Books are an amazing way to introduce children to the wonders of the ocean! From the dangers of plastics to whales and sharks, below are 5 of our staff’s favorite books for children (and adults alike)!


Our Plastic Ocean, Our Clean Ocean: A Pop-Up Book.

by Dr. Herminia Din & Astor Lai

The book opens on one side with how plastic gets into the ocean and the harm it causes. The other side is a clean ocean and all the things we can do to keep it that way. The best part is, it comes with pop out characters on sticks so you can create your own story. Even better, the entire thing is plastic free all the way down to the packaging and shipping materials! Available here.


Whales: An Illustrated Celebration

by Kelsey Oseid

This beautifully illustrated book is packed with information in it. It touches on whale species, other marine mammals, evolution, food and hunting methods, habitat, life history, and human interactions. It ends with how to help whales. The book covers a lot and even describes unique topics such as whale falls.


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

by Jess Keating (Author), Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Illustrator)

A book for shark and ocean lovers alike! This inspiring true story tells about the trailblazing life of Eugenie Clark who grew up with a passion for sharks and didn’t let anything stop her from achieving her dreams! Download an Activity Kit.


Whale Trails, Before and Now

By Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

Go whale watching with a father and daughter (captain and first mate) as they explore the offshore and tell the story of how human’s relationship with whales has changed over time. Includes a glossary, author’s note, and books and websites suggestions for further reading.


Koholā, King of the Whales

by Vince Daubenspeck (Author), Don Robinson (Illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated book and an incredible story of how a whale (Kohola), who was different, but because of his difference, he changed everything! Great book for children and adults!

Ali Schuler
Ali Schuler

Ali has been working with the Whale SENSE Program since 2018. She has worked as a whale watch naturalist in both Alaska and Hawaii, and spent her master’s researching the effects of whale watching on humpback whales and conservation.