Top 5 seaside stories for kids, chosen by Anthony Browne

A First Book of the Sea by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Emily Sutton 

A beautiful blend of poetry and information about the sea with Sutton’s glorious watercolour illustrations. It brings back memories of seaside holidays, capturing the magic of sandcastle building and the buzz of a busy British seaside pier, then takes you through seaside and underwater adventures around the world. 

Lucy and Tom at the Seaside by Shirley Hughes 

A seaside classic full of nostalgic charm from the great Shirley Hughes. Lucy and Tom explore everything the seaside has to offer, from paddling to sandcastles. Parents and children alike will recognise the excitement of peering out of the window waiting for that first sight of the sea. 

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The Storm Whale by Benji Davies 

A boy living by the sea with his father makes friends with a young whale in this heartwarming story of family and friendship with striking artwork that perfectly captures the seaside world. 

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Hooray for Fish! by Lucy Cousins

This modern underwater classic is the perfect rhyming picture book for younger children. Each page is a riot of colourful, quirky fish that is sure to have little ones discovering something new each time. 

The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle 

Soon a new storm keeper will arise on Arranmore Island. But who will be chosen? And what ancient secrets of the island will be uncovered? 

The Boy, His Dog and the Sea by Anthony Browne is out now (Walker Books, £12.99). You can buy these titles from The Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org, which helps to support The Big Issue and independent bookshops.

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