Commotion in the Ocean: questions to ask and activities to try
Crabs, dolphins, sharks and whales all have their own funny rhyme. Commotion in the Ocean is a bright Giles Andreae book of poems about sea creatures that little ones love to join in with.
What age is it for? Commotion in the Ocean is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Sea creatures, rhymes and joining in.
Commotion in the Ocean (Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Sea creatures, rhymes and joining in
Read one or two rhymes at a time and leave out the last word for your child to fill in. Talk about which creature they’d like to meet.
What it helps with
- Learning about sea creatures
- Rhyme and rhythm
- Joining in with words
- Early facts about nature
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Which sea creature was your favourite?”
- “Which one was the funniest?”
- “Which creature lives at the bottom of the sea?”
- “Which one would you be scared to meet?”
- “What would you take to the bottom of the ocean?”
- “Can you think of a word that rhymes with fish?”
5-minute activities to try together
Under the sea
Draw a big sea picture together and add one creature from the book each time you read it.
Rhyme time
Make up a short rhyme about your favourite animal, then act it out.
Free printables: Commotion in the Ocean worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Hooray for Fish! (Lucy Cousins)
- Best for
- Colours, describing words and a happy ending
- Age
- 0-4
Mister Seahorse (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Dads who care for their babies, and life under the sea
- Age
- 2-5
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.