Oceans of Possibilities: Pirates

How to be a Pirate written by Isaac Fitzgerald

Told by the neighborhood boys that she cannot be a pirate, Cece seeks reassurance from her grandfather who knows about boats and has tattoos.

It’s Not Little Red Riding Hood written by Josh Funk

Little Red likes to play by the rules. So when the narrator comes along and asks her to follow the story set out in her fairy tale, she grabs the basket for Grandma and goes. After all, she loves her grandma. But unfortunately, none of the other characters are quite what they’re expecting. — As Little Red attempts to follow the narrator’s directions (which, frankly, seem kind of dangerous!), she is beset by fill-in characters, confusing instructions, and even a fierce battle! Will Little Red ever make it to Grandma’s house? And who will she find when she gets there? Complete with some unusual guest appearances, this laugh-out-loud Little Red Riding Hood retelling will have kids giggling all the way to Grandma’s house! Ding-dong!

The Word Pirates written by Susan Cooper

When word-eating Captain Rottingbones and his crew steal from the Word Wizard while she is telling a story, her pen proves mightier than the pirates’ swords.

We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt written by Kelly DiPucchio

Join this crew of pirates on a high-seas quest for treasure. These salty dogs are off to fetch some gold, and no whale, skeleton, or thunderstorm can stand in their way. But our brave buccaneers best beware–there may be even more trouble ahead!

Arrr, Mustache Baby! Written by Bridget Heos

Mustache Baby and his first mate, Beard Baby, set out to be heroes on the high seas, but soon the lure of pirate treasure takes hold.

Sun written and illustrated by Sam Usher

It’s the hottest day of the year, hotter than broccoli soup, hotter than the Atacama Desert, hotter than the surface of the sun. It’s just the right kind of day for a boy and his grandad to go for a picnic. But as the sun beats down, Grandad keeps having to stop for a rest, and by the time they find the perfect picnic spot, some pirates have beaten them to it. Good job they have enough food to share!

Daniela the Pirate written Susanna Isern

Is being a pirate only for boys? That’s not what Daniela thinks.

She dreams of becoming a pirate on the legendary ship, the Black Croc. She searches and searches through the seven seas, until one day, she finally finds it. But oh dear! These pirates seem to be a little chauvinist. Particularly Captain Choppylobe, who will make Daniela go through difficult challenges to prove her worth as a pirate. Will she make it? Will they let her be part of the crew?

A story about equality and realizing your dreams.

Eleanor Wyatt, Princess and Pirate written by Rachael MacFarlane

Eleanor uses her imagination to become a princess, a pirate, musician, superhero, ballerina, ninja, and more.

Cap’n Rex & his Clever Crew written by Henry Herz

Dinosaur buccaneers use their armored plates, strong tails, and mighty wings to plunder buried treasure.

Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates written by April Jones Prince

While pirates Papa, Mama, and Baby are away from their seaworthy sloop, Goldenlocks comes aboard and makes herself useful. The rollicking text and swashbuckling paintings make for first-rate pirate fun in this spirited version of Goldilocks and the three bears.

Nonfiction

Pirates written by Gail Terp

Step back in time, and discover the lives pirates led through labeled graphics, fun facts, and age-appropriate text that separates fact from fiction while keeping readers interested and engaged

Pirate queen: a story of Zheng Yi Sao written by Helaine Becker

The most powerful pirate in history was a woman who was born into poverty in Guangzhou, China, in the early 1800s. When pirates attacked her town and the captain took a liking to her, she saw a way out. Zheng Yi Sao agreed to marry him only if she got an equal share of his business. When her husband died six years later, she took command of the fleet. Over the next decade, the pirate queen built a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 70,000 men. On land and sea, Zheng Yi Sao’s power rivaled the emperor himself.

Boat craft for preschool: https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/07/sail-away.html

How to make a compass: https://sciencewithkids.com/Experiments/Physics-experiments/how-to-make-compass.html

Pirate science fun with “exploding” treasure chests: https://fun-a-day.com/pirate-science-fun-exploding-treasure-chests/

How to make a pirate treasure map and game:https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/home-is-good/how-to-make-treasure-map/

Make your own coins: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/archaeology/mint-your-own-coin2

Oceans of Possibilities: Sharks

Sharko and Hippo written by Elliot Kalan

When Sharko calls for a boat, Hippo pulls out a goat. He wants a pole, but Hippo gives him a pail. And instead of bait, a beet and a boot! Hippo’s coat pockets seem to have everything except what Sharko asks for!

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends written by Ame Dyckman

Bob, host of Underwater World with Bob, is furious with Shark, not only because Shark ate him (admittedly bad manners), but because Shark will not even admit what he did; the ocean may not be big enough for both of them–unless Shark faces up to his bad behavior, stops sulking (and eating the animals on the program, and maybe barfing up his stomach) and apologizes.

Lottie & Walter written and illustrated by Anna Walker

Lottie secretly knows there is a shark in the pool waiting to eat her, until her new walrus friend, Walter, helps her to conquer her fear.

Dude! Written by Aaron Reynolds

A platypus and a beaver who love surfing encounter a shark — with unexpected results.

Misunderstood Shark: starring Shark! Written by Ame Dyckman

Shark interrupts the filming of Underwater World With Bob, scattering the other creatures (and the audience), but he claims it is all a terrible misunderstanding–that he would never think of eating the fish, the squid, the audience…or Bob.

Shark Dog and the School Trip Rescue! Written and illustrated by Ged Adamson

Shark Dog is no ordinary pet as he’s sort of a dog, but he’s also kind of a shark. Shark Dog is going on a class trip to the great outdoors. But when he stumbles upon an animal in trouble, it’s up to Shark Dog, with the class’s help, to save the day.

Shark Nate-O written by Tara Luebbe

Nate, who loves sharks, cannot swim, but with his brother’s prodding, a good coach, and a lot of determination he learns to swim like a shark. Includes facts about sharks.

Shawn loves Sharks written by Curtis Manley

Shawn loves sharks with all his heart, so when his nemesis, Stacy, is assigned “sharks” for the big class project, Shawn is not happy.

Nonfiction

The Shark Encyclopedia for Kids written by Ethan Pembroke

This encyclopedia highlights 26 different sharks. Alongside thrilling photographs of these underwater creatures, readers learn about what various sharks look like, where they live, what they eat, and more.

Chomp: a Shark Romp written and illustrated by Michael-Paul Terranova

Dive in to the depths of the ocean to discover different species of sharks in this nonfiction picture book with simple text and illustrations.

Shark Lady: the true story of how Eugenie Clark became the ocean’s most fearless scientist written by Jess Keating

At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie’s wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname “Shark Lady.

Smart about Sharks written and illustrated by Owen Davey

It’s time to learn about the sea’s most feared (and most misunderstood) residents: sharks!

Owen Davey returns to nonfiction to explain the mysteries of those denizens of the deep. Some deadly, some not-so-deadly, and almost all just generally misunderstood. Exciting and detailed illustrations fill the page and educate young readers about these thrilling residents of the sea!

How sharks float activity: https://jdaniel4smom.com/2017/07/stem-shark-activities-for-kids-how-sharks-float.html

Shark sensory bottle: https://www.stirthewonder.com/shark-sensory-bottle/

Clothespin sharks: https://www.theseasonedmom.com/clothespin-sharks/

Oceans of Possibilities: Whales

Welcome Home, Whales written and illustrated by Christina Booth

In a quiet harbor, a young child hears the call of a right whale, the rarest kind of whale. He is the only person in his town to hear the whale’s moving song, and he waits by the bay to hear more of her story and shares in her joy and sorrow. At first her story makes the young boy sad, but he is soon filled with hope as she introduces her new calf to the world.

Whole Whale written by Karen Yin

Young readers will giggle with delight as one hundred unusual animals try to squeeze into the oversized pages of this raucous rhyming tale. ‘But can we fit a whole blue whale?’ is repeated throughout, as more animals join the mélange.

Show us Where You Live, Humpback written by Beryl Young

Swimming, singing and blowing bubbles–baby whale calves and young human children share so many of the same activities! This lyrical picture book compares the relationship of a young child and mother with that of a whale calf and its mother, showing how the lives of the whales can be so touchingly like our own.

The Heart of a Whale written and illustrated by Anna Pignataro

Whale’s beautiful song calms a wriggly octopus, cheers a sad urchin, and much more but cannot cure his loneliness without the help of his friends.

Lloyd Finds his Whalesong written by Skylaar Amann

Lloyd can’t sing. The rhythm of the whalesong guides the whales through danger and connects them to each other. But Lloyd is too quiet to join in. If he can’t sing, how can he be a part of the pod?  Then one day he finds a magical, mysterious object with supersonic seaweed strings! This could be his chance to be part of the song.

Grandfather Bowhead, Tell me a Story written by Aviaq Johnston

Bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals on the planet, with a lifespan of over 200 years. In this heartwarming story, a grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime– all while ensuring the little calf that there is nothing more wondrous than the love a grandfather has for his grandchild.

Heartbeat written and illustrated by Evan Turk

Separated from her mother, a young whale swims the oceans for decades until she finds a young girl who shares her vision of one planet for which all are responsible.

Nonfiction:

A Book about Whales written and illustrated by Andrea Antinori

Explores what makes whales different from all other underwater creatures.  It shows how whales have evolved over millions of years, discusses their daily lives, puts the massive size of these creatures into perspective, and explains how to the difference between ten different types of whales.

Beyond Words: what elephants and whales think and feel written by Carl Safina

Follow researcher Carl Safina as he treks with a herd of elephants across the Kenyan landscape, then travel with him to the Pacific Northwest to track and monitor whales in their ocean home. Along the way, find out more about the interior lives of these giants of land and sea–how they play, how they fight, and how they communicate with one another, and sometimes with us, too.

Whale Craft for Kids with Free Printable Template: https://buggyandbuddy.com/whale-craft-kids-free-template/

Egg carton whale craft: https://iheartcraftythings.com/egg-carton-whale-kids-craft.html

Paper whale family: https://thecraftingchicks.com/cutest-paper-whales/

How Big is a Blue Whale? Outdoor Ocean STEM Activity: https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/whales-science-activities-life-in-the-sea

Under the Sea

Milo is Missing Something written and illustrated by Vern Kousky

A small yellow octopus hatches from his egg and begins searching for something he is certain he is missing on an undersea adventure that leads to new friendships along the coast, an exploration of a sunken shipwreck and the discovery of a loving family.

The Octopus Escapes written by Maile Meloy

An octopus is taken from his undersea home to live in an aquarium, but he soon tires of captive life.

Welcome Home, Whales written and illustrated by Christina Booth

In a quiet harbor, a young child hears the call of a right whale, the rarest kind of whale. He is the only person in his town to hear the whale’s moving song, and he waits by the bay to hear more of her story and shares in her joy and sorrow. At first her story makes the young boy sad, but he is soon filled with hope as she introduces her new calf to the world.

Can I Give You a Squish? written and illustrated by Emily Neilson

Kai, a merboy, loves to share hugs with his mother, but learns that some friends prefer fin bumps, tail claps, tentacle shakes, or claw pinches.

The Heart of a Whale written and illustrated by Anna Pignataro

Whale’s beautiful song calms a wriggly octopus, cheers a sad urchin, and much more but cannot cure his loneliness without the help of his friends.

Down Under the Pier written by Nell Cross Beckerman

Four children share an exciting day up above and down below a busy pier. Includes notes on creatures that can be found in intertidal zones.

Save Your Friends written and illustrated by Hyewon Kyung

A variety of friendly fish and other sea creatures enlist the reader’s help in escaping a shark.

What’s that Noise? Written by Naomi Howarth

Magnus the Arctic seal wakes up one early morning, puzzled by a strange, rumbling sound. What’s that noise? Hare, Owl, and Polar Bear don’t have any idea, but Walrus has a good suggestion: it’s Magnus’ rumbling tummy! After a yummy feast the friends all settle down to sleep–but suddenly there’s another rumbling sound. What’s that noise?

Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together written and illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

Under the sea, a crab follows its heart and its calling, bringing everyone together in the wake of a disaster.

Nonfiction:

Secrets of the Sea : the story of Jeanne Power, revolutionary marine scientist written by Evan Griffith

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged.

Out of the Blue : how animals evolved from prehistoric seas written by Elizabeth Shreeve

Where did the first animals come from? How and why did they emerge from ocean onto land? Young readers will find answers in this lively and accessible look into the prehistoric past that boils a complex subject down to its lyrical essence.

Create your own ocean zones in a jar: https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/science-for-kids-under-the-sea-ocean-bottle

Whale Puppet Craft: https://kidscraftroom.com/whale-puppet-craft/

Octopus Toilet Paper Roll Craft for Kids: https://www.craftymorning.com/octopus-toilet-paper-roll-craft-for-kids/