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Topic: Seaside

Picturebook

Tiny Crab is a tidy crab, and a crab who LOVES his beach. So, when he invites a few friends to come and join his favourite place, he knows they will look after it, too . . . won’t they? But what if they don’t? And, worse, what if LOTS of friends arrive then leave rubbish EVERYWHERE, which Tiny Crab is forced to tidy up. Maybe even the smallest voices need to make themselves heard.

Best Children’s Books about the Seaside

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside, oh I do like to be beside the sea! The UK has one of the longest coastlines in the whole of Europe and every home in the UK lies 80 miles or less from the coast. That might be why the seaside has become such a popular topic in primary schools, especially in KS1 and EYFS!

From sandcastles and seahorses to rockpools and riptides, there’s plenty to learn about with a seaside theme and we’ve put together a list of recommended children’s books to help you to dig deeper into the seaside topic.

Non-fiction

Turn the page to discover the incredible creatures and plants that lie below the ocean blue. From magnificent mangrove forests and colourful coral reefs to exciting estuaries and the dangerous deep sea, there is so much to explore.

With superb split pages and new habitat on every spread, little learners can peek behind part of the scene to learn more about the wildlife which hides behind.

Beautiful illustrations and fascinating facts bring a watery world to life. This in-depth look at our oceans is perfect for young nature enthusiasts.

Picturebook

A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam-anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there’s no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.

Picturebook

Clem is an explorer, a collector and a protector of the seas. Treasure hunting on her beloved beach, she stumbles across Crab, his claw stuck in a plastic bag. Crab will be much safer and happier in the city with Clem, but doesn’t he belong on the beach? A stunningly illustrated timely tale of cleaning up our beaches, with the message that every small action helps.

Picturebook

Billy wants only one thing for his birthday – a bucket. Inside it, he can see all kinds of magnificent sea creatures. But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he’s in for a big surprise!

Picturebook

Discover this spellbinding story from former Children’s Laureate and author of War Horse Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated by multi-award-winning Michael Foreman.

Jim lives in a Cornish fishing village – but since the fish disappeared, no one goes fishing any more. One day, Jim spots a dolphin beached on the sand, and soon the whole village is working together to return the dolphin to the water. The dolphin stays in the harbour, playing with Jim and the swimmers, but then the dolphin disappears… will Jim ever see him again?

Picturebook

When Crab finds a new shell, he doesn’t want to share it with anyone – especially not a blobby purple anemone and a tickly bristleworm. But life in the rock pool proves tougher than Crab thinks and he soon finds he needs his new housemates.

Sharing a Shell is a charming underwater tale of friendship and fun from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard . With brilliant rhythmic verse, bright and distinctive illustrations, this is a firm favourite with children and parents alike.

Picturebook

Once there was a lighthouse keeper called Mr. Grinling. At night time he lived in a small white cottage perched high on the cliffs, and in the daytime he rowed out to his lighthouse to clean and polish the light.

Every day Mr Grinling tucks into delicious lunch, prepared by his wife, Mrs Grinling. But Mr Grinling isn’t the only one who enjoys the tasty food, so Mrs Grinling has to think of a way to stop the greedy seagulls from stealing the lighthouse keeper’s lunch.

Picturebook

Hi Everyone! Crabby Spit is COOL! I’ve been crabspotting, riding my bike, surfing and swimming, and looking at stars. With a bit of luck, I’ll be having fish and chips for dinner. The only problem is my things keep disappearing! Can you help me find them? Roland HarveyIt’s summer and time to head to Crabby Spit! ‘Don’t forget to write!’ says Grandma. The postcards come thick and fast, detailing all the timeless pleasures of playing on the beach, paddling, surfing, finding treasures, dancing to the glow of a bonfire. But look out for the clever family dog who collects all the belongings of the absent-minded artist!

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