Books like 'Over and Under the Waves'
Readers who enjoyed Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
action / adventure outdoors animals family nautical children
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Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA tale about self-confidence and taking a leap of faith, starring a kingfisher... -
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFrom the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day The Crayons Quit comes a humorously warm tale of friendship. Now also an animated TV special!What is a boy to do when a lost penguin shows up at his door? Find out where it comes from, of course, and return it. But the journey to the South Pole is long and difficult in the boy’s rowboat. There are storms to brave and deep, dark nights... -
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERDeep in the water,Mr. Fish swims aboutWith his fish face stuckIn a permanent pout.Can his pals cheer him up?Will his pout ever end?Is there something he can learnFrom an unexpected friend?Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" isn't really his destiny... -
The Magic School Bus Spins A Web: A Book About Spiders by Tracey West, Joanna Cole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTransported inside a sci-fi movie about giant bugs, Ms... -
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The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Longburrow series is Middle-earth for middle graders as readers are drawn deeper and deeper into the story of the young rabbit Podkin One-Ear fighting to save his land from evil. Hiding with fellow refugees, Podkin, Paz, and Pook are temporarily safe in Dark Hollow Warren. But their enemies—the evil Gorm—still search for them... -
Escargot by Dashka Slater
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe unabridged board book edition of the funny and charming award-winning picture book, Escargot. Bonjour! Escargot is a beautiful French snail who wants only two things:1. To be your favorite animal. 2. To get to the delicious salad at the end of the book.But when he gets to the salad, he discovers that there's a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots...Categorized as:
animals children family action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books fiction -
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLlewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls...Categorized as:
animals outdoors children children-books fiction fantasy friendship action-adventure -
Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen curious Penguin finds a lost pinecone in the snow, their friendship grows into something... -
Nanny Piggins and the Wicked Plan by R.A. Spratt
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Mr Green announces his diabolical plan – he has decided to get married – his children (Derrick, Samantha and Michael) are horrified. Especially when they discover his real motive – he wants to get married so he can sack their beloved nanny, Nanny Piggins. Obviously their father has to be stopped, and Nanny Piggins is just the pig to do it. Because you should never ever cross a flying pig... -
A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA little girl rescues a strange beast in the woods and carries him safely home. But the beast is not happy and escapes! A funny and charming tale about seeing both sides of the story... -
Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed, award-winning creators of Ocean Meets Sky and The Night Gardener comes a whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo... -
The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsInspired by various experiences from his childhood, Jim LaMarche, beloved illustrator of A Story for Bear and The Elves and the Shoemaker, brings this touching story about one boy's unexpected summer as a river rat to life with his bold, picturesque paintings.Nicky isn't one bit happy about spending the summer with his grandma in the Wisconsin woods; he'd much rather be back in the city... -
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr... -
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
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Nanny Piggins and the Runaway Lion by R.A. Spratt
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA curly tale of revenge, rescue and jam-filled doughnuts.With a runaway lion loose in the neighbourhood, Derrick, Samantha and Michael feel scared. Nanny Piggins feels like a slice of cake. And Boris feels like that lion looks strangely familiar.In this third action-packed book of adventures, Nanny Piggins tames a lion and a lion tamer... -
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA determined snail.A plump cabbage.A truly epic journey . . .In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship... -
Bruce's Big Storm by Ryan T. Higgins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBruce's home is already a full house.But when a big storm brings all his woodland neighbors knocking, he'll have to open his door to a crowd of animals in need of shelter-whether he likes it or not.Readers will love this next installment of the uproarious, award-winning Mother Bruce series... -
It Fell from the Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes a whimsical and elegantly illustrated picture book about community, art, the importance of giving back—and the wonder that fell from the sky.It fell from the sky on a Thursday. None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop... -
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a BoxExperience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real!Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box, this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick... -
A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLittle Owl must be more careful when he is sleeping - uh-oh! He has fallen from his nest, & with a bump he lands on the ground. Where is his mummy? With the earnest assistance of his new friend Squirrel, Little Owl sets off in search of her, & meets a sequence of other animals...Categorized as:
animals children family outdoors 21st-century action-adventure anthropomorphism book -
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWinner of the 2018 Caldecott MedalA girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Wolf in the Snow is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother...Categorized as:
animals family outdoors children children-books fiction action-adventure season-winter -
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA VERY classic from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar!When a very lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies, it sees a lantern, a candle, and the eyes of a dog, cat, and owl all glowing in the darkness. It even sees a surprise celebration of light... -
The Fantastic Flying Journey by Gerald Durrell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGerald Durrell, one of the world's leading naturalists, combines his knowledge of wildlife with adventure to produce a fascinating journey through the world of animals. Empowered with the gift of speaking to animals, three children travel the world learning about wildlife. Full-color illustrations... -
Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
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The Whales' Song by Dyan Sheldon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis poetic, rhythmic text tells how a small girl believes the whales will come - as they did in past times - and fill the oceans, as big as the hills . . . as peaceful as the moon. Day after day, Lilly waits by the shore. If only she knew the secret of the whales' song... -
Off & Away by Cale Atkinson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHow would you get mail if you lived in the middle of the sea? It's Jo's dad's job to deliver it, taking bottles wherever they need to go. He always comes home with exciting stories to tell—but Jo is far too afraid to go out on the ocean herself. Until Dad gets a bad sea cold, that is. With no one but Jo to deliver the bottles, she must find her courage and set sail alone... -
The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs darkness falls on the fairgrounds, the animals venture out of the woods for one magical, memorable night! An exhilarating wordless picture book.Far from the city, but not quite the countryside, lies a fairground. When night comes and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens... -
The Storm by Cynthia Rylant
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife with only the sea can be lonely. Just ask Pandora and Seabold. They've lived most of their lives with the sea -- Pandora in a lighthouse and Seabold on a boat -- and they're each quite used to being alone. Or they were... -
Mr. Postmouse's Rounds by Marianne Dubuc
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMr. Postmouse has loaded up his wagon and is ready to deliver the mail. From the lofty heights of the Birds’ tree houses to the inky depths of Mrs. Octopus’s ship, the intrepid letter carrier lets nothing stand in the way of his deliveries. Each spread features whimsically detailed interiors of creatures’ homes, which readers will pore over for delightful surprises...Categorized as:
animals children family outdoors action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books -
In a Village by the Sea by Mượn Thị Văn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWritten in a spare, lyrical style using fresh, evocative imagery, In a Village by the Sea tells the story of longing for the comforts of home. A perfect book for teaching about diverse cultures and lifestyles through rich pictures and words, moving from the wide world to the snugness of home and back out again... -
Wish by Matthew Cordell
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs an elephant couple embark on a life together, thoughts of children are far away—at first. But as the desire for a child grows, so do unexpected challenges. And it's only after thwarted plans and bitter disappointment that their deepest wish miraculously comes true... -
The Bear Report by Thyra Heder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA girl and a polar bear take a stunning journey through the Arctic in this award-winning picture book from the author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance?What’s there to say about polar bears? They’re big. They’re mean. They eat things. Bor-ing. At least that’s how Sophie feels when she sits down to do her homework... -
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod by Eugene Field
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsEugene W. Field's timeless lullaby is lovingly rendered in charming, whimsical illustrations by award-winning illustrator David McPhail.WYNKEN, BLYNKEN, AND NOD takes children on a magical journey into the night sky where three fishermen sail in a wooden shoe, capturing the stars in nets of silver and gold and laughing with the moon... -
The Sign of the Seahorse by Graeme Base
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeginning at the Seahorse Cafe, social hub of the Old Reef, this novel takes the reader on a journey, from the doomed coral gardens of Reeftown, to a wreck and an underwater junkyard, across the expanse of the Withered Plain...Categorized as:
animals children nautical outdoors action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
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The Sailor Dog by Margaret Wise Brown
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA classic Little Golden Book by Goodnight Moon author Margaret Wise Brown and beloved illustrator Garth Williams. Scuppers the Dog wants to be a sailor. He was born at sea and he wants nothing more than to return to water. Finally, after a long time, Scuppers gets the chance to go out into the deep blue ocean--but his ship gets wrecked! Oh no! But Scuppers won't let that bother him... -
The Tale of a Hero by Mark Mulle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGENRE: Children's Adventure Steve is a player who can find an adventure to be had every day. However a new adventure has found its way to him. Day-to-day life in Minecraft is beginning to become speckled with strange occurrences. Half-built homes, leafless trees, overpowered mobs and unknown entities only scratch the surface of the bizarre events Steve will encounter... -
It's a Tiger! by David LaRochelle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsKids and parents alike will rejoice in this lively read-aloud picture book, as the main character runs into (and away from) a tiger over and over again as the plot gets sillier and sillier. Perfect for acting out while reading, It's a Tiger offers just the right amount of excitement without being too scary, and a sweet ending with a bit of a twist...Categorized as:
animals children family outdoors 21st-century action-adventure anthropomorphism book -
The Fire Cat by Esther Averill
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsPickles the fire cat to the rescue! Pickles is a young cat with big paws who wishes to do big things with them! When he's adopted by the local firehouse, Pickles works hard to be a good fire cat. He learns to jump on a fire truck. He learns to help put out a fire, and he even helps out in a rescue.Beginning readers will cheer as Pickles gets his wish and finds something big to do with his paws... -
The Fish Who Cried Wolf by Julia Donaldson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNow back in print from the award-winning team behind Room on the Broom -- a very fishy story about very fishy stories!The little fish Tiddler comes late to school every day, but always with an elaborate excuse that charms his classmates -- and annoys his teacher! One day, as he's thinking up his next story, a net sweeps him up and hauls him far away...Categorized as:
animals children family nautical action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books -
Wolf Story by William McCleery
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRead by Anthony HealdOne cassette / 1 hour 8 mins.Take one young boy, his father and their bedtime ritual--a story. Five-year-old Michael has somehow managed it so that he gets to order up the basic ingredients of each night's story, whereupon Dad spins the tale and adds the embellishments...Categorized as:
animals children family nautical action-adventure anthropomorphism book children-books -
The Octopus by Cynthia Rylant
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLow tide around the lighthouse means it's time to go exploring. With a packed breakfast and a passion for discovery, the lighthouse children venture out through recently uncovered parts of the ocean and encounter an octopus named Cleo who can change color as quickly as his mood. Cleo has spent his life living in the nooks and crannies of an abandoned ship at the bottom of the ocean... -
Richard Scarry's Best Rainy Day Book Ever by Richard Scarry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRichard Scarry’s Best Rainy Day Book Ever has been delighting young Scarry fans for 30 years—and it is now available for a whole new generation. There are more than 500 wonderful things to make, play, and color... -
Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever! by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA brand new adventure for BFFs Stick and Stone, in which Stick searches for his family tree and discovers the importance of found family and forever friends.Stick has always wanted to find his family tree... -
Sing-Along Construction Song by Louise Lintvelt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA fun sing-along book for little construction enthusiasts.Visit the construction site early in the morning and join the rough and tough construction vehicles, as they go about their daily work... -
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The Moonlight Zoo by Maudie Powell-Tuck
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Eva can't find her cat, Luna, she looks under her bed and finds the Moonlight Zoo, a magical place for lost pets and animals. Can Eva find Luna before the zoo disappears at dawn?Eva has looked everywhere for her missing cat, Luna. Then she discovers the Moonlight Zoo – a magical place for all lost animals and pets... -
Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJory John’s Bad Seed series meets After the Fall by Dan Santat in this charming picture book about a young acorn’s grand adventure and the incredible transformation that follows.Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure... -
To the Sea by Cale Atkinson
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes Tim feels invisible at school-until one day, when Tim meets Sam. But Sam isn't just any new friend: he's a blue whale, and he can't find his way home! Returning Sam to the sea is hard work, but Tim is determined to help... -
A River by Marc Martin
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere is a river outside my window.Where will it take me? So begins an imaginary journey from the city to the sea. From factories to farmlands, freeways to forest, each new landscape is explored through stunning illustrations and poetic text from this award-winning picture-book creator... -
Small Pig by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBecause the farmer's wife insists on cleaning his mud puddle, a little pig runs away to the city where he becomes permanently stuck in what he thought was a mud puddle... -
There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCome on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog's paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story. Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters...
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