Best Children's Marine Life Books of 2026

The book, "How to Catch a Mermaid" by Adam Wallace, is a delightful addition to the How to Catch series. It offers a fun and imaginative under-the-sea adventure for kids aged 4-10. The book is filled with clever rhymes, STEAM-based traps, and plenty of laughs that make it perfect for at-home and classroom read-alouds. Andy Elkerton's illustrations beautifully capture the whimsical and enchanting world of mermaids. Whether as a stocking stuffer or a birthday gift, this book is a must-have for children who love mermaids.

The Pout-Pout Fish is the first book in the bestselling series by Deborah Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna. It tells the story of Mr. Fish, who swims around with a permanent pout until his friends come along and show him that being glum isn't his destiny. With bright colors and playful rhyme, this fun fish story is sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down. Younger kids will love the repetition of verses and the cartoonish undersea world that swims with hilarious bug-eyed creatures. The Pout-Pout Fish is a delightful read that offers a valuable lesson for young readers.

The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash is an enchanting children's book that retells Disney's live-action movie. It follows Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of exploring the human world. After rescuing Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a deal with the Sea Witch, Ursula, to meet him. But Ursula's plans are evil, and it's up to Ariel to save both the human and ocean world. This book is perfect for children who love marine life and Disney. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story teaches important values such as courage and determination. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to any children's book collection.

The Wild Robot Protects is the third book in the New York Times bestselling series, The Wild Robot. This time, the wild robot, Roz, embarks on an oceanic adventure to save her beloved island from the poison tide. During her journey, she encounters unique creatures and geological formations, witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by the toxic waters. The book takes readers on a thrilling ride through the ocean and to the frigid northern waters where Roz may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. With an engaging storyline and vivid illustrations, The Wild Robot Protects is a must-read for children who love environment-themed books.

Odder, a #1 New York Times bestseller, is a touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter named Odder. Written by Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, this book tells the story of Odder, who spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning quirky stories. However, when she comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn. Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals. Overall, this book is a must-read for children who love animals and nature.

Big Shark, Little Shark (Step into Reading) is a fun and engaging early reader book perfect for children who are starting to read. The book is about two sharks who are both hungry and searching for a snack, but they have different approaches due to their size. The book features rhyme and rhythmic text with picture clues that help children decode the story. The colorful and humorous illustrations make this book a hit with young readers. Overall, this book is a great addition to any children's marine life book collection and a great way to introduce children to reading.

School Zone's Go Fish Alphabet Game Cards are a great resource for children aged 4 and up to learn uppercase and lowercase letters, word-picture recognition, and animal names. The pack includes 56 cards with colorful illustrations of adult and baby animals and big, easy-to-read letters. The set also includes four games, including Go Fish, Alphabetical Order, Match the Letter, and Make a Word, making it portable and perfect for on-the-go learning. The flashcards are an effective way to boost retention and encourage children to explore and experiment with concepts more freely. Overall, this is a fun and engaging way to help young children develop pre-reading skills.

Hello, Ocean Friends is a delightful high-contrast board book for newborns and babies. It introduces ocean creatures with friendly text and bold black-and-white illustrations by Julissa Mora. The book's simple greetings like "Hi there, starfish" and "Hola, jellyfish" make it a perfect building block for babies just beginning to look around and learn about their world. This book is an important building block for your baby's communication skills, and it's a great addition to any children's fish book collection. Overall, Hello, Ocean Friends is a durable, charming and unique book that will keep babies engaged and entertained.

Who Would Win?: Ultimate Showdown is a five-book bind-up of the popular Who Would Win? series, featuring exciting matchups between dangerous animals. Kids will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more, before comparing and contrasting the battling pairs and discovering the winner. This nonfiction collection is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans. The author, Jerry Pallotta, combines interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations to mesmerize countless children across the United States. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for children who love animals and enjoy learning about their behaviors and anatomy.