Now more so than ever, it's important to teach our little ones that the seas they love to splash in and the rock pool creatures they discover are in grave danger.
If you've watched Netflix's Seaspiracy you'll know what we're talking about... overfishing, commercial whaling, microplastics, fish farm slavery, plastic pollution – the list goes on.
The documentary has raised serious questions about the future of our oceans, and for many parents, what it will look like for their children in years to come...
It is never too early to teach your child about some of the harsh realities of the world. Whether it's racism, disabilities or simply teaching your kids to be kinder, it's necessary to have difficult conversations with them at an earlier stage – and books can help!
Take a look through some of the best children's books about saving our oceans and sealife, guaranteed to get them engaged, through cleaning up or caring for endangered species.
SHOP: Children's Books About Saving The Ocean And Sealife
1 of 9Jessie The Jellyfish by Laurie Newman (Author), Sophie Cregan (Illustrator)
This is the story of a lonely jellyfish. With no friends to be found on the reef, Jessie makes friends with a floating plastic bag. But can the sea be cleaned up in time so Jessie's friends can return to party and play?
2 of 9Song of the Dolphin Boy by Elizabeth Laird
Finn has always been different. he's felt that something was missing until one day he dives in and finds that, swimming with the dolphins, he feels completely at home. But his new friends are in danger of being injured by the rubbish that floats out into the water...
3 of 9Clean Up! by Nathan Bryon (Author), Dapo Adeola (Illustrator)
Join lovable, passionate Rocket as she sets off on a mission to save a Caribbean island from plastic pollution! When Rocket goes for a holiday to visit her grandparents, she's shocked by the pollution that is spoiling their island home and putting the local sea life at risk. Can she think of a way to save the day?
4 of 9The Big Beach Cleanup by Charlotte Offsay
Cora is excited to enter the local sandcastle-building contest--until the contest is canceled due to litter at the beach. Determined to help save their favourite place, Cora and Mama get to work picking up the single-use plastics that have washed onto the shore. It will take more than four hands to clean up the beach, but Cora is just getting started.
5 of 9The The Mermaid and the Cow by Lindsey Cole
The Mermaid and the Cow is an adventure book, based on a true story, which inspires readers to help save our mermaids and their friends from plastic pollution. When a mermaid goes on a quest to find help to clean her river from plastic pollution, she makes an unlikely new friend – and helps solve a BIG problem.
6 of 9What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French
In this informative book on recycling for children, you will find everything you need to know about our environment. The good, the bad, and the incredibly innovative. From pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling.
7 of 9FloodWorld by Tom Huddleston
A startling cinematic adventure set in a world ravaged by a changing climate, rising tides and a society in turmoil. Kara and Joe live outside the Wall, spending their days navigating perilous waterways and scratching out a living in the ruins of the old city. But when they get swept up in a police chase, and find themselves in possession of a mysterious map, they're suddenly in a world of trouble!
8 of 9Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari
The bees have long disappeared; Shifa and her brother, Themba, must labour on farms, pollinating crops by hand so that the nation can eat. The farm Shifa and Themba are sent to is hard and cruel. Themba won't survive there and Shifa comes up with a plan to break them out. But they have no idea where they are - their only guide is a map drawn from the ramblings of a stranger.
9 of 9Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Twelve-year-old Karana escapes death at the hands of treacherous hunters, only to find herself totally alone on a harsh desolate island. How she survives in the face of all sorts of dangers makes gripping and inspiring reading. Based on a true story.