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Dive below the surface and discover the incredible world hidden beneath the waves.
Join Karl the kiwi bird on an exciting underwater adventure that introduces submarines, marine life, and ocean exploration in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Designed for kids ages 6 to 9, this fully illustrated nonfiction book takes young readers deep into the sea to explore how submarines work, what lives in the ocean depths, and how scientists study life underwater. Bright illustrations and kid-friendly infographics turn complex ideas into clear, engaging discoveries.
Perfect for curious kids who love oceans, vehicles, and science, this children’s ocean exploration book makes learning feel like an adventure. With sturdy pages, vivid visuals, and Karl’s enthusiastic guidance, it encourages exploration, observation, and a growing interest in marine ecosystems. Ideal for independent reading, classroom learning, or gifting, this book helps kids build knowledge and confidence while uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea.
Key Features:
- Ocean Exploration for Kids: Introduces submarines, marine life, and underwater environments.
- Engaging Character-Led Learning: Karl the kiwi guides readers with curiosity and charm.
- Kid-Friendly Infographics and Illustrations: Visuals help explain how submarines and ocean ecosystems work.
- Perfect for Ages 6 to 9: Written for early elementary readers and young ocean enthusiasts.
- Great for Home or School: Ideal for independent reading, classrooms, and STEM learning.
For more than 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children’s books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a love of learning in young minds. From novelty and board books to picture books, pop ups, and nonfiction, Albatros Media is dedicated to creating high-quality books that inspire imagination and discovery.
Selected for The Children’s Book Council’s May 2024 "Hot Off The Press" Reading List
"Gr 2-6–Kiwi Bird Karl is the guide and comic relief for this very interesting book about submarines. Karl would like to be able to explore under the sea, alas, his feathers do not allow him to go under water. But wait! He could take a submarine. There is a wealth of information about submarines. Each spread tackles a single topic, such as how to build a submarine, the history of submarines, or zones of the ocean. There’s a lot to unpack in a short amount of space, but readers who are interested in the topic will be satisfied. The saturated color palette of the book is meant to mimic the colors of the deep ocean, while still being able to identify things. The pictures are highly detailed and engaging. This book will be best as a book read together or alone; it doesn’t work as a read-aloud.VERDICT A great choice for elementary and middle school collections in need of information about submarines and oceans." —Debbie Tanner, School Library Journal
"The different topics in this book were fascinating. I had never thought about what submersible is there to help when a submarine needs repairs. This book of facts about diving down deep makes it perfect for an older child in second -third grade to read themselves." —Connie Reid, YA Books Central
"This is a highly enjoyable and educational book that includes a bit of a story along with approachable facts and information about exploring the deep ocean. The broad range of facts around the ocean and submarines teaches a lot and inspires a love of exploration and the ocean. There is a lot to learn, even for adults who are checking this out alongside their children. The inclusion of Karl as a part of the story makes the book flow throughout and adds some fun to the nonfiction style. A really fantastic part of this series is how the end of the book encourages children to dream and use their imaginations for the future. Final verdict: SUBMARINES is a delightful and educational book that will appeal to curious young elementary school aged children. There is plenty to learn about the ocean and submarines in this engaging, approachable, and nicely illustrated story." —Olivia Farr, YA Books Central
"Slick digital illustrations and copious amounts of informational text march across the thick cardboard pages (10 in total). Karl’s hiding in every scene, so looking for the maroon kiwi will be another activity.The vocabulary level was pretty high for a board book: bathyscaph, plumb line, hydrostatic pressure, combustion chamber, stratocumulus, turbulence, etc. On the plus side, the board book construction seemed sturdy, so if toddlers just want to look at the pictures and find Karl, they’ll be happy." —Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review
"Submarines is an excellent and informational book. There are wonderful illustrations and information to help kids of all ages learn about submarines." —Librarian, Nativity Prep Boston
"A great book for any kid interested in submarines or the depths of the ocean! Lots of interesting facts." —Julia S., NetGalley-Reviewer
"Karl the kiwi bird is our guide to explore the oceans and the crafts that take us there. Highly educational. I learned quite a bit about submarines, history of submarines and the ocean. Would be a nice resource addition to any library. Easy to understand and retain. Wonderful illustrations. Highly recommend." —Susan F., NetGalley-Reviewer
Helena Harastova is a writer, translator, and mother. She graduated in Dramaturgy from the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts, having previously worked for the National Theatre in Brno, Czech Republic. Her most unusual pastime is proofreading texts for errors in spelling, grammar, and style.
Diarmuid O Cathain is an Irish illustrator and picture book maker. After obtaining a degree in Visual Communications, he worked in the Graphic Design field, before pursuing a career in Illustration. With over 10 years of freelance illustration experience, Diarmuid has worked with a wide range of clients, both Irish and international, on a variety of projects from editorial and advertising to packaging and animation. He is always looking for new opportunities to collaborate and new visual challenges to sink his teeth into.
Before we go aboard
Below the surface
A Brief History of Submarines
Human creations in the deep
Zones of the ocean
Life in the deep
Color in the ocean
Icy Waters
What will you do in the future?