Free illustrated storybook · Ages 3–5
Marlie Blue
A little marlin with a big dream.
A complete ocean story for preschoolers and their grown-ups. Settle in for a little courage, a little kindness, and one very splashy try.
Created under the direction of Joey Cagle, with AI-assisted story and illustrations.
Pages 2–3
A big, splashy dream
In a bright blue ocean lived a little marlin named Marlie Blue.
She had a shiny blue tail, a long, pointy nose, and a very pink bow.
And she had a dream.
A big, splashy dream.
Pages 4–5
Over the waves!
“I want to jump over the waves!” said Marlie.
“Over them?” asked Coco the Crab.
“OVER them!”
Tilly the Turtle smiled. “Let’s start with one little try.”
Swish. Whoosh. ZOOM!
Pages 6–7
A very soggy bow
Marlie wiggled her tail. She zipped toward the sunshine.
Swish. Whoosh.
PLOP!
One tiny splash. One very soggy bow.
“That was more of a plop,” said Coco.
Marlie giggled. Then she sighed.
Pages 8–9
Try a little kindness
“Maybe I’m too little,” whispered Marlie.
Tilly paddled close. “Little tries help us learn.”
“And I liked your plop,” said Coco.
Marlie’s smile came back.
Pages 10–11
Coco’s little problem
Then Coco gave a little grunt.
His favorite empty shell was stuck in a dip in the sand.
He pushed. He puffed. It would not budge.
“May I help?” asked Marlie.
Pages 12–13
Better together
Marlie swam beside Coco. Together, they nudged the shell.
A little push. A little wiggle.
POP!
The shell slid free.
“Little things can do big things!” cheered Coco.
Pages 14–15
One more little try
Marlie looked up at the waves. Her tummy felt fluttery.
“I can try again,” she said.
She swam down… down… down…
Just a little deeper.
Pages 16–17
Ready, steady…
Marlie wiggled her tail.
Swish.
She followed a trail of bubbles.
Whoosh.
“Go, Marlie!” called her friends.
Ready… steady…
Pages 18–19
Her very first leap
ZOOM!
Up went Marlie! Past the bubbles. Over a little wave. Into the bright, pink sky!
Then… SPLASH!
“I did it!” she cheered.
Pages 20–21
A little brave heart
It was not the biggest jump in the ocean.
It was Marlie’s first.
Coco clicked his claws. Tilly twirled.
As the sky turned soft and sleepy, Marlie snuggled near her friends.
One little try. One big, happy heart.
Page 22
Your little brave moment
What is one thing you would like to try?
Who could you help along the way?
Can you make your very best…
Swish. Whoosh. ZOOM!
Big dreams can begin with one little try.
A real little beginning
Meet the fish behind the story.
Marlie Blue was inspired by a baby blue marlin photographed offshore of Charleston, South Carolina.
See the baby blue marlin photo and true storyStory time questions
Is Marlie Blue free to read?
Yes. The complete illustrated story is free on this website, with no sign-up.
What ages is this story for?
Marlie Blue is written for children ages 3–5 to enjoy with a grown-up. Read it together at bedtime, during preschool story time, or whenever you want a little ocean adventure.
Can we listen and read along?
Yes. Open the interactive book to hear the narration and follow the highlighted words. You can also stop the narrator and read at your own pace.
Can I print the book?
Yes. Download the 24-page PDF. The true story behind Marlie Blue appears on its final two pages.
What is the story about?
A little marlin wants to leap over the waves. With Coco the Crab and Tilly the Turtle, she learns about kindness, courage, helping a friend, and trying again.