The Big Book of the Blue: questions to ask and activities to try
Why do octopuses have eight arms? The Big Book of the Blue answers fishy questions with quirky illustrations of sea creatures.
What age is it for? The Big Book of the Blue is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Answers to fishy questions about sea creatures.
The Big Book of the Blue (Yuval Zommer)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Answers to fishy questions about sea creatures
Read a spread at a time. Hunt for the hidden fish on each page.
What it helps with
- Ocean animals
- Asking and answering questions
- Science facts
- Looking closely
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.
- “Why do octopuses have eight arms?”
- “Why do crabs walk sideways?”
- “Are jellyfish jelly?”
- “Which creature was strangest?”
- “Which lives deepest?”
- “What would you ask a whale?”
5-minute activities to try together
Sea creature fact file
Make a fact file for a favourite sea creature.
Rock pool
Visit a rock pool or aquarium and name what you see.
Free printables: The Big Book of the Blue 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Under the Ocean (Anouck Boisrobert and Louis Rigaud)
- Best for
- A pop-up journey around the world's oceans
- Age
- 3-7
Surprising Sharks (Nicola Davies and James Croft)
- Best for
- Real facts about sharks, and looking past first impressions
- Age
- 4-8
Somebody Swallowed Stanley (Sarah Roberts and Hannah Peck)
- Best for
- Plastic pollution in the ocean
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 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.