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Oceans: Recommended Reading
Reading A-ZDownloadable materials to teach guided reading, phonics, the alphabet, and much more
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In the Sea (Level E - factual)
In the Sea is a delightful book that introduces early readers to many fascinating sea creatures. Each page introduces a new animal, along with a verb pertaining to sea animals (such as floats, swims, hunts, glides, and crawls). The artwork, done in a woodcut style, supports the text well.
In the Sea is a benchmark book and as such has no lesson plan.
Ocean Animals (Level J - factual)
Ocean Animals is about various animals that can be found in oceans around the world. Because animals are a topic of high interest for children, they will enjoy reading this book and learning fascinating facts about these animals. Each page has both a photo and a line drawing of the animal discussed.
Animal Skeletons (Level J - factual)
Are you learning about animal skeletons or the human body? If you are, then you need to read Animal Skeletons. The book looks at the similarities and differences in many types of animal skeletons. The author explains why different animals have different skeletons and uses repetitive patterns to help children feel a sense of confidence as they are reading.
Extreme Animals (Level K - factual)
In this book, children can discover why a flamingo is pink and what animal lives the longest. Extreme Animals is an informational text that contains many fun facts about animals. After reading this book, children will be able to teach their friends and family many amazing facts about the richly varied animal kingdom.
Keb Needs a Home (Level M - fiction)
A hermit crab named Keb is too big to live in a normal-sized snail shell. Keb is chased by seagulls and teased by other hermit crabs because he looks naked without a home to live in. After trying out various homes, Keb finally finds a blue boot that has washed ashore. It's the perfect house for him.
Whales (Level O - factual)
Whales is a factual description of whales that includes different types, feeding habits, sounds, reproduction, and migration. The author points out that many whales are endangered and in need of our respect and protection.
Sharks (Level Q - factual)
Written in a clear, informative style, Sharks describes the physical appearance, eating habits, reproduction, and attack capabilities of sharks. The author points out that while sharks are generally thought of as dangerous killers, only a small percentage actually are. Some sharks are endangered and in need of protection.
Sea Turtles (Level R - factual)
Written in a clear, engaging style, Sea Turtles provides details about the physical appearance, nesting patterns, and predators of sea turtles. The author's love for these endangered animals is apparent as she helps us realize that all animals deserve to live free from hunting and exploitation.
Turtle Tom (Level R - fiction)
Tom Terdle is always getting teased about his name. After getting into a fight, he is suspended from school. He goes to the beach, where he finds some turtle eggs and also finds a friend, the Turtle Lady. Together they spend time watching for the eggs to hatch. Their friendship causes Tom to overcome his sensitivity to his name. He grows up to become a marine biologist and always remembers the special gift he received from the Turtle Lady.
Camouflage (Level T - factual)
Camouflage is a factual book that gives descriptions and examples of some of the fascinating kinds of camouflage used by animals. Why animals need camouflage and how they use it are some of the details presented in this book. It also discusses the development of camouflage.
More Recommended Reading
Fish facts, selected for their child-appeal and delivered in a brisk, conversational tone, are neatly organized by marine environment.
Aliki How a Book is Made
Aliki's lucid explanation of the book making process is clearer than—but every bit as accurate as—many explanations written for adults.
Barlowe, Sy 101 Questions About the Seashore
This is the best book on sea shores for such little money. A great way for children to learn about the coastline and its inhabitants, while still entertaining to the parent.
Beatles, The Abbey Road
The Beatles' last days as a band were as productive as any major pop phenomenon that was about to split.
Beatles, The Yellow Submarine, Soundtrack
Contains all the Beatles songs (standout cuts from Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, in addition to the four originals unique to the project).
Beatles, The Yellow Submarine, Video
A broad, feather-light allegory set in idyllic Pepperland, where the gentle citizens are threatened by the nasty, music-hating Blue Meanies.
Bendick, Jeanne Exploring an Ocean Tide Pool
A partially successful attempt to show how the interdependent life in a tide pool is reflective of the ecological balance in the ocean. Sophisticated concepts, such as photosynthesis and tide movement, are described in separate boxes with little or no further reference in the body of the text. But the information is accurate, and the quick-reading text is accompanied by commendable photographs.
Carle, Eric A House For a Hermet Crab
In this soothing, upbeat story, Hermit Crab casts his eyestalks on a newer, bigger shell, but it seems plain and unwelcoming at first.
Clements, Andrew Big Al
Big Al, an ugly and fierce-looking fish, longs for friends, but all the other fish flee whenever he approaches them. Then one day, in a display of strength and heroism, Big Al proves that the true test of a friend is how he acts, not how he looks.
Cole, Joanna The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
The untiring Mrs. Frizzle and her undaunted class go on an extraordinary field trip to learn firsthand how things are at the bottom of the sea.
Cole, Sheila When the Tide Is Low
A little girl and her mother talk about all the things they will do at the beach, when the tide is low.
Donnelly, Judy The Titanic: Lost...and Found
A simple account of the sinking of the Titanic and the discovery of its remains many years later.
Dr. Seuss One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
Children today will be as entranced by these ridiculous rhymes as they have been since the book's original publication in 1960.
Earle, Sylvia A. Hello, Fish!: Visiting the Coral Reef
An internationally known marine biologist explores and explains the characteristics of some fish living on a coral reef, the full page, large photographs are spectacular.
Ehlert, Lois Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On
A simple and fun introduction to counting and basic addition, Fish Eyes, in a lively rhyming text, encourages children to imagine putting on scales, fins, and a tail and diving underwater to count the fish.
Esbensen, Barbara Juster Baby Whales Drink Milk
The title epitomizes Esbensen's creative presentation of an important concept: how whales differ from the fish they seem to resemble and share characteristics with other mammals. Beginning with a direct comparison with humans, dogs, cats, etc., the author describes a humpback's care of her calf, working in other behaviors, more contrasts with fish and basic facts on mammals.
Fowler, Allan Shellfish Aren't Fish
Provides a brief, easy-to-read introduction to the basic physical characteristics of crustaceans (including lobsters) and mollusks (such as clams).
Fredericks, Anthony D. Exploring the Oceans: Science Activities for Kids
Activities, projects, and experiments in this book help children realize how critical the oceans are to our planet.
Fredlee Magic of Sea Shells
Three youngsters spend the day on the beach hunting for different types of shells.
Gibbons, Gail Beacons of Light: Lighthouses
A fine introduction to the lighthouse, colorfully and accurately drawn. Readers will feel as if they are being taken on a private tour by a person who knows and loves her subject.
Gibbons, Gail Sunken Treasure
Describes the many-years-long search for the treasure that went down with the Atocha, a Spanish galleon sunk off Florida in a hurricane in 1622. Includes facts about four other famous shipwrecks.
Greenburg, Keith Elliot Marine Biologist: Swimming With the Sharks
Meet Dr. Sonny Gruber at his shark research facility on the island of Bimini. He'll take you underwater and show you how shark behavior can be predicted and changed.
Groves, Donald The Oceans: A Book of Questions and Answers
A fascinating and highly readable account of the wonders of the seven seas, including anecdotes of man's interaction with the sea from ancient times to the present.
Hartman, Bob Lobster for Lunch
Surrealistic story of a young boy and a small lobster, each of whom thinks he is saving the other from being eaten.
Heard, Georgia Creatures of the Earth, Sea and Sky
A collection of poems for young children, illustrated in dramatic detail that celebrates wildlife and the natural world around us.
Heitzman, William Ray Opportunities in Marine and Maritime Careers
Discusses the history of various marine and maritime careers, the required qualifications and education, and job opportunities.
Heller, Ruth How to Hide an Octopus and Other Sea Creatures
With stunning, full-color illustrations of sea creatures, and an informative, rhyming text, Heller leads young ones on a search for a giant red sea dragon, a huge crab, and several exotic fish as she explores the secrets of camouflage in the ocean depths.
Hopping, Lorraine J. Jacques Cousteau: Saving Our Seas
From the Amazon River to the Antarctic Ice Shelf, Cousteau made known both the beauty and the environmental plight of the oceans.
Hulme, Joy Sea Squares
Rhyming text and illustrations of such sea animals as whale, gulls, clown fish, and seal provide opportunities to practice counting and squaring numbers from one to ten.
Jeunesse, Gallimard The Seashore First Discovery Book
Features the unexpected at every turn that reveals creatures hiding where land and water meet—crabs, sea anemones, starfish, and more.
Kalman, Bobbie A B Sea
Covers the ABCs of ocean life. Breathtaking photos by underwater photographers capture the excitement and intense color of the undersea world.
Kimmel, Eric Anansi Goes Fishing
Anansi the spider plans to trick Turtle into catching a fish for his dinner, but Turtle proves to be smarter and ends up with a free meal. Explains the origin of spider webs.
Landau, Elaine Ocean Mammals
Discusses several different marine mammals including dolphins, manatees, walruses, whales, and sea otters.
Langeland, Deidre Octopus' Den
Octopus encounters danger as he returns to his den, finds it claimed by another of his kind, and ventures out to seek a new home.
Lauber, Patricia An Octopus Is Amazing
Learn all about the truly amazing octopus, from its intelligence to its ability to change colors to the camouflaging black ink it squirts to escape predators.
Lember, Barbara Hirsch The Shell Book
Names the family each shell belongs to, and gives an approximate size. A book to inspire further research and wonder—where are the creatures who once lived here?
Liddledale, Freya Magic Fish
A greedy fisherman's wife is granted every wish but can't find happiness.
Lionni, Leo Fish Is Fish
A modern fable of a minnow who wants to follow his tadpole friend—who becomes a frog—onto land.
Lionni, Leo Swimmy
A little black fish in a school of red fish figures out a way of protecting them all from their natural enemies.
MacDonald, Golden The Little Island
Depicts the changes that occur on a small island as the seasons come and go, as day changes to night, and as a storm approaches.
MacDonald, Suse Sea Shapes
Beginning readers learn to identify twelve basic shapes, which then transform into beautiful, colorful undersea creatures, in a concept book that also features a glossary of sea creatures and their habitats.
MacQuitty, Miranda Ocean
Explores the endless diversity of life in the sea, from the humpback whale and its hour-long songs to the effervescent coral colonies.
Matthews, Rupert Record Breakers of the Sea
Presents world records associated with water sports and craft, marine life, sea voyages and shipwrecks, and the physical aspects of oceans.
McDonald, Megan Is This a House for Hermit Crab?
When Hermit Crab outgrows his old house, he ventures out to find a new one.
McMillan, Bruce A Beach for the Birds
A photoessay focusing on the Least Tern journeys to a beach in Maine that has become a wildlife refuge for the endangered seabird and examines the possibility for successful survival of a species that must live side by side with humans.
Most, Bernard My Very Own Octopus
A boy imagines what fun he would have with a pet octopus.
Mud-Ruth, Maria The Ultimate Ocean Book: A Unique Introduction to the World Under Water
This introduction to ocean life consists of five brightly illustrated double-page spreads that look at various aspects of animal life, such as locomotion and habitat. The pages convey a smattering of information in short blocks, many of which are contained on or under flaps, pop-ups, pull-tabs, and peek-through scenes. The manipulatives are fun but are unlikely to endure many readings.
O'Neill, Mary Hailstones and Halibut Bones: Adventures in Color
Award-winner John Wallner has illustrated this full-color edition of Mary O'Neill's classic poetry book. Here is color that can be heard and touched and smelled. With a compelling sense of rhythm and with images that are clear and fresh, O'Neill explores the spectrum in 12 poems and 12 different colors.
Pallota, Jerry Going Lobstering
Linda and Erik are invited to join Big Joe, the lobsterman, for a day of lobstering.
Pallota, Jerry The Ocean Alphabet Book
Do you know which sea creature scares away its enemies by spraying ink at them . . . or which fish has lights inside its mouth to attract food? Learn the answer to these questions and other fascinating details about ocean life in this engaging and informative book.
Pallota, Jerry The Underwater Alphabet Book
Introduces the letters A to Z describing fish and other creatures living in the coral reef.
Parker, Steve Seashore
Young readers become master beach detectives as they learn such facts as what shapes the shoreline and what causes tides, in a lively pocket-sized study featuring a host of color photographs and illustrations.
Podendorf, Illa Animals of Sea and Shore
Introduces creatures that inhabit the sea and seashore: animals with fur or shells, fins or legs, spiny skins or soft bodies.
Pfister, Marcus The Rainbow Fish
The vain, lonely Rainbow Fish relinquishes his pride and gives away almost all his special, shiny scales to gain friends.
Prelutsky, Jack The Random House Book of Poetry for Children
Playground chants, anonymous rhymes, scary poems, silly verse...carefully indexed by title, author, first line, and subject: nature, seasons, living things, children, and home.
Shannon, George Sea Gifts
A beachcomber searches for driftwood and other gifts from the sea which he carves into various shapes at night then leaves for the sea to take back in the morning.
Silver, Donald Coral Reef
Hardy adventurers ages 6–9 dive into a silent watery world where tiny coral animals grow together to form rock gardens of white, pink, and red-orange.
Simon, Seymour Oceans
Text and photographs explore the physical characteristics, life forms, and fragility of the world's oceans.
Solheim, James It's Disgusting—And We Ate It!: True Food Facts
Zany illustrations add a blast of color to this picture book of food trivia, which focuses on some of humankind's weird grub choices, from seaweed to earthworm soup.
Spencer, Carolyn Alphabet Sea
An alphabetical journey through tropical waters, with a captain, an egret, a jellyfish, a lighthouse, a pelican, and many more interesting sights.
Svarney, Thomas E. The Handy Ocean Answer Book
Surveys beaches, fish discoveries, and ocean exploration programs alike and is packed with facts, presented in a lively format for leisure browsing.
Swift, Hildegarde and Ward The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge
A little lighthouse on the Hudson River regains its pride when it finds out that it is still useful and has an important job to do.
Taylor, Barbara Coral Reef
Combines information about coral reefs with a fictional story of planula—baby coral—looking for a place to live.
Taylor, Barbara Look Closer: Shoreline
Four titles introduce fascinating, sometimes atypical, regions. Outstanding color photographs and well-written texts profile a sampling of life forms, including both animals and plants, for each area.
Tibbitts, Christiane Kump Seashells, Crabs, and Sea Stars
Explores the world of seashells, crabs, sea stars, sand dollars, and other things to be discovered at the seashore.
Tildes, Phyllis Limbacher Animals In Camouflage
Each double-page spread features a short riddle, printed in extra large type, about an animal hidden somewhere in the picture on the opposite page.
Van Allsburg, Chris The Wretched Stone
We learn from the log of the Rita Anne that her voyage is going remarkably well. A clever and happy crew makes the days pass quickly. Then, on an uncharted island, the sailors discover an odd, glowing rock. Bringing it aboard, the captain notices the frightening and disastrous effect it has on his crew. But luck and courage restores the crew and finds a proper home for "the wretched stone."
Various Artists All You Need Is Love: Beatles Songs for Kids
A batch of the Beatles' sunniest songs performed by a prime adult band and your children's peers and slightly reworked in kid-friendly keys.
Various Artists A Child's Celebration Of Folk Music Music for Little People
Children of all ages will delight in the simple melodies. These story-songs are repetitive and eminently singable.
Various Artists A Child's Celebration of Silliest Songs
Delivers lighthearted levity: campfire favorites, schoolyard rhymes, and ticklishly wholesome renditions of "Three Little Fishies".
Various Artists Music For Little People 15th Anniversary
A party record the whole family will enjoy in the car or at home. Did somebody say Music for Little People rocks? Yes, and a whole lot more, too!
Wallace, Karen Gentle Giant Octopus
A lyric narrative traces the mother's hunt for a safe haven to lay her eggs, as predators such as the Wolf eel impede her journey.
Wood, Audry The Tickle Octopus
An entirely new creature, the Tickle octopus, reaches out to Bup with his tentacles and tickles him until "for the first time in the history of people . . . someone smiled."
Worth, Valerie All the Small Poems
Features poems with thoughtful, imaginative illustrations, and demonstrates the poet's ability to see ordinary things from an extraordinary perspective.
Yaccarino, Dan An Octopus Followed Me Home
A rhyming text and big, bright illustrations give an uproarious spin to the situation of a kid whining for a pet
Zim, Herbert and Ingle Seashores: A Guide to Animals and Plants Along the Beaches
A guide to identification of marine plant and animal life along 88,600 miles of tidal shoreline of the United States.
Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weider What Lives in a Shell?
Invites children to observe the animals and collect the shells, whether the shells you find are big or small, plain or fancy—remember, a shell is someone's home.
Zolotow, Charlotte The Seashore Book
Richly colored paintings and a poetic text evoke the sights, sounds, and feelings of a perfect day at the seashore, from the shifting colors of the early morning sky to the sound of the waves to the feel of cold water on one's feet.
Oceans | Zoo Animals | Dinosaurs | Reptiles/Amphibians | Insects/Spiders | Space
Fact Files | Funsheets | Murals | Cut Outs | Lesson Plans | Teaching Notes | Recommended Reading
Fact Files | Funsheets | Murals | Cut Outs | Lesson Plans | Teaching Notes | Recommended Reading
