Oceans of Possibilities: Mermaids

Oona and the Shark written by Kelly DiPucchio

Oona the mermaid is friends with everyone, but when her attempts to befriend a shark with sensory issues fail miserably she realizes what may be fun for her may be overwhelming for him.

Oona written by Kelly DiPucchio

This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash!

Mabel: a mermaid fable written by Rowboat Watkins

A picture book about a mermaid named Mabel, who unlike the rest of her family does not have a moustache, and the seven-armed octopus who becomes her friend and helps her see that she is just right the way she is.

Coral written and illustrated by Molly Schaar Idle

A disagreement between Coral, Filly, and Manta, three young mermaids who work together to build and safeguard the reef that is their home, must quickly be set right.

The Ocean Calls: a haenyeo mermaid story written by Tina M. Cho

Wanting to follow in the footsteps of her free-diving haenyeo grandmother, a young Korean girl dutifully consumes her grandmother’s strength-building abalone porridge and practices her breath control before suiting up and overcoming fears to make remarkable discoveries.

Ronan and the Mermaid: a tale of old Ireland written by Marianne McShane, illustrated by Jordi Solano.

Long ago, on the eastern coast of Ireland, a monk from the Abbey of Bangor was collecting driftwood along the wave-tossed shore when he found a boy washed up amid a circle of seals. At first the boy, wrapped in a shawl of woven seagrass, could barely move or speak. But when he regained his strength, he recalled being brought ashore by a lady with long golden hair who sang him to safety and gave him a silver ring. The monks knew the legend of a mermaid who had wandered the coast for three hundred years. Could it possibly have been her?

Mermaid and Me written and illustrated by Soosh

A girl and a mermaid become best friends as they figure out how to enjoy their favorite things together, but when the shore becomes unsafe Mermaid must leave, promising to return.

Nonfiction

All About Mermaids written by Izzy Quinn

Dive into the world of mermaids and discover everything there is to know about the ocean’s most mysterious creatures, from where they are found and how they sleep, to what they eat and how they raise their young. Overflowing with fascinating facts and spellbinding artwork, All About Mermaids is the ultimate book for young mermaid enthusiasts.

The Science & Geography of Mermaids: A Birthday Party: http://globaltableadventure.com/2016/09/02/the-science-geography-of-mermaids-a-birthday-party/

Pipe Cleaner Mermaid Dolls – Video https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/pipe-cleaner-mermaid-dolls/

Build Little Mermaid’s ocean castle STEM challenge: https://www.sarajcreations.com/2017/09/princess-stem-challenge.html?m=1

Mermaid Tail Craft: https://stylishcravings.com/easy-mermaid-tail-craft/

Mermaid Ice Excavation: https://mamapapabubba.com/2016/07/06/mermaid-ice-excavation/

Oceans of Possibilities: Islands

Dessert Island written and illustrated by Ben Zhu

Monkey is stuck on an island made of desserts, and Fox on one made of dirt and rocks, but as time passes, fortunes change and they learn about sharing and caring.

When the Babies Came to Stay written by Christine McDonnell

The first baby arrived on the mail plane, the second two on the ferry, the fourth asleep on a pile of nets, smelling of mackerel. Who were the babies? Where did they come from? The notes left with them said “Please keep this baby safe” and “Please give my child shelter.” Only the librarian can take them home, and the library is where they grow up. The whole island helps to raise them. The fisherman teaches them to cast from the pier, the ferryman shows them charts of the sea, and from the harbormaster they learn to recognize birds. “Who are you?” other children ask. “Why don’t you look alike?” The librarian gathers them in her arms. “Families don’t always look alike,” she says. “And where we’re going is more important than where we came from.”

The Tempest written by Georghia Ellinas

Ariel is a spirit of the air who can fly, ride on clouds, and glow bright as fire. When his master, the magician Prospero, is overthrown by his brother as the Duke of Milan, Ariel joins Prospero and his baby daughter on a journey that will bring them to a beautiful island ruled by the monstrous Caliban–and to a series of events that lead to a vengeful storm, confounding spells, true romance, and a master who is persuaded to give his transgressors a second chance.

Isle of You written by David LaRochelle

Some days are harder to get through than others, but when you’re sad, or lonely, or angry, it helps to remember these words: the Isle of You. Take a moment to shake off your worries, then set sail to a land where your dreams can come true. Soar on the back of an eagle, hunt for treasure, watch dancing polar bears on roller skates — anything you can imagine is yours.

Islandborn written by Junot Díaz

Lola was just a baby when her family left the Island, so when she has to draw it for a school assignment, she asks her family, friends, and neighbors about their memories of her homeland … and in the process, comes up with a new way of understanding her own heritage.

The Fog written by Kyo Maclear

When the fog arrives on his island, a bird with a passion for people watching sets out to discover if anyone else has noticed it taking over the island.

Nara and the Island written and illustrated by Dan Ungureanu

A lonely girl who lives on a very small island longs to go the other island that seems more green and interesting than her home.

Fog Island written by Tomi Ungerer

No one has ever returned from the mysterious Fog Island, but when Finn and Cara get castaway on its murky shores, they discover things are not quite as they expect. Will anyone ever believe them?

Brown paper bag pirate map: https://bnute.blogspot.com/2010/05/yer-authentic-pirate-map-arts-and.html

Sink or Float Experiment: Physics for Kids:

https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/cool-science-activities-exploring-physics-with-kids

Salt Dough Island Recipe: https://www.hidethechocolate.com/recipe/salt-dough-island-recipe/?tve=true

Oceans of Possibilities: Water

Almost Nothing, Yet Everything: a book about water written by Hiroshi Osada

A lyrical moment between parent and child in a boat on a river unfolds into an examination of the water that surrounds them, and the nature and life sustained by it: “It’s only oxygen and hydrogen. Simple as could be, and yet nothing means more to life as we know it.”

The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water written and illustrated by Steve Small

Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?

We are Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom

Water is the first medicine.  It affects and connects us all…  When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.  Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Hey, Water! Written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis

Splashy illustrations and simple text explore water in its many shapes and forms.

Wet written and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

Explores getting wet in good ways, such as stepping into a pool, and bad ways, such as sitting on a bench after rain.

Water can Be written by  Laura Purdie Salas

This picture book poetically explores the many things water can be–from home maker and ship breaker to cloud fluffer and fire snuffer. Backmatter provides additional explanations.

Nonfiction

Water written by Seymour Simon

Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon dives deep and provides a detailed and concise explanation of how essential water is to the planet. With fascinating facts and stunning full-color photographs, readers will learn all about this important element, including the water cycle, why it is called the universal solvent, how priceless clean water is to human civilization, and more.

This Raindrop Has a Billion Stories to tell written by Linda Ragsdale

A raindrop has billions of stories to tell. In fact, THIS raindrop has been here since time began! Dive into this beautiful tale of how water has been flowing and falling all around us, fueling and forming much of what we have seen and used for millions of years.

Water Land: land and water forms around the world written and illustrated by Christy Hale

Based on Montessori teachings, die-cut pages identify and contrast types of water bodies and their corresponding land masses to help young readers understand how connected the earth and the water really are.

How to Make a Working Indoor Water Cycle for Kids: https://taminglittlemonsters.com/water-cycle-science-activity/

Rain in a jar: https://taminglittlemonsters.com/rain-in-a-jar-weather-science-for-kids/

Oceans of Possibilities: Swimming

Bubbles…up! written by Jacqueline Davies

A day at the community pool is full of unwater magic–dunking and diving with friends; somersaulting, walking on your hands, and bursting up through the surface like a tortoise. But when a thunderstorm comes and a little brother ventures too close to the pool’s edge, will our main character be quick enough and brave enough to save the day?

Rosie the dragon and Charlie make waves written by Lauren H. Kerstein

It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful–swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!).

No Swimming for Nelly written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

Nelly loves to wear her swimsuit but the thought of swimming scares her, that is until Grandma, who just so happens to be a swimming champion, helps Nelly realize she has nothing to fear.

Saturday is Swimming Day written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum

Swimming lessons are on Saturdays, and every Saturday one little girl has a stomachache. When she gets to the pool it’s loud, the floor is wet and slippery, and her swim cap is too tight. Her swimming instructor, Mary, says it’s OK to sit by the edge if she doesn’t want to get in the water this week. The next Saturday the girl has a stomachache again, but with Mary’s gentle encouragement, she eventually manages to make it into the pool to practice her kicks. Little by little, the girl’s confidence grows — until one Saturday comes around when she has no stomachache at all!

I’m a Duck written by Eve Bunting

One day, an egg rolled out of a nest and right into a deep pond. Now that egg is a little duck, and the water is still very scary. Jumping into the pond at all seems impossible, never mind swimming in a line with all his brothers. “You’re a duck, and ducks don’t sink,” Big Frog points out. Practicing in a puddle helps a little, while backrubs and snacks from his mother help a little more. Big Frog offers to hold his friend’s wing and dive in together, but our little duck knows that some challenges need to be faced alone. Even when they are very scary!

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.

Jabari Jumps written by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

Can I Tell You a Secret? Written by Anna Kang

Monty the frog has a secret he wants share with you–he cannot swim!

Abigail the Whale written by Davide Calì

Abigail dreads swimming lessons. Every time she dives into the pool, she makes a big splash, and all the girls in her class shout: Abigail’s a whale! Abigail can see that she is larger than the other girls. She feels huge, heavy, and out of place. Abigail’s swimming teacher takes her aside and points out: we can change how we see ourselves.

Nonfiction

Yusra Swims written by Julie Abery

A biography in rhyme relates the story of Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini.

Water safety coloring page: https://eebaf2z3326404xx142rzm5w-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Freddy-the-frog-coloring-page.pdf

Goldfish coloring sheets: https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/activities/?utm_source=goldfish+blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=activity+page

Oceans of Possibilities: Polar Bears

Little Polar Bear and the Pandas written and illustrated by Hans de Beer

The little polar bear Lars experiences an adventure in China, including making friends with two pandas.

A Polar Bear in the Snow written by Mac Barnett

Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human…where is he going?

The Wildlife Winter Games written by Richard Turner

Who do you think would win a game of ice hockey between a team of penguins or polar bears? Or perform the most acrobatic tricks on a snowboard, a whale or a dolphin? Or speed skate the fastest, a hare or moose? You be the judge! Competing against each other in 10 winter sporting events are a selection of Arctic and Antarctic creatures that are experts on snow and ice. The unique skills each creature would bring to these events are described in a fun yet factual way.

Roly Poly written by Mem Fox

Roly Poly the polar bear never wanted a brother, but then little Monty arrives and Roly Poly has to adjust to his new sibling.

What if … ? Then we : short, very short, shorter-than-ever possibilities written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Two polar bear friends have a thrilling adventure as they imagine solutions to a variety of possible situations; their story will show readers how to create their own tales in response to the question “What if…?

Sea bear: a journey for survival written and illustrated by Lindsay Moore

A polar bear waits patiently for spring when the ice breaks up, but after months of hunting, paddling, and resting on ice floes, summer ends and the bear must swim very far to find land. Includes facts about polar bears and the effect of climate change on their environment.

You’re Snug with Me written by Chitra Sounder

A mother polar bear answers the questions of her two curious cubs about what lies beyond their cozy winter den as they wait for spring to arrive.

Nonfiction

Baby Polar Bears written by Deanna Caswell

Follow baby polar bears’ first experiences through engaging text, fun facts, and vibrant photography.

Polar bear science and craft: https://www.theottoolbox.com/polar-bear-science-and-craft/

Artic animals printable: https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/arctic-animals.html