Under-the-Sea Stories
Where wonder meets marine science for little readers (ages 4–7)
The Salty Lab publishes gentle, beautifully illustrated picture books that weave real ocean science into cozy, memorable stories for ages 4–7. Written by marine biologist Shivani Cowper, each title includes a fun “hidden facts” layer that lets grown-ups teach while they read.
Coming soon
to bookstores and our shop. Sign up to be first to know about release dates, signings, and classroom kits.
Featured Debut
Finn and the Ocean’s Puzzle (Coming Soon)
A curious young hammerhead named Finn discovers how every creature—parrotfish, turtles, wrasse, and yes, sharks—fits into a big ocean puzzle. With help from new friends, Finn learns that even small acts (like freeing an octopus from a ghost net) help keep the reef strong.
For ages: 4–7
Themes: Belonging, teamwork, gentle conservation, ecosystem balance
What kids learn: Why sharks matter, how reefs stay healthy, and how the ocean is all connected
Bonus layer: Bite-size “hidden facts” on every spread for parents/teachers
Why Parents & Teachers Love These Books
Stories kids adore, with science grown-ups can trust
Our storybooks aren’t just bedtime favorites—they’re tools for learning, curiosity, and connection. Parents love the gentle storytelling and warm illustrations that make marine life approachable, while teachers and educators appreciate the built-in science layer that supports real classroom goals. Each title is designed to meet children where they are: playful enough to capture imaginations, accurate enough to nurture future ocean stewards.
Science you can trust — Written by a marine biologist and fact-checked for early learners.
Comforting tone — Low peril, big heart, and bedtime-worthy pacing.
Learn-while-you-read — “Hidden facts” bubbles that add depth without breaking the story.
Classroom-ready — Companion activities and educator notes aligned to elementary science standards.
Built for all settings — Perfect for home reading, classroom units, library programs, or aquarium storytime.
Why Parents & Teachers Love These Books
Stories kids adore, with science grown-ups can trust
Our storybooks aren’t just bedtime favorites—they’re tools for learning, curiosity, and connection. Parents love the gentle storytelling and warm illustrations that make marine life approachable, while teachers and educators appreciate the built-in science layer that supports real classroom goals. Each title is designed to meet children where they are: playful enough to capture imaginations, accurate enough to nurture future ocean stewards.
Science you can trust — Written by a marine biologist and fact-checked for early learners.
Comforting tone — Low peril, big heart, and bedtime-worthy pacing.
Learn-while-you-read — “Hidden facts” bubbles that add depth without breaking the story.
Classroom-ready — Companion activities and educator notes aligned to elementary science standards.
Built for all settings — Perfect for home reading, classroom units, library programs, or aquarium storytime.
For Educators & Aquariums
Storytime + Standards
The Salty Lab books aren’t just stories—they’re teaching tools. Each title comes with free companion activities like coloring pages, word games, mazes, and vocabulary cards, plus short discussion prompts that align with early-elementary science standards.
Aquariums and libraries can host Finn Storytime events, complete with printable kits, educator notes, and optional live or virtual Q&A sessions with Shivani. These events combine the magic of storytelling with the accuracy of real marine science, making learning both memorable and fun.
Our Book Promise
Kind to Kids. True to the Ocean.
Every book is crafted with the same care Shivani brings to her fieldwork. The stories are gentle and age-appropriate, introducing real-world challenges like pollution or ghost nets in ways children can understand without fear.
Respect for animals, honesty about the environment, and hope for the future guide every page. Parents, teachers, and kids can trust that these stories balance wonder with truth—always rooted in real marine biology, never in myths or misconceptions.
How It Works
From Field Notes to Bedtime Notes
Every Salty Lab story starts in the field. Shivani’s research—shark tagging, seagrass surveys, and sea turtle rehabilitation—sparks the inspiration behind each book. Those real-life observations are then transformed into warm, approachable stories where characters face gentle challenges, uncover hidden connections, and inspire kids to care for the ocean.
The result? Stories that flow like a bedtime tale but carry the weight of true science—inviting children to love, respect, and protect the sea.
FAQs (Books)
Quick answers to big questions
Q: Are these books scary?
A: Not at all. Themes like ghost nets or plastic are introduced gently, focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and hope.
Q: Do you include real facts?
A: Yes! Every spread includes a small “hidden facts” bubble with accurate, kid-friendly info parents and teachers can expand on.
Q: Will there be classroom resources?
A: Absolutely. Each title launches with printable activity sheets and educator notes, making the books perfect for lessons and storytime events.
Q: Where can we buy the books?
A: Titles will be available in The Salty Lab shop, major online retailers, and select aquariums and bookstores. Join the launch list to be the first to know release dates.
Behind the Pages
Shivani Cowper is a marine biologist, author, and the founder of The Salty Lab. Her career has taken her from tagging sharks in coastal waters to monitoring fragile seagrass meadows and helping rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Every dive, survey, and rescue adds a new layer to the stories she creates—tales that are scientifically accurate, emotionally resonant, and perfectly tuned for curious young minds.
What sets Shivani’s books apart is the way she translates real fieldwork into child-friendly adventures. Each page is rooted in truth but wrapped in wonder, weaving marine biology into narratives that feel playful, hopeful, and empowering.
Her mission is simple yet powerful: to spark curiosity in children, equip teachers with resources they can trust, and show families that caring for the ocean can be natural, joyful, and part of everyday life. With every story, Shivani blends science, heart, and imagination, inspiring the next generation of ocean guardians to believe that even the smallest voice can make waves of change.