5 nonfiction books for World Ocean Day

5 nonfiction books for World Ocean Day

Ocean books for kids

Celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8 with these five ocean books for kids! From misunderstood ocean predators to ocean conservation, these nonfiction titles are the perfect ocean reads for kids aged 9—12.


One Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas by Mark Leiren-Young. Illustrated by Bithi Sutradhar. Four illustrations surround the title: a person holding a sign that says The future needs the ocean, a snorkeler giving an ok sign, a person cleaning trash on a beach, and an person speaking out at a podium.

One Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas

This nonfiction book introduces young readers to practical actions they can take to protect the ocean and the 250,000 species of animals who call it home. Written by Mark Leiren-Young, an award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker, podcaster and orca activist. 

Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep by Mark Leiren-Young. Logo: Orca Wild. A close-up of a pink and purple octopus with its tentacles swirling gracefully on a background of deep blue.

Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep

With their blue blood, big brains and eight arms, octopuses are dramatically different from any other being. Young readers will discover the mysteries and histories of octopuses big and small in this captivating read.

★ “Budding scientists and animal lovers will keep this stellar title in full-circulation.” —School Library Journal, starred review

Dig Deep, Connecting archeology, oceans and us. By Nicole F. Smith. Orca Footprints logo. Above a young child crouches on a rocky shore holding small objects in his hand. Below Four archeologists measure and take notes in a rectangular pit dug into the forest floor.

Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us

Unearth what our ancestors left behind at archaeological sites around the world in Dig Deep! Tools, campsites, fishing technologies and even garbage can show us how our ancestors used the ocean and these discoveries can be clues to help keep our oceans healthier in the future.

“Archeology and traditional Indigenous knowledge are linked together in this clever exploration of how marine environments have changed over time.” —The Globe and Mail

Sharks Forever: The Mystery and History of the Planet’s Perfect Predator by Mark Leiren-Young. Foreword by Captain Paul Watson. Logo: Orca Wild. Blurb: This is the shark book the world needs —Julia Barnes, Sea of Life filmmaker. A large shark swims amongst a school of fish.

Sharks Forever: The Mystery and History of the Planet’s Perfect Predator

This nonfiction book debunks the myths about how dangerous sharks are and asks young readers to look at them in a new light. It includes the latest science on sharks all over the world and discusses the threats facing sharks today.

Dive In!: Exploring Our Connection with the Ocean. Top image is a beach where a children puts garbage in a plastic bag; the lower image shows two divers swimming in the background through blue water while in the foreground a big green sea turtle swims over a reef.

Dive In! Exploring Our Connection with the Ocean

Kids will explore humans’ intimate connection with the ocean and leave with an achievable set of actions that can help improve ocean health. Filled with colorful photos, Dive In! is as informative as it is inspirational.

“A passionate plea for young readers to start enjoying, protecting, and preserving our oceans.” —Booklist