Every year on June 8th, people around the world come together to celebrate World Ocean Day—a time to honor the oceans that sustain us and to raise awareness about the threats they face. Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, yet they are in danger due to pollution, overfishing, and the effects of climate change. One of the most powerful ways to introduce children to these environmental issues is through storytelling. Books can spark curiosity, build empathy, and inspire action. This year, we are spotlighting two beautiful picture books that bring attention to the perils of pollution and climate change—and more importantly, how young people can lead the way in making a difference.
In THE WIDE, WIDE SEA, written by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie, and published by Nosy Crow, a tender story unfolds between a young child and their grandmother during a seaside visit. As they explore the shore, they spot a seal resting nearby. The grandmother explains that the beach is the seal’s home—offering an early lesson in respect for the natural world. The story takes a turn when a storm sweeps in, leaving the beach littered with debris. The child is devastated by the damage, but hope is rekindled as neighbors and community members arrive to clean up the mess together.
Through evocative illustrations and lyrical text, this book helps children understand the impact of human activity on marine life and the importance of community-driven action. It encourages readers to see that even small efforts—like picking up litter—can make a big difference for wildlife and the planet.
Written and illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi, and published by Tiger Tales, THE OCEAN GARDENER tells the story of Ayla, a curious and compassionate young girl who lives on a beautiful tropical island. Her days are filled with swimming, exploring the coral reef, and marveling at the ocean’s beauty. But Ayla starts to notice changes—the reef is losing its vibrant colors, and fewer fish swim by. Her mother explains that warming ocean temperatures are harming the reef, and Ayla is determined to help.
Together, mother and daughter begin a project to restore the coral and bring life back to the reef. Interwoven with facts about reef ecosystems, this story is both accessible and educational, offering readers a gentle introduction to the realities of climate change and ocean conservation.
Both THE WIDE, WIDE SEA and THE OCEAN GARDENER deliver messages of hope and responsibility. They show that no one is too small to make a difference and that caring for nature is a shared task—between children, adults, and entire communities.
Importantly, these stories are written in a way that is engaging and appropriate for young readers. Rather than overwhelming them with facts and fear, they use narrative and imagery to build a connection with nature and instill a sense of wonder and responsibility. These are the types of stories that plant seeds for future environmental stewardship.
To bring the message home and encourage deeper engagement, here are a few crafts and activities inspired by the stories.
Have fun creating a simple ocean scene with paper and googly eyes, use sponges to paint a coral reef, or create a pop-up seal on a card. Any one or all three of these will be a fun addition to story time.
This World Ocean Day, let’s use the power of story to spark change. Books like THE WIDE, WIDE SEA and THE OCEAN GARDENER remind us that it’s never too early to care about the world around us—and that even young voices can make waves. Whether through reading, crafting, or cleaning up a local park or beach, every small act adds up.
Let’s teach our children to be ocean stewards and storytellers, preserving the blue heart of our planet for generations to come.
We hope you enjoyed this perfect pairing from our publishers. Be on the lookout for more book and craft activities in the future!