35 Spectacular Children’s Books About the Beach

Not only are children’s books a form of entertainment, but they are also a great way to encourage learning about specific topics. One of my favorite things to do before going on a trip with my kids is to gather books about the place we will be visiting to get them excited about the upcoming trip, as well as provide them with background knowledge to make more meaningful connections to the experiences we will have while traveling.

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Below you will find a list of my favorite nonfiction and fiction books about the beach. A description from Amazon is included, as well as the recommended reading interest levels and various reading level information that could be found for each text.

Nonfiction Books

1. National Geographic Readers: At the Beach by Shira Evans (2017)

From Amazon: “Take a stroll along the beach. What do you see? Young readers will learn all about the beach and the animals that call it home in this fun pre-reader. Through text features such as the vocabulary tree and the wrap-up activity, kids will be introduced to new words and concepts — helping them expand their understanding of the world.”

• Pages: 24
• Reading Interest Age: 3-5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-Kindergarten
• Lexile Level: 290L

2. Ocean Animals for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Whales, Sharks, and Other Marine Life by Bethanie and Josh Hestermann (2021)

From Amazon: “The oceans are full of creatures that are beautiful and strange. Whether you’re a fan of sharks, snakes, penguins, or polar bears, Ocean Animals for Kids is full of fascinating critters to meet! Get ready to learn all about the mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates that call the ocean home. Dive deeper than other ocean books for kids with: • Animal profiles—Take a look at dozens of marine species, from sea spiders to sponges, and find out where they live, what they eat, and more! • An intro to marine science—This standout among ocean books for kids investigates currents, tides, climate, and what’s hiding in the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean. • Fun facts—Jump into the best in ocean books for kids and find out which sea-dwellers can open jars, who has pink poop, and what happens when marine iguanas sneeze! See what’s happening underwater with this exciting entry into ocean books for kids.”

• Pages: 76
• Reading Interest Age: 5-9 years
• Grade Level: 2-3
• Lexile Level: 940L

3. Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks by Bonnie Tsui illustrated by Sophie Diao (2021)

From Amazon: “This stunning nonfiction picture book tells the inspiring story of Sarah Gerhardt, one of the first female big-wave surfers. Have you ever seen a big wave? One that’s twenty, thirty, forty, even fifty feet tall? Here’s a better question: Would you ever surf a big wave? Sarah Gerhardt did―and this is her story. Sarah and the Big Wave, a tale of perseverance and indomitable spirit, is about the first woman to ride the waves at Mavericks, one of the biggest and most dangerous surf breaks in the world.”

• Pages: 34
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 1000L

4. The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts! by Bethanie and Josh Hestermann (2021)

From Amazon: “Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks! Dive deeper than other ocean books for kids with ocean trivia such as:
• Sea cucumbers can eject some of their organs to defend themselves and then regrow them within a few weeks. • The Challenger Deep is the deepest place on Earth, almost 7 miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. • Blue whales are the largest animals that have ever lived—their tongue weighs as much as an entire elephant!”

• Pages: 214
• Reading Interest Age: 5-9 years
• Grade Level: 4-6
• Lexile Level: 1010L

5. Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK and John Woodward (2015)

From Amazon: “Get ready to take a deep dive into all the world’s waters! Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! Explore every aspect of ocean life! It’s the perfect ocean book for children ages 9-12. Here’s what you’ll find inside: • Annotated artwork and step-by-step sequences help explain key processes. • Look closer, “wow” facts, and data boxes provide additional information about each topic. • Catalog pages give succinct profiles of animals and geographical features. • Stunning double-page images show Earth’s ocean at its most astonishing. This children’s educational book is packed with informative text and incredible facts about the ocean — from animals and habitats to ocean exploration and climate change. The innovative design combined with high-quality images and graphics demonstrate key concepts beautifully and make complex subjects easy to understand. See what happens underwater! Based on the latest research and up-to-date information, you’ll find everything from tiny plankton and giant whales to coral reefs and depth zones. This ocean encyclopedia for kids is the perfect reference resource for school projects or at-home learning.
Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia is part of the series of award-winning, best-selling DK children encyclopedias that have been completely revised. More than just a catalog of facts and photos — it’s a visual celebration of the history of all life on Earth.”

• Pages: 256
• Reading Interest Age: 4-10 years
• Grade Level: 3-7
• Lexile Level: 1200L

6. National Geographic Kids Weird But True! Ocean by National Geographic Kids (2021)

From Amazon: “Dive into these fishy facts: Did you know that the prehistoric shark, megalodon, had jaws so big that it could swallow a car? Or that goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and even an alpaca have all learned how to surf? And if that’s not weird enough for ya, one man even rowed solo across the Pacific Ocean for 312 days! In this book filled with 300 wacky facts and pictures, you’ll glimpse the ocean’s weirdest wildlife, uncover shocking shipwrecks, and meet sensational seafarers, from pirates and sailors to ground-breaking marine scientists. Perfect for ocean enthusiasts and trivia-loving landlubbers alike!”

• Pages: 208
• Reading Interest Age: 8-12 years
• Grade Level: 3-7

7. National Geographic Jump Into Science: Sand by Ellen Prager illustrated by Nancy Woodman (2006)

From Amazon: “What is sand? How is it formed? Where does sand come from? How does it get to the beach? Why is it different colors? Let the sandpiper sleuth show you the answers to these questions in this lively, collage-style look at a familiar substance that’s never been so fascinating: sand. “

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-Kindergarten
• Lexile Level: 660L

8. Who Would Win? Killer Whale vs. Great White Shark by Jerry Pallotta illustrated by Rob Bolster (2015)

From Amazon: “What would happen if a great white shark and a killer whale met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win? This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious underwater creatures. Kids learn about the killer whale and the great white shark’s anatomies, behaviors, and more. This book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 5-8 years
• Grade Level: 2-5
• Lexile Level: 620L

9. Ocean! Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty illustrated by David Litchfield (2020)

From Amazon: “From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator David Litchfield, Ocean! Waves for All is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the ocean, told from the perspective of the ocean itself. Dude. Ocean is incredible. Atlantic, Pacific, Artic, Indian, Southern―it’s all excellent Ocean! Not part of any nation, his waves are for all. And under those waves, man, he holds so many secrets. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Ocean in this next ‘autobiography’ in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by David Litchfield, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years; Sun! One in a Billion; and Moon! Earth’s Best Friend.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: 1-2
• Lexile Level: 440L

10. The Ocean in Your Bathtub by Seth Fishman illustrated by Isabel Greenberg (2020)

From Amazon: “Did you know that oceans cover 71 percent of our planet and contain 97 percent of the earth’s water? That seven out of every ten breaths you take contains oxygen that comes from oceanic plant life? No matter how far from the ocean you live, it is part of your life, every single day. And you are part of the ocean’s life, too. Every time you flush the toilet or throw something away, you might be sending it to the ocean—and every time you do a good deed, such as pick up litter or recycle, you are helping the ocean!”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

11. Earth’s Incredible Oceans by Jess French illustrated by Claire McElfatrick (2021)

From Amazon: “Enter the world of oceans and discover all the interesting animals that live in them! Swim with jellyfish, wonder at the busy life of a seagrass meadow, and fence with narwhals in this lovingly illustrated children’s book. Take kids on a fascinating underwater journey, showing them just how amazing oceans are, what plants and animals live in them, and how we can help them Inside the pages of this kids ocean book, you’ll discover: *Interesting information about oceans that supports and goes beyond the curriculum. *Fun and unusual facts to convey the amazing world of ocean life. *Detailed illustrations and photographs of fish, shellfish, mammals such as dolphins, waves, and more. Explore a world hidden below the waves. Let’s go on an underwater adventure! From glowing jellyfish to deep-sea dwellers, children will discover the incredible secret world of life under the sea. This ocean book is filled with a combination of gorgeous photographs and colorful illustrations that will delight and inspire kids – teaching them the importance of the ocean and how to help take care of it themselves. Little ones will be intrigued by sea life like sharks, narwhals, sea birds, ocean reptiles, and so much more. They will learn interesting facts, and explanations about how the ocean functions, like how underwater plants and species rely on each other, and how ocean animals have fun and look after their young. This beautiful book is the perfect gift for young animal and conservation enthusiasts.”

• Pages: 80
• Reading Interest Age: 7-9 years
• Grade Level: 2-4
• Lexile Level: 870L

*The next few nonfiction books are written by one of my favorite nonfiction children’s authors Gail Gibbons. She has written over 100 nonfiction texts for children about various topics. Here are eight of her books about beach-related topics.

12. Exploring the Deep Dark Sea by Gail Gibbons (2020)

From Amazon: “Dive deep with Gail Gibbons as she explains the mechanics and discoveries of deep-sea exploration. The surface of the moon is more familiar to us than the deep sea of our own planet. Many oceanographers are trying to change that. To explore the deep sea, they climb into submersibles and employ Remotely Operated Vehicles to find out more about the ocean and ocean floor. In Exploring the Deep, Dark Sea, nonfiction rockstar Gail Gibbons invites readers along for a journey to the depths of the ocean. Without leaving home, readers will learn about the types of animals found at different sea levels. With her trademark combination of clearly-labeled diagrams, infographics, and accessible language, Gibbons explains the technology for exploration, and the many fascinating discoveries scientists have made in the darkest reaches of the ocean. A perfect introduction for aspiring oceanographers, marine biologists, and conservationists, this new edition has been vetted by an expert oceanographer.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 800L

13. Coral Reefs by Gail Gibbons (2009)

From Amazon: “Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today this active environment is home to about 20,000 kinds of brilliantly coloured corals, plants, and animals-more sea creatures than are found anywhere else in the world. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is so large that astronauts can see it from outer space! But what is life like in a coral reef? What do corals eat? Why are corals more colourful at nighttime? Children will enjoy Gibbon’s informative text and clear, detailed illustrations on this journey into the unique lives of coral reefs.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: 1-3
• Lexile Level: 920L

14. Whales by Gail Gibbons (1991)

From Amazon: “Simple text and watercolor art explore the anatomy, evolution, diet, and much more of these majestic ocean creatures. Captions identify different species, vocabulary words (with pronunciations), and key facts. The gray whale has the longest migration route at about 6,000 miles! A ‘Whale Tales’ section with bonus trivia is included at the end. “

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 590L

15. Sharks by Gail Gibbons (1992)

From Amazon: “From huge whale sharks to tiny dwarf sharks, this book has everything you need to know about one of our most popular–and mysterious–sea creatures. Millions of years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, the first sharks swam in the sea. Though they’re often feared and misunderstood, most sharks aren’t dangerous to humans. With her signature combination of accessible, kid-friendly text and clear, well-labeled illustrations, Gail Gibbons introduces many of the more than three hundred types of sharks in the ocean, and gives concise information about their habitats and physical characteristics.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Lexile Level: 660L
• AR Level: 4.0

16. Sea Turtles by Gail Gibbons (2020)

From Amazon: “Descended from enormous prehistoric creatures, sea turtles are fascinating. Hatched from eggs smaller than a baseball, some can grow to weigh over a thousand pounds. Once adults, they can live to be around 100 years old. And when it’s time to nest, they migrate more than 1,000 miles. With colorful, clear illustrations and straightforward text, Gail Gibbons introduces the eight kinds of sea turtles living in the ocean today. Learn the similarities and differences with labeled diagrams and experience the hatching of the tiny turtle babies with detailed illustrations. This updated edition now includes the most up-to-date information about these beloved reptiles, as reviewed by an expert vetter in the field of herpetology. Sea Turtles also gives young readers an accessible overview of how the lives of these large reptiles have become threatened and discusses the conservation efforts currently taking place. Ideal for aspiring oceanographers, this brightly-illustrated book is a perfect introduction to the subject.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

17. Gulls, Gulls, Gulls by Gail Gibbons (1997)

From Amazon: “Describes the life cycle, behavior patterns, and habitat of various species of gulls, focusing on those found in North America. “

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 810L

18. Beacons of Light: Lighthouses by Gail Gibbons (1990)

From Amazon: “FLASH… FLASH… FLASH…A lighthouse signals from the rocky shore, guiding ships away from danger. Once sailors watched for giant bonfires that were set high on hills. Now, most lighthouses are fully automated. In Beacons of Light: Lighthouses, Gail Gibbons tells all about these beautiful and useful structures, using careful explanations, colorful facts, and helpful illustrations to show how lighthouse technology has developed and changed over the years. FLASH… FLASH… FLASH… In this informative, delightfully evocative book, lighthouses are beacons of light that remind us of our past.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 3-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

19. Hurricanes! by Gail Gibbons (2019)

From Amazon: “What in the world is a hurricane? In this age of extreme weather, this newly updated edition of Gail Gibbons’ informative introduction to hurricanes, with safety tips included, answers that question. Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, create waves as high as eighteen feet, and change the shape of a shoreline. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. In this newly revised edition, vetted by weather experts, Gail Gibbons introduces readers to the concepts of hurricane formation, classification, weather preparedness, and the ever-evolving technology that helps us try to predict the behavior of these powerful storms. Extensive updates include refined definitions for hurricane-related vocabulary, updated information about the wind speeds that define hurricane categories, information on emergency preparedness, and more. As these weather disturbances become more frequent and more powerful, Hurricanes is the perfect introduction for children to this important and timely topic.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 890L

Fiction Books

20. Flotsam by David Wiesner (2006)

From Amazon: “A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam–anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there’s no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep. In each of his amazing picture books, David Wiesner has revealed the magical possibilities of some ordinary thing or happening–a frog on a lily pad, a trip to the Empire State Building, a well-known nursery tale. This time, a day at the beach is the springboard into a wildly imaginative exploration of the mysteries of the deep, and of the qualities that enable us to witness these wonders and delight in them.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

21. Swimmy by Leo Lionni (2017)

From Amazon: “Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger. Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Honor, this beloved tale of a brave little fish has been a favorite to generations of readers. To celebrate Swimmy’s fiftieth anniversary, we are issuing a handsome special edition hardcover that includes a bonus poster.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 2-8
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 690L

22. Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies (2016)

From Amazon: “Quick, call out! Tell all you can reach: the night is just perfect for bats at the beach! So pack your buckets, banjos, and blankets—don’t forget the moon-tan lotion—and wing with this bunch of fuzzy bats to where foamy sea and soft sand meet. Brian Lies’s enchanting art and cheery beachside verse will inspire bedtime imaginations again and again. Come visit a bedazzling world of moonlight, firelight, and . . . bats!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

23. A Beach Tale by Karen Lynn Williams illustrated by Floyd Cooper (2010)

From Amazon: “How will Gregory find his way back to Dad? Swish-swoosh . . . Gregory draws a lion in the sand. “Don’t go in the water, and don’t leave Sandy,” warns Dad. But the sandy lion grows a tail that gets longer and longer—and soon Gregory is lost on the beach. This wonderful read-aloud book brings to life a summer experience that is all too familiar for young children. Karen Williams’s rhythmic text has been paired with Floyd Cooper’s brilliant illustrations, revealing the trip down the beach entirely from a child’s point of view. A gentle father-son bond is shown in both text and art, reassuring young readers even as they share in Greg’s moment of worry at finding himself lost and alone.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-2
• Lexile Level: 470L

24. Deep in the Ocean by Lucie Brunelliere (2019)

From Amazon: “A scientific team has boarded the submarine Oceanos to explore the ocean’s depths. Suddenly, it gets caught in a violent storm, causing it to drift thousands of miles off course and embark on an ocean adventure that young children can join. From the glittering surface of the sea to the darkness of the abyss, Deep in the Ocean will take readers on a bewitching journey through fascinating waters—where some are warm, colorful, and crowded with sea creatures, and others are mysterious and turbulent.”

• Pages: 14
• Reading Interest Age: 3-5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-Kindergarten

25. Seaside Stroll by Charles Trevino illustrated by Maribel Lechuga (2021)

From Amazon: “Go on a snowy, sandy shore walk in a story where every single word starts with the letter S! Explore the beach in winter in this story told through clever language. During a sunset beach saunter, a girl stumbles and drops her doll into a tidal pool. Soaked! Celebrating the natural silence of an off-season location, the surf and sand are brought to life through this engaging story.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 500L

26. The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho illustrated by Jess X. Snow (2020)

From Amazon: “Dayeon wants to be a haenyeo just like Grandma. The haenyeo dive off the coast of Jeju Island to pluck treasures from the sea–generations of Korean women have done so for centuries. To Dayeon, the haenyeo are as strong and graceful as mermaids. To give her strength, Dayeon eats Grandma’s abalone porridge. She practices holding her breath while they do the dishes. And when Grandma suits up for her next dive, Dayeon grabs her suit, flippers, and goggles. A scary memory of the sea keeps Dayeon clinging to the shore, but with Grandma’s guidance, Dayeon comes to appreciate the ocean’s many gifts.”

• Pages: 48
• Reading Interest Age: 5-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-3
• Lexile Level: 580L

27. Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes illustrated by Robert Norieka (2002)

From Amazon: “Discover twelve kinds of seashells in this beautifully illustrated, rhyming and counting book for kids! Perfect for a trip to the beach, the classroom, and a gift for a granddaughter or grandson. Includes two full-page tear-out sheets of all twelve kinds of shells for kids to take with them (only available in the paperback edition). Also available as a board book, which counts from one to ten! Follow along with Sue and her friends and she picks up shells and carefully adds them to her bucket as a birthday gift for her Grandma! As Sue collects new shells, each one appears on along the side of the page, so kids can keep count. But be careful―there may be a mollusk still living inside a shell! Sue and her friend release a mollusk back to the ocean when they find it still inside of its home. Kids will learn about an assortment of seashells, including: • Kitten’s paw shells, Scallop shells, Oyster shells, Moon shells, And more!”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Kindergarten-4

28. Hum and Swish by Matt Myers (2019)

From Amazon: “It’s a glorious summer day at the shore, and all Jamie wants is to finish her art project in the sand. A little time to herself is all she needs. But everyone around keeps asking her pesky questions she doesn’t know how to answer: what are you making? Aren’t you clever? Jamie does her best to tune it all out and focus on her creation . . . until she finds a like-minded friend, who’s as happy to work quietly as she is. Widely respected artist Matt Myers makes his debut as an author in this charming story about introversion, art, and the quiet joy of finding a kindred spirit. Creative, clever, and funny, Hum and Swish is a perfect summer read-aloud, with detailed, colorful artwork you’ll love to pore over.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

29. Hello Ocean by Pam Muñoz Ryan illustrated by Mark Astrella (2001)

From Amazon: “Dive into this playful poem about the draw of the shore and the effect the ocean has on all five senses. Relive a day at the beach with this lovely book of memories. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and smell the musky scent of ocean in the cool morning air. Remember how the sand squishes between your toes as the tide rushes to shore and taste the tang of the ocean on your lips. Spirited language evokes a sense of closeness and nostalgia for an old friend. The inspiration of the ocean will make learning the five senses as easy as a day at the beach. Crisp, realistic illustrations fill the pages with the rush of surf and the warmth of sun-baked sand. The sights and smells and sensations of the sea become vividly clear in these beautifully rendered paintings.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2
• Lexile Level: 700L

30. Wave by Suzy Lee (2008)

From Amazon: “In this evocative wordless book, internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee tells the story of a little girl’s day at the beach. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee’s illustrations, in just two shades of watercolor, create a vibrant story full of joy and laughter.”

• Pages: 44
• Reading Interest Age: 2-5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool and up

31. Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal (2020)

From Amazon: “From New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry and Caldecott Honor winner Juana Martinez-Neal comes a sweet-and-salty friendship story perfect for pirate-lovers and emerging readers learning to embrace moments of change. This hilarious picture book will keep emerging readers laughing, and the message-related mishaps in the story create an opportunity for spelling and sounding out new words! Captain Swashby loves the sea, his oldest friend. And he loves his life by the sea just as it is: salty and sandy and serene. One day, much to Swashby’s chagrin, a young girl and her granny commandeer the empty house next door. All Swashby wants is for his new neighbors to GO AWAY and take their ruckus with them. When Swashby begins to leave notes in the sand for his noisy neighbors, however, the beach interferes with the messages that are getting across. Could it be that the captain’s oldest friend, the sea, knows what Swashby needs even better than he knows himself?”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 620L

32. There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi illustrated by Laurel Molk (2017)

From Amazon: “Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you’re worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 3-7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-2

33. Snow Angel, Sand Angel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky (2022)

From Amazon: “Claire has been surrounded by the deep blue waves of Hapuna Beach and the magnificent mountains of Hawai’i all her life, but has never, ever seen snow. When her father drives her and her family to the top of the Mauna Kea, she can’t help but to be disappointed…it’s not the winter wonderland she’s always dreamed of. And that’s what she wants, more than anything. But as Claire edges ever closer to the new year, she wonders if maybe– just maybe–she can delight in the special joys of winter in her own way–right there, on her Big Island of Hawaii. Includes backmatter that captures the environmental culture of Hawaii, and will teach children not only about the local flora and fauna, but also the value of being environmentally friendly.”

• Pages: 40
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3
• Lexile Level: 690L

34. Billy and Bean at the Beach by Julia Hansson translated by B.J. Woodstein (2023)

From Amazon: “Billie prefers playing quietly, but the beach is a noisy place. Her energetic dog, Bean, is happy to explore the sand and water. When Billie does try going for a swim, she has a painful surprise and heads back to shore. But Bean digs up something that can help Billie get back in the water where she soon discovers a whole world of quiet solitude and spectacular color beneath the surface.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 6-8 years
• Grade Level: 1-3
• Lexile Level: 510L

35. Seaside Treasures: A Guidebook for Little Beachcombers by Sarah Grindler (2019)

From Amazon: “An essential sea glass–hunting handbook for kids. With helpful advice, like “make sure no one’s home!” before taking a snail shell, and fascinating facts, like how sea glass is formed and where glass fishing floats come from, the gentle and flowing text invites young readers to explore and wonder about everything that washes up on the sand.”

• Pages: 32
• Reading Interest Age: 4-8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool-3

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