Are you looking for some fish themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Fish can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these fish books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Fish by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish By Dr. Suess
A book for early readers, with a free structure and the use of simple rhymes. It is about a girl and a boy called Kay and Jay, who meet many interesting creatures and people on their adventures. For example, they meet an assortment of fish, a creature who has a bird in his ear and also have a pet called Mike.
In addition to these crazy creatures, the children also meet a man called Ned who complains a lot. He tells the children that he does not like his bed because it is too small for him. Ned is a recurring character in the text and complains about something different each time, including the noisy and disruptive animals surrounding his home.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Fish”
- “How Many Fish?” Counting Student Book Booklet
- Clown Fish Paper Plate Art Project
- Fish Numbers & Number Word Counting Game
2. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
In the beginning of this book, the most beautiful fish in the ocean does not want to share one of his shining scales with a little blue fish. All the other fish in the sea ignore him after this and he does not understand why.
The Rainbow Fish decides to go to the wise octopus for advice, and she tells him to give away his scales. Rainbow Fish reluctantly gives away all but one of his scales. In the end, he is less beautiful than he was before, but he has new friends and is now the happiest fish in the sea.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Going Fishing” Classroom Book
- Fish Retelling Story Graphic Organizer
- Rainbow Fish Art Project
- Fish Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Mr. Fish lives with a constant pout on his face. He always seems to be sad and frowning. Octopi, clams, and other various sea critters all tell him to smile a little and be happy, but the Pout-Pout fish claims that this is just the way he is.
Then, all of a sudden, his frown is turned upside-down after he is kissed by a shimmering silver fish. After he is kissed, the Pout-Pout fish becomes the Kiss-Kiss fish, giving all of his sea friends kisses and making everyone as happy as he is.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Fish”
- Fish Retelling Story Graphic Organizer
- Fish Make a Word Family
- Fish Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Deep in the sea there lives a happy school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger! The little fish are afraid to come out of hiding until Swimmy comes along.
Swimmy shows his friends how, with ingenuity and team work they can overcome any danger. With its graceful text and stunning artwork, this Caldecott Honor Book deserves a place on every child’s shelf.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “My Favorite Fish”
- “Fish Senses” Student Booklet
- “Fish” Student Story
- Fish Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins
A sweet story about a little fish who travels through the sea, meeting all kinds of new fishy friends. We meet red, blue, and yellow fish; spotty fish and stripy fish; a scary fish and even a hairy fish! At the end of Little Fish’s journey, he gets rewarded with a kiss by the fish that he loves the most, his mum.
A piscatorial picture-book delight from award-winning artist Lucy Cousins. Fish-themed point-of-sale, including mobiles to create your own aquarium! A hilarious, rollicking rhyme of an undersea voyage in unique bright and bold style.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Fish
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Fish Build a Word
- Fish Add & Subtract Match Game
6. A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer
In this beloved Beginner Book written by Mrs. Dr. Seuss (aka Helen Palmer), a young boy hilariously learns the consequences of not following instructions when he feeds too much to his goldfish, causing it to grow as big as a whale!
The message of the book, that getting a pet is a big responsibility is as true today as it was when the book was published in 1961. Perfect for beginning readers and read-aloud, and for anyone getting a pet, especially a fish!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Going Fishing
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Fish Student Story
- Fish Numbers & Ten Frames
7. Ten Little Fish by Audrey Wood
An undersea countdown in the newest book by bestselling author Audrey Wood and her dynamic, digital-artist son, Bruce. Follow ten little fish as they swim along a beautiful ocean reef, one by one departing from the school for different reasons, eventually leaving one fellow all alone. What will he do?
Along comes another, and that makes two! Soon he becomes a father, and she becomes a mother with ten little children of their own. The rhyming text helps readers go from one to ten and back again, and each illustration pops with all the color and depth of an underwater playground.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Fish Story” Classroom Book
- Paper Plate Fish Art Project
- Fish Letter & Sound Match
- Fish Cracker Color & Counting Graph
8. Fish Eyes by Lois Ehlert
This is an informational kids book using fish to teach kids how to count. The little fish bring the readers along on a story all about the different looking fish counting all the way up to 10.
Bold and vibrant fish who fill this playful deep sea adventure are sure to school and delight young readers with each page turn. Easy-to-read text and graphic shapes make this book the perfect counting classic to gift to every little one’s library.
Literacy Extensions:
- Fish Writing Station Words
- Fish Make a Word Family
- Fish Art Project
- Fish Roll & Bump Math Game
Finally, there are so many fish children’s books you can choose from. From Fish fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
