PPBF – Tell Me About Oceans

 

We headed to the beach last week. With temperatures still steamy in so much of the country, I think we should continue our watery theme and enjoy today’s Perfect Picture Book.

 

Title: Tell Me About Oceans

Written By: Lisa Varchol Perron

Illustrated By: Jennifer Falkner

Publisher/Date: Little Simon/2024

Suitable for Ages: 4-8 (and younger)

Themes/Topics: ocean, sea creatures, exploration, non-fiction, board book, rhyming

Opening:

Tell me why the ocean moves in waves that splash and splash.

Wind on water makes those waves that hit the shore and crash!

Brief Synopsis: A young girl asks questions about the ocean which her father answers as the pair stroll along the beach.

Links to Resources:

• Visit a beach or an aquarium to learn more about the ocean and the creatures that inhabit it;
• Enjoy the sidebars that contain facts about the questions asked in the main text.

Why I Like this Book:

Kids are full of questions, and as shown in this delightful board book, a day at the beach can be a wonderful time to ask questions and learn about the ocean, tides, seaweed, and underwater creatures. I love the question-and-answer format of Tell Me About Oceans, as it feels like a natural interaction between a caregiver and child. I also love that sidebars offer facts that a caregiver can read with older children or can peruse quickly to answer follow-up questions. And while I envision a parent, grandparent, or teacher reading this book, an older sibling or cousin could also read it to a toddler, skipping the sidebars to keep a toddler’s attention.

Falkner’s colorful illustrations and dark-skinned father and daughter will appeal to little listeners who will enjoy finding the sea creatures and other details on each spread.

A Note about Craft:

Because it rhymes, the main text moves quickly, which is perfect for younger listeners. Perron asks then answers questions as the parent and child walk along the beach, swim together, and cuddle under a blanket as the sun sets. A full day at the beach provides a wonderful framework for this text.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!