Dive into Real Ocean Life—One Story at a Time.
Every great adventure begins with a story.
Books help children discover the incredible world beneath the waves while building language, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Choose a story that sparks your child's interest, cuddle up together, and see where the adventure leads. Then continue the learning through play, conversation, movement, creativity, and real-world exploration.
There is no right place to begin.
Follow your curiosity.
🐚 Pip's Ocean Bookshelf
Pip has gathered some favorite books about real ocean life to help curious explorers discover the amazing world beneath the waves.
Browse the collection below and choose the stories that speak to your family. Every book is an invitation to wonder, learn, and play together.
Borrow them from your local library or click any cover to learn more on Amazon*.
🐦 Pip's Tip
"Don't worry about reading every word or page. Pause to look closely at the pictures, wonder together, and let your child's questions lead the adventure.
✨ Featured WonderStory™
Featured this season.
🐙 Finger Plays & Ocean Chants
Sometimes the best stories happen with our voices and our hands.
Enjoy simple finger plays, action rhymes, and playful chants that build language, rhythm, coordination, and joyful connection.
Perfect for storytime, classrooms, libraries, and home.
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A classic finger play with lots of silly surprises
Slippery fish, slippery fish,
Swimming through the water.
Slippery fish, slippery fish,
Swimming through the water.(gulp, gulp...)
Oh no!
It's been eaten by an...🐙 Octopus!
Continue with:
Tuna fish
Great white shark
Whale
Until...
BURP!
Excuse me!
Book Connection
Great for Commotion in the Ocean or Peek-a-Flap Ocean because children love acting out each animal. -
A WonderPlay™ Original Finger Play
Hold up five fingers.
Five little sea stars resting by the shore,
One waved goodbye...
Then there were four.Four little sea stars sparkling in the sea,
One hid behind a shell...
Then there were three.Three little sea stars as the waves rolled through,
One found a cozy rock...
Then there were two.Two little sea stars warming in the sun,
One drifted with the tide...
Then there was one.One little sea star shining bright with glee,
It called its friends back...
"Come play with me!"Five little sea stars sparkling in the sea,
Wiggling in the waves—
Just as happy as can be!⭐ Invite children to wiggle all five fingers like sparkling sea stars.
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Slowly sway arms.
Wave up high...
Wave down low...
Where does the ocean...
Like to go?
Splash to the left...
Splash to the right...
Shimmer all day...
Sparkle all night.
Swim like a fish...
Float like the sea...
The ocean is full...
Of wonder for me!
Invite children to:
sway
float
wiggle
glide
splash
*Disclosure: WonderPlay participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com. If you purchase a book through one of the links on this page, WonderPlay may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our mission to create playful learning experiences for children and families.