Tell Me About Oceans

by Lisa Varchol Perron, Jennifer Falkner (Illustrator)

A child gets answers to their many questions about the ocean in this rhyming, fact-filled nonfiction board book perfect for curious minds.

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

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

A child asks their grownup many questions about the ocean. From what creates waves, what lives in the deep sea, what makes the ocean blue, and more, scientific facts are conveyed in accessible language. Sidebars on each spread provide even more information for every question asked and answered.

Genres: Picture Books, Stem, Nonfiction, Childrens

22 pages, Board Book

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Ailish O’Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome!! The illustrations are beautiful, we loved the rhyming, and we learned so many fun facts like that seaweeds make over 70% of the oxygen we breathe on Earth! Definitely want to read more of this series like the one called “Tell Me About Space”. 🌊🐟🐠🦀🐙🐬🐳🦑🦈🐡🪼

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely rhyming text reminds me of a lullaby my parents used to sing to me and one which I sang to my own babies: "Tell my why the stars do shine/Tell me why the ivy twine/Tell me why the sky's so blue/and I will tell you/just why I love you."

Now, thankfully the author's text answers are grounded in science (rather than in the explanation of "because God made..." as it is in the lullaby) which is a fantastic takeaway and the perfect match for a child's questions of wonder.

The art pulls the reader into the depths of the ocean in the safest and most gorgeous way, making this board book an essential add to every nursery/nursery school bookshelf.

[Sarah Hovorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author's non fiction books. The main text is short and lyrical, perfect for even the very youngest readers. There is also informative text on each page that is great for introducing that style of reading to youngsters as well. Plus, this book is colorful and about a fun topic.

[Diana Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a smart way to convey important facts while keeping everything kid-friendly and interesting! A perfect blend of lyrical rhyming text and non-fiction. Here is an example:

"Tell me, what’s that swirl of green?
A curl of mermaid hair?
That’s seaweed. It makes oxygen!
Let’s breathe the fresh sea air."

This book is fascinating and packed with facts! And I love the colorful illustrations which show the loving relationship of a child and parent all within a day to night arc.

[Suzy Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will LOVE this beautiful board book, with incredible rhythmic text by Lisa Varchol Perron (including great back matter!) and cozy, colorful art by Jennifer Falkner. This author is truly a master of combining poetry and science in a way that always inspires and delights!

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful rhyming read-aloud with additional facts in easily digestible sidebars. The whole thing--Lisa Perron's rhyming text combined with Jennifer Falkner's illustrations of a child and their grownup exploring the seashore--give a feeling of exuberant curiosity that I adore. The ocean is fascinating and this book will bring that to life for kids!

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/tell-m...

TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS is an intriguing board book that teaches young readers basic information about the ocean. The story follows a question and answer format as a young girl and her father spend a day at the beach. Call-out boxes on each page spread provide additional context and information about the answers.

What I loved: This is a cute and quite detailed idea. The story can be read as just the questions and simple answer format, and this is rhyming. It flows smoothly, and the rhymes are great to listen to. For more curious and a bit older readers, the call-out boxes have a lot of information to explain concepts like the tides and bioluminescence in easy-to-understand terms. The illustrations are pretty and include plenty of detail throughout.

What left me wanting more: The call-out boxes are quite large and detailed, which makes it a tough fit in the board book format. The rhyme works well for little ones, but the information may work better for older readers aging out of the board book format. The book does not quite have a story-like quality, as there are no transition or helper words - it is really just the question and answer, so readers who enjoy a story will need to fill that in on their own.

Final verdict: Overall, TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS is an educational board book that will work well when read at the simplest form but also could be expanded upon for more curious readers.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me About Oceans by Lisa Varchol Perron, with engaging illustrations by Jennifer Falkner, is a beautifully crafted nonfiction picture book that makes learning about the ocean both fun and accessible for young readers. Told in lively rhyme, the book captures a child’s natural curiosity and turns everyday “why” questions into clear, science-based answers that are easy to understand and remember.

The rhythmic, playful text invites children to explore how waves form, why the ocean appears blue, and what kinds of creatures live beneath the surface. Perron has a wonderful ability to simplify complex scientific ideas without talking down to her audience, making this book ideal for early learners and read-aloud time. The rhyming structure keeps children engaged, while the factual accuracy ensures parents and educators can trust the information being shared.

Jennifer Falkner’s bright, friendly illustrations perfectly complement the text, bringing the underwater world to life with warmth and charm. The added sidebars on each spread are a thoughtful touch, offering deeper explanations that satisfy older children or adults who want to expand on the concepts being introduced.

Tell Me About Oceans strikes an excellent balance between education and entertainment. It encourages curiosity, sparks conversation, and fosters a love of science and nature from an early age. This book is a fantastic addition to any home, classroom, or library and a must-have for young explorers eager to learn about the wonders of the sea.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was reading the first few pages, I thought, how could I ever create a children’s book about such a big, broad topic such as the ocean? Thank goodness Perron is so good at it. Is it because she places you in the mind of a young child who is full of questions about the big, blue ocean? Could it be that the question-and-answer format (a double-page spread is devoted to each pairing) that is so effective at wanting me, the reader, to hear the next question? (I’m sure young readers will feel the same way.) Or is it the style of writing? I like short, tight sentences sprinkled with a few choice words and that’s what I think the author has done so well. With every question/answer, on every spread, there’s a separate element for more fact, and science-based information about the given topic. I appreciate that these explanations, most about a complex element of the ocean, are clear and straightforward and written for the intended reader to begin to understand. The illustrations work well to reinforce the soft and gentle mood of a child who’s filled with wonder and amazement about something she wants to understand better. It’s the perfect book to gift to young readers with inquisitive mind, or anyone who loves anything to do with the ocean. Three cheers for Tell Me About Oceans!

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous follow up to Perron and Falkner’s TELL ME ABOUT SPACE, released last October. This board book follows the same format as the first in the series, with perfectly rhymed couplets that offer a child’s wonderfully curious questions and their parent’s kind and patient answer on each spread. Each page also includes a brief, kid-friendly sidebar for readers who crave more scientific explanations. I love this book for all the same reasons I loved the first one – beautiful lyrical language, eye-popping illustrations, a sweet story to entertain the youngest readers but also more in-depth information to satisfy older siblings who also want to read along. Another great bedtime book for the entire family to enjoy together.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a particular fondness for books that allow children to ask questions and have them answered in loving ways, so I am a huge fan of this series! (Don't miss the fantastic first book, Tell Me About Space.) As a parent and child explore the shore and share wonderings about the ocean, the gentle rhymes will awaken curiosity in readers and encourage them to ask their own questions, while the non-fiction sidebars provide a deeper dive into the non-fiction facts. I really appreciate how the rhyming section can be read on its own for those times when you need a quick and/or quiet read, but if you include the sidebars, it doesn't ruin the poetry of the main text. And I love all the bright and vibrant blues in the cheerful illustrations!

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a beach and ocean girl, so this book spoke to the child in me sinking my feet in the sand and watching the waves roll in, wondering what mysteries were in the briny deep. Filled with gorgeous watercolor illustrations, inquisitive lyrical text, and fascinating, yet easy to understand sidebar facts, this book is the perfect mix of beauty and information, of awe and explanation. I never knew that seaweed provided 70 percent of the earth's oxygen! Kids will be so swept away by the beauty of this book, they'll soak up these facts without even realizing it.

[Erica Robyn Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell Me About Oceans is a beautiful book! The artwork is so colorful and just stunning! The two characters we follow are having such a fun day at the beach! Readers will feel like they’re right there with them! I love the cute story paired with the fun blurbs of science! This book will be awesome to read just the story bit for little kids and then dive into the science when they’re a little older. As a kid who grew up on an island, I’m so grateful to have this book to teach my little guy about the ocean! My husband and I even learned some new things while reading!

[Sara Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two and three year olds who visit the school library love the chunky feel of a board book (and I love the durability for this age group), but sometimes the topic and brevity of what I have on hand doesn't engage them. Enter TELL ME ABOUT OCEANS by Lisa Varchol Perron and Jennifer Falkner. This question and answer book is the perfect length and depth for the youngest preschooler who is always asking why. There is so much to discover in the text and illustrations and the rhythm and rhyme will make this a repeat read for sure!

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely introduction to the science behind oceans! Using the format of a child asking questions is genius because it's one of children's favorite things to do. Perron's fun rhymes (I love the mermaid hair!) and Falkner's sweet illustrations pair perfectly. The sidebars gave information that was interesting, and even as an adult, I learned a lot. Whether you have a little one in your life that loves visiting the ocean, or a little one that hopes to visit an ocean someday, this is a great addition to your library.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This lyrical and informative board book is the perfect choice for a curious toddler or preschooler. As an ocean-loving child, I would've LOVED this book. Fascinating facts are conveyed in language that will be easy for kids to understand and that reads aloud beautifully. The meter and rhyme are pitch perfect. For example, "Tell me why the water's creeping higher on the sand./ The tide is rising. Soon the sea will soak this stretch of land." Perfection. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth Volkmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This board book is delightful in text and illustration and informative as well. I love it! Using a question and answer format, rhyme!, and side bars to introduce information about the ocean that satisfies both the younger and older reader is inspired and so well done. A book to keep on the shelf past the 'board book days'. The Perron and Falkner partnership in this book is magic. Highly recommended!

[Monica Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a curious toddler or preschooler, the Tell Me About books are fantastic! Somehow the rhyming text flows effortlessly while packing in a ton of information. The sidebars give the child (and grown-up) even more science to understand what is going on. Tell Me About Oceans is the perfect board book to pack on your family trip to the beach!

[Aimee Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written and informative board book in this series! Tell Me About Oceans is one of those books parents will enjoy reading to young children because adults get to learn along with littles. The questions posed and answered are just right for young children and will inspire passion for learning. Gorgeous and lovely to read aloud.

[Lissette Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic picture book! Told in lovely couplets, this is perfect for children who are curious about the mysteries beneath the waves. Love the fascinating side bar facts. The illustrations are sweet and vibrant. Tell Me About the Oceans is great for home and school libraries, and I highly recommend this book!

[Rebecca Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging introduction to oceans for young readers! A child asks questions and a parent answers as they stroll along the beach. The book is written in beautiful rhyming text, with prose text boxes that give more information about the science of the ocean. A perfect book for any curious, ocean-loving kid.

[Buffy Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tell me why the ocean's blue beneath the sunny sky. Water scatters beams of sun, and blue light meets your eye."
Using delightful rhythm and rhyme, this book answers common questions kids ask about the ocean--from waves, to tides, to ocean plants and animals. Each question and answer is accompanied with a more in-depth explanation that will appeal to older siblings and curious little ones. Observant kids will want to pore over the detailed illustrations.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet board book companion to TELL ME ABOUT SPACE, told in gentle rhyme with precious illustrations, answers a curious child’s questions about oceans. Little ones will learn fascinating facts about tides, bioluminescent creatures, why oceans are blue, and more! A must-have for baby’s first library!

[Marc Kuchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strong trochaic meter in this inviting board book recalls classic poetry--Masefield, Coleridge. Meanwhile, illustrations tell the story of a father-daughter day at the beach. There's also more meaty science in here than you might expect for this age group: light scattering, bioluminescence. This book satisfies in multiple ways. I only wish it were longer!

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl’s father answers her questions about the ocean's mysteries in read-aloud, rhyming couplets. This lovely board book explores topics like why the ocean is blue, the different ways that sea creatures move, and many more interesting subjects. Non-fiction sidebars will fascinate future scientists and adult readers. Illustrations by Faulkner detail the luxurious beauty of oceans.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This board book title is written in rhyming text which are questions asking something about the ocean. How do ocean creatures move? What causes waves on the ocean? What causes the tides? There is an explanation of each of the questions asked, but seems to be above the level of the toddler group that board books are designed for.

[David McMullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one is better at crafting non-fiction rhyme than Lisa Varchol Perron. Each verse perfectly describes a different aspect of the workings of the oceans. When pared with the informative side matter and bright active illustrations, it makes a terrific book.

[CK Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-Sentence Review (I learned so freaking much!!!): This gorgeous board book by the prolific Lisa Varchol Perron is gorgeous. Imagine learning waves can travel for over a week and Blue Whales are the largest mammal--I did!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book transports you through a loving father-daughter relationship demonstrated with questions and answers, images, and educational text. Everything that I love about picture books is here – stunning illustrations, fascinating facts, and the perfect amount of text.

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information and very sweet rhymes!! I don't know how engaging of a read it would be without the more in-depth information, hence only 4 stars. But kids who are really into the ocean would like this for sure!