Beach Books

Vacation time for a homeschool family often involves taking a break from regular studies and learning about the location they will be traveling to.  As we prepare for what we hope will be a quiet, restful and WARM week at the beach, I thought I'd share some of the books we have been enjoying to open our eyes to what we might find.

Spring Comes to the Ocean by Jean Craighead George is a fascinating look at the changes in the sea this time of year.  As this longed-for season approaches, it is interesting to learn about those things on earth we cannot see.

Beachcombing by Jim Arnosky - We so enjoy Arnosky's nature books.  The boys love searching to see what treasures they can find.  This book helps identify them.

Fish Do the Strangest Things by Lenora Hornblow - Part of the Step-Up series, this book gives young readers a fun look at the creatures under the sea.

Manfish:  A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne - This is a lovely picture book of the great "oceanographer and champion of the sea."

Water People by Wilfrid Bronson - Another excellent look at underwater life.

Pagoo by Holling Clancy Holling is a classic to read before a beach trip.  The life of a hermit crab is gorgeously illustrated by this beloved author.

Seashore by Donald Silver and Patricia Wynne - This book is in the wonderful One Small Square series.  Learn about the variety of life at the edge of the sea.  Many other habitats are featured in this series such as deserts, Arctic tundra, backyard, woods, rain forest, etc.  Don't miss these to enlighten your nature studies.