Life Below Water | Picture Book List For United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14

The Secret Of Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton 

Too often, we often don’t appreciate nature when we can’t understand it. Such is the case when a seemingly large rock formation routinely creates apparent danger for local fishermen. The town residents decide to destroy the rock, but a little girl saves the rock after discovering how much life it supports just below the surface of the water. The book encourages children to respect our environment and look beyond what something might initially appear to be. First impressions aren’t always true.

Ages 3-7 | Pages 40

Down, Down, Down: A Journey To The Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins

This non-fiction picture book takes the reader through the sea starting from the surface and gradually moving deeper into the ocean. With each page, the readers learn about the creatures that live in that part of the ocean and how they rely on each other. It’s a really interesting book, but maybe a little complicated for younger readers. This is best suited for elementary-aged students and older. 

Ages 4-7 | Pages 40

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to, and this book shares all of that with readers.

Ages 4-8 | Pages 40

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne

Supported by bright and colorful illustrations, readers learn the story of a world-famous sea explorer and oceanographer who fell in love with the sea at an early age. The story highlights some of the wonderful and important discoveries Cousteau shared with the world that he uncovered during his dives. In order to appreciate and take care of our oceans and water, it helps to understand the beauty of what’s beneath the surface, and I think this book shares that in a way children will enjoy. 

Ages 6-9 | Pages 40

The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord

This book explores the environmental impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, and it inspires kids to do their part to combat pollution. The first half of the book portrays the growing magnitude of the issue, and the second half rallies children and adults to make the necessary changes to save our oceans.

Ages 5-7 | Pages 32

The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies

Although the book is written to focus on a special relationship between a son and his father, it also highlights some of the special creatures who live in the cold waters near the young boy’s home. In a time of need, the heartfelt whales help the young boy to safety and reinforce the important co-dependence of humans and animals who live in the ocean.

Ages 3-7 | Pages 40

Blue Planet: Life In Our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield

Water covers most of our planet and is imperative to our world. This book highlights the many different ecosystems that thrive in the water around the world and the animals that live in each of them. It also discusses why water is important, how humans use water, and how we can protect the water to keep it clean and safe. My little guy loves this book as well as its sister book Green Planet: Life In Our Woods and Forests.

Ages 6-9 | Pages 32

One Day On Our Blue Planet in the Antarctic by Ella Bailey

Follow a baby penguin as he travels through his environment and admires all the other animals that live above and below the ice that is the foundation of his habitat. The illustrations and story teach children about wildlife in this remote part of the world and help them come to appreciate its importance. This book is part of a “One Day On Our Planet” series that also includes One Day In The Ocean centered on the young dolphin.

Ages 3-7 | Pages 32

Save The Sharks by Bethany Stahl

Save the Sharks tells the story of a tired shark, Frank, whose friends start disappearing! He discovers that environmental changes, overfishing, and pollution are contributing to their disappearance. With the help of a mermaid, Kaleisha, and a diver, Liam, Frank’s heart fills with joy as they work together to Save the Sharks!

Ages 3-8 | Pages 41

Ocean Sunlight: How Tiny Plants Feed The Seas by Molly Bang

From tiny aquatic plants to the biggest whale or fish, readers experience a moving, living picture of the miraculous balance sustaining each life cycle and food chain deep within our wondrous oceans. On land or in the deep blue sea, we are all connected–and we are all a part of a grand living landscape.

Ages 4-8 | Pages 48

Jen Panaro

Jen Panaro, a co-founder of Raising Global Kidizens, is a self-proclaimed composting nerd and an advocate for sustainable living for modern families. She’s also a serial library book borrower and a messy gardener.

As a mom to two boys, she is passionate about helping families be more responsible stewards to their communities and the planet. She also owns Honestly Modern, an online space focused on eco-friendly living for modern families.