Summer Unplugged: Under the Sea
We’re spending a lot of time in the water this summer. It’s no wonder the ocean is on my mind.
This is maybe my favorite booklist so far – just so many great under the sea themed books!
under the sea themed books
Picture Books
- Flotsam by David Wiesner – I love everything David Wiesner does, and this miiiiight be my favorite of his books. This clever wordless story of a camera that washes up on a beach filled with mysterious film is a total crowd-pleaser.
- Wave by Suzy Lee – Another wordless one, I’ve probably read this with Ella 50 times. She never gets tired of the story of a little girl timidly experiencing an ocean tide for the first time.
- Swim! Swim! by Lerch – Lerch can’t find anyone to be his friend in his little fishbowl. Everyone seems to be ignoring him. Is there hope for friendship for a little fish?
- This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen – This Caldecott winner follows a little fish who has stolen a hat. And he THINKS he’s gotten away with it.
- Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and Éric Puybaret – I always love a good non-fiction picture book, and this one, about the man who pioneered scuba diving is fascinating and beautiful.
- Shark v. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld – Who is stronger? Shark or Train? Who is faster? Who would win in ping pong or pie eating? You’ll never know if you don’t read this book. . . .
- Nugget and Fang: Friends Forever–or Snack Time? by Tammi Sauer and Michael Slack – A fish and a shark have been friends for a long time, but when the fish goes to school, he learns that sharks eat fish. Can Fang convince Nugget that he really isn’t going to have him for lunch?
- Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian and Tim Bowers – A goldfish’s bowl is kind of lonely. But after a few new additions, he’s starting to miss the peace and quiet.
- Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle – Anything Eric Carle does is a masterpiece, I think. This one, about how different fish and underwater creatures care for their eggs and babies, is no exception.
A Few Crafts, Activities, and Recipes:
- Draw a life-size whale with chalk
- Make an Ocean Water beverage
- Create your own ocean jar
- Make a paper bag jellyfish
- Make a baby octopus for lunch
And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
A few more books to add to the list: Swimmy by Leo Leonni; Harry by the Sea by Gene Zion; A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carl and Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.
This is Not My Hat is probably my favorite fish book ever. I almost bought it in Danish when we were in Copenhagen, but after doing the conversion for 159 DKK I decided the library was a more economical option.
These would be perfect for the new baby we have on the way!
These are on my list for when my baby starts eating solids! Would love to win!
I'd love to win. My boys could eat five pouches in a row if I'd let them. So reusable ones would be wonderful!
I am loving this series. Every time you post, I promptly request a bunch of books from the library for my boys. And they always love your choices. 🙂 Thanks!
Those reusable pouches are brilliant! I'd love some!
What awesome ideas to get my kids excited about reading this summer! And I've wanted to try those reusable pouches but hadn't taken the plunge yet!
What awesome ideas to get my kids excited about reading this summer! And I've wanted to try those reusable pouches but hadn't taken the plunge yet!
As former California people we're big fans of ocean themed stuff. And I've always wanted to try those pouches. So much waste otherwise!
My kids love those applesauce pouches but they are reserved for hikes or picnics. Great idea.
I don't leave home without a snack for my 18 month old (okay, or myself). But I'm definitely looking for ways to save money so this is a great idea!
I love this series you're doing and maybe one day I'll have my crap together and get the books out of the library to read with my daughter!
My daughter is obsessed with fruit pouches…how did I not know these existed?
Thanks for all the great recs!
Shark vs train is a favorite around here!
We just tried the yogurt squeeze pouches this weekend for the first time and they are awesome!
You are my personal librarian. I basically just go check out whatever you post. Thanks, friend!
Reusable and washable make me happy!
Those reusable pouches are so simple, yet genius! I need them.