascinating wildlife that live there, the important roles they play and the problems they need our help with most today. The book concludes with the turtle guide sharing what kids can do to help support and protect these precious animals and their home, no matter where in the world they are.

Under the Sea Picture Books follow along with the tale as you visit the colourful coral reef down to the darkest depths of the ocean. Swimmy From non-fiction books full of information that your tot will understand to stories set above and below the waves.