God's Little Oceanographer

by Tina M. Cho, Marta Álvarez Miguéns (illustrator)

Ride the waves before diving into the depths of sea to uncover the wonders of the ocean—and God’s deep love for you and me!

From the ocean's surface, all the way to its deepest depths, this immersive picture book will teach little sea lovers new words, facts, and concepts, while also encouraging them to see God's creativity, playfulness, power, and love in every splash and every wave. 

Written by an elementary school teacher, each page includes fact-filled sidebars plus an accompanying Bible verse, making God's Little Oceanographer the perfect faith friendly science adventure for kids interested in marine life and activities. The masterfully layered and rich illustrations include sharks, dolphins, otters, sea turtles, whales, octopuses, and so much more!

Genres: Picture Books

Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Tina M. Cho is also known as Tina Cho.

Tina Cho is the author of Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans (Little Bee Books 2018), Korean Celebrations (Tuttle 2019), My Breakfast with Jesus: Worshipping God around the World (Harvest House 2020), The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story (Kokila/Penguin Random House 2020), God’s Little Astronomer (Waterbrook 2024), God’s Little Oceanographer 2025, & The Princess & the Grain of Rice (FSG 2025). Her lyrical middle grade graphic novel, The Other Side of Tomorrow, debuts from Harper Alley 11/12/2024. After living in South Korea for ten years, Tina, her husband, and two kids reside in Iowa where Tina also teaches kindergarten.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The depths of the ocean can’t compare with how deep God’s love is for you.”

God’s Little Oceanographer is a beautiful picture book that can be read on several different levels, depending on the age of your child. Younger kiddos will enjoy the larger, simpler text by Tina Cho and the vibrant illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguéns that take readers on a colorful tour of the ocean, highlighting the creatures and plant life and conditions you’ll find from the waves on the surface to the deepest trenches on the ocean floor as well as how we can interact with the ocean. I loved the Bible verses included on each page and how they show so perfectly that faith and science do go together. In fact, if you’re planning a beach vacation this summer, choosing a verse or two from this book for your family to memorize would be a great way to emphasize how the ocean connects us to our Creator.

Older, elementary-aged children – especially those who have a curious mind and/or an inclination toward the sciences – will find lots to learn in the smaller, more educational text included on each page too. Author Tina Cho provides several teachable moments in this aspect of the book, expanding on what the simpler, more story-oriented text introduces. These fascinating fact tidbits include fun things that will catch your young readers’ attention (and maybe a few giggles) – like sea cucumber poop (can you tell I’m an aunt of boys? lol), sparkly strawberry squid (I also have a 5 year old niece), the dumbo octopus and so much more! Again, this would be a great resource to help children start appreciating the purpose and creativity God infused into the ocean, instead of it just being a place to surf, snorkel, or swim on vacation.

Bottom Line: Just in time for a summer trip to the beach, God’s Little Oceanographer by Tina Cho teaches children the wonder, science, and creativity that can be found in the ocean while all the while also pointing them to the One who spoke it into being. I loved the author’s emphasis on how these marvels tell us about God’s personality. And I also loved the reminder to little readers that, even with all the awesomeness and majesty and FUN they see in the waves and the whales (and everything in between), THEY are still God’s most wonderful creation and not even the deepest part of the ocean can compare to how much He loves them. Cute and colorful illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguéns beautifully complement the text and invite kiddos to sit and study the pages for a while. God’s Little Oceanographer would be a wonderful addition to your home, school, or church library.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Evelyn Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful surprise for me! I knew it was a picture book and was expecting it to be like most picture books—a book aimed at children who are pre-readers. Imagine my joy in discovering that Tina and Marta had created a marvelous book that can be for the whole family or other multi-aged groups. Yes, it has text that can be read to young children. Lots of short subject/verb sentences that kids might even have fun acting out. But the book is full of fascinating facts about the ocean and its inhabitants that older readers will find intriguing. I've had many vacations at the beach and thought I was knowledgeable about the ocean, but—Wow! I learned so many fun facts from this book. Another plus about the book is that it's faith based. Tina does an excellent job highlighting God's part in all aspects of the ocean. She also includes a scripture verse on each 2-page spread. Altogether a terrific book!

[Emily Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for the ocean obsessed kid and anyone wanting to celebrate the wonder of God’s creation.

This is a fantastic book at combining scientific facts about the ocean and ocean life with faith. Each page goes through the various layers of the ocean, sharing facts about animals that live there and more! Each page also includes a Bible verse to remind children of God’s greatness in creating the ocean! 🌊

I also like the fact there is a page on reminding us we are God’s stewards, called to look after his world, and it provides some practical tips on caring for the ocean & the seaside. 🏝️

I love the fact it combines science and faith, firmly rooting everything in biblical truth, and reminding children that the ocean and it’s vastness & majesty, is a deeper reflection of the Greatness and depth of God’s love!

Thanks to waterbrook mulmoth for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's Little Oceanographer is full of fun facts about the ocean and nuggets of God's truth shared in a way that draws kids in and makes them want to keep reading. It's formatted with larger text with big-picture takeaways for little ones and smaller text for more detailed and scientific facts. Each page has a related Bible verse, and some pages connect the verses to the child's everyday life or relationship with God. For example, the "deep sea" page says, "The God who guides creatures in the deepest part of the sea is near to you. He will never leave you," and the Bible verse from Psalm 139 says "...if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me..."

In addition to illuminating what's in the ocean, this colorful, beautifully-illustrated book talks about the fun and usefulness of the ocean too and encourages kids to care for it. It reminds kids that "the depths of the ocean can't compare wiht how deep God's love is for you." Love it!

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an adorable book that not only teaches kids about the ocean life with vivid illustrations, it’s also a lesson about how God created everything, and is a must read for curious little minds. First of all, I really loved how each page had a bible verse that went with the content on the page. And I really feel that this could be for any age child. The more bold text could be used solely for younger readers, and the facts and text that’s slightly smaller could be for kids who are a little older. Truly something for anyone.

God’s Little Oceanographer is the perfect addition to children’s libraries. The kids will enjoy pointing and studying the different animals on each page, and will be reminded of scriptures that can help them for a lifetime. I highly recommend adding this book to your shelf!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In God’s Little Oceanographer, Tina Cho takes you and your little ones deep into the sea to explore the wonders of creation and the love of our Creator.

This delightful book combines fascinating facts about the ocean and its animals with Bible verses and uplifting messages about God.

God’s Underwater World

The illustrations by Marta Álvarez Miguéns are gorgeous, beautifully capturing the underwater world and the serene beauty of the beach. My kids couldn’t stop pointing out what they recognized—and eagerly asking about what they didn’t!

This book is perfect for faith-filled families who want to learn more about God’s underwater world and His unfathomable love!

I received a media copy of God’s Little Oceanographer and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐠 “Ride the waves before diving into the depths of the sea to uncover the wonders of the ocean–and God’s deep love for you and me!”

🐬 Dive into an undersea adventure with this beautiful book, where young readers will explore the wonders of the ocean while discovering the depth of God's love.

Ideal for both parents and educators alike, this delightful picture book serves as an excellent resource to introduce children to the breathtaking beauty and intricate details of ocean life, all while celebrating God’s remarkable creation!

Filled with stunning illustrations that bring the ocean to life, this book seamlessly integrates scripture and fascinating marine facts. There is also a heartfelt message about caring for creation that provides an invitation for children to marvel at the world beneath the waves and encourages them to appreciate and protect the environment around them.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hannah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith-filled science fun! This book explores scientific ocean concepts, including currents, coral, and more. It walks readers through different sea zones. Each spread connects the scientific principles to a Bible verse and the child reader in beautiful ways. Marta Alvarez Miguens' colorful illustrations complement Tina Cho's engaging text. This is the perfect book to have in your church nursery, faith-based school classrooms, or homes with curious kids. Another beautiful book in this series! I love it!

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful picture book! The vibrant illustrations are swimming with colors and details that make it feel like the reader is under the water. The engaging story can be read three ways. The youngest readers will enjoy "reading" the pictures. Older readers can enjoy the charming narrative, and the oldest readers can go through and read the amazing facts sprinkled on each page. I loved the Bible verses focused on God's creation that are included on every spread, so I guess the book could also be read via the Bible verses! There is an ocean of things to love in God's Little Oceanographer.

*I was given a copy of this picture book by Waterbrook in exchange for my honest review.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders)]

Readers will embark on a trip undersea to not only explore the magnificent wonder of the ocean, but also the character of our creative God and the deep love He has for his children. I absolutely love that Bible verses are featured on each page to draw our hearts to the truth of Scripture while we wonder over the beauty of God’s underwater creation. There are also scientific and geographic facts on each page that will delight your curious kids!

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book!

[Susan Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful picture book that tells about the many facets of the ocean--how it affects weather, the creatures that live in it, the birds that live around it, and how we can protect it. Bright, colorful, but true-to-life illustrations that fill the pages, along with a simple, poem-like story, but with many details off to the sides. An added emphasis on God's creation with a Bible verse on each page spread. This would be great to read to a preschool child before a trip to the beach, or it could be used in an early elementary classroom.

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is less story and more information, yet it tells the bigger story of our great God who made the oceans, sustains life, and loves all His little oceanographers. The illustrations are beautiful and kids will learn a ton of interesting facts, all while being pointed to the God who created it all. I really enjoyed this book and learned several things myself!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Christian for the complimentary review copy of this book. Opinion is my own.

[Christie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the layout of this book! It includes prose, facts, and Bible verses, so it can grow with kids. The prose is lovely and matches the excellent illustrations. Each spread describes an aspect of ocean life and points it back to God. In addition, there are numerous interesting facts and a corresponding Bible verse on each spread. There's lots to look at, and lots to learn! This is definitely a book that will get re-read.

[Keila Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God’s Little Oceanographer, like the first book in this series, pairs scientific information with Bible Scriptures on spreads. This book encourages kids to care for sea life and the ocean. Kids will enjoy the colorful, realistic illustrations. A wonderful addition to collections for families and schools looking for books that combine faith and science.

[SUSANA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book, with a text that transports you to the sea and the beach and all around the Earth while remembering who created all of it and how much He loves us. It is a beautiful read with great educational and scripture content. We love it for bed time.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in every way. The consistent Scripture references and interesting scientific detail will fascinate children and adults like.

[Amy Houts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book inspires and teaches not only about the ocean but about God's love as well as our responsibility to care of the ocean. The book is made of three parts, the story, information, and Bible verse. All three fit together perfectly. The illustrations by Marta Alvarez Miguens are charming. So glad I received a review copy. Highly recommended!

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

God's Little Oceanographer is a charming adventure book that highlights the incredible gifts our oceans provide. I love how the story illustrates how God created the Earth and covered most of it with water. It is not only scripturally accurate and entertaining but also serves as an excellent educational tool.

Young readers will discover various oceans and learn about the factors that influence their currents, salinity, and much more. Even as an adult, I found myself learning new things.

The full-page illustrations add charm and depth to the book, while the Scripture verses on many of the pages bring a sense of wonder and meaning. I’m confident that this book will come to mind during a reader’s next visit to the ocean or beach. It’s an exciting, entertaining, and educational read.

First Line: Little oceanographer, let’s take a trip to sea.
Series: Big Adventures for Growing Minds, book 2
Genre: Children
Author: Tina Cho
Page Count: 40
Reading Age: 3-7

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

[Mark Ceilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

God’s Little Oceanographer
By Tina Cho
Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Adults and children will enjoy reading God’s Little Oceanographer. They will learn scientific facts about sea life and marine animals. Sidebars are interspersed seamlessly on each spread. Bible verses relating to the ocean and God’s creation are also found throughout the story. The charming and colorful illustrations beautifully complement the rich text. This is a well written story introducing young readers to ocean life. It affirms the message of how deep God’s love is for us all.

[Alayne Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina Cho and a little oceanographer take us on a journey, putting the ocean and its creatures into action with her beautiful lyrical language and strong verbs that keep things moving both on land and sea. While Marta Álvarez Miguéns enhances the learning and reading experience with her age-appropriate, yet realistic, illustrations. This is a beautiful book for all ages. To borrow from the author, Tina Cho, it teaches science through the lens of the bible. That, along with the simpler rhyming text and the more complex details and facts in secondary text and the detailed kid-friendly illustrations, there is something for everyone in this book. It would be great for libraries, bookstores, aquariums, zoos, museums, home schools, and Christian schools.