Preschool Ocean Books: 30+ Stories that Kids Will Love
Dive in and explore the deep blue sea with these fantastic preschool ocean books!

From sandcastles and ships to hermit crabs and whales, this list of preschool ocean books covers it all!
The mysterious underwater depths of the ocean can be a source of fascination for little kids. These picture books help you lean into that curiosity and explore the wide world under the waves.
Our list includes the perfect mix of sweet stories and interesting informational text!
What will you and your little ones discover in the pages of these preschool ocean books?
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Ocean Books for Preschool
Over and Under the Waves
Dive in and explore the worlds above and below the waves. This book provides a beautiful glimpse into the lives of ocean creatures.
Swimmy
The ocean can be a scary place for little fish, but Swimmy helps his friends overcome their fears and work together.
The Snail and the Whale
The snail and the whale make quite the pair, exploring the far reaches of the sea, but one day, the whale swims too close to the beach. He’s stuck and needs help! Will Snail be able to save the day?
There Might Be Lobsters
The sand, the waves, and potential lobsters all scare Eleanor’s dog Sukie. Will Sukie be able to summon up her courage when Eleanor needs her most?
A House for Hermit Crab
Hermit Crab has grown too big for his shell, so it’s time to find a new one. His new shell fits, but it’s so plain. Join Hermit Crab as he meets new friends and makes his new shell feel like home.
Ocean Meets Sky
Finn’s grandfather is no longer with him, but Finn still remembers his stories. So, Finn sets out to build a boat to sail to the magical place his grandfather told him about where the ocean meets the sky.
Beach House
This story perfectly captures the anticipation and joy of summer and a vacation to the beach. From building sandcastles to gazing at the stars, join this family during a special trip.
Hum and Swish
All Jamie wants to do is work quietly on her creation in the sand, but everyone keeps coming up to her and asking questions: “What are you making?” “How clever are you?” Will Jamie find some peace and a companion who is happy to just work quietly like she does?
Night of the Moonjellies
Mark spent a long, busy day helping Gram in her hotdog stand, and now, she has a special surprise for him. What will they find on their nighttime sail?
Giant Squid
Discover more about the mysterious and elusive Giant Squid in this poetic nonfiction book.
The Maggie B
One night, Margaret wishes upon the North Star to have a ship that is her own. When she wakes, she’s aboard the magical Maggie B. Sail along with Margaret as she enjoys a wildly wonderful day!
Hello Lighthouse
Step back in time and follow the life of the light keeper as he moves in and prepares for his wife’s arrival, welcomes a sweet baby home and says goodbye to his family’s beloved lighthouse.
Mister Seahorse
Mrs. Seahorse has laid her eggs on Mr. Seahorse’s belly, and it’s his job to care for them until they hatch. As he drifts along waiting, can you spot other sea creature fathers caring for their young?
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee
Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, take to the sea in their little boat. Things take an unexpected turn when a bored little whale begins to bump their boat!
Exploring the Deep, Dark Sea
Journey to the bottom of the ocean to discover more about the mysterious creatures that make their home in the dark depths.
Magic Beach
On the shores of Magic Beach, anything is possible if you just use your imagination! This book is a sweet celebration of the magic power of imagination.
Swashby and the Sea
Swashby, a retired sea captain, is quite content all alone in his cottage by the sea. When a little girl and her grandmother move in next door, Swashby battens down the hatches! He doesn’t need neighbors! Or does he?
Island Boy
Matthias lives on and loves Tibbets Island. Follow along as he grows up and has his own adventures, always returning to the island he loves.
Ocean: A Peek-Through Picture Book
From humpback whales to seahorse and electric eels, discover the colorful world under the water!
The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark
Come along on this adorable, ocean-inspired re-telling of the classic three little pigs and the big bad wolf story. Kids love to hear this familiar story told with a fun new spin!
Hello Ocean
Explore the seashore using each of the five senses. This lovely story chronicles what a little girl sees, smells, hears, tastes and touches throughout a day at the beach.
Sea Glass Summer
Thomas is spending the summer with his Grandmother, and she teaches him how to find sea glass. Thomas spends his days searching for new treasures and his nights dreaming of where those pieces of glass originally came from.
The Storm Whale
One night after a big storm, a lonely little boy named Noi discovers a whale that’s been washed ashore. Watch as Noi and his father rescue the whale and, in the process, draw closer to each other.
Sea Turtles
This book does an amazing job of sharing information about the 8 different kinds of sea turtles in a way that kids can easily understand and find interesting!
Octopus Escapes Again!
It’s time for Octopus to leave the den and find food, but she isn’t the only one looking for something to eat. Watch Octopus escape from danger again and again!
One Tiny Turtle
Watch as a little loggerhead turtles grows up, swims the ocean, and eventually returns to the very same beach where she was born to lay her own eggs.
The Mermaid
With Jan Brett’s signature beautifully detailed illustrations, this book is a delightful play off of the classic three bears story.
Big Al
You can’t find a friendlier fish in the whole ocean, but because Big Al, is big and scary looking, all of the smaller fish are frightened by him. He desperately wants to make friends! Will he ever get the chance?
Amos and Boris
Amos, a mouse, and Boris, a whale, become unlikely friends after Boris rescues Amos from a sailing adventure gone wrong. The time comes when Boris is in need of rescuing too. Will the little mouse be able to help?
A Swim Through the Sea
Swim along with Seamore the seahorse on his alphabetical journey through the sea!
Inky the Octopus
Come along as Inky, an octopus at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, makes a daring escape into the open ocean! This is a fascinating book based on a true story!