Books About Aquariums

The Best Aquariums Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about aquariums? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Aquariums

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2000

The Great Shark Escape

By Jennifer Johnston, Ted Enik (Illustrator) · The Magic School Bus Science Chapter Books series

A class trip turns perilous as students must escape a great white shark's jaws underwater.

86 pages· 9,434 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,645 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ms. Frizzle's class trip to the aquarium takes a wild turn when they find themselves deep in the ocean, facing the terrifying jaws of a great white shark. As they navigate this underwater adventure, Ms. Frizzle introduces them to fascinating shark species like the elusive goblin shark and the majestic whale shark. Can the class learn enough to outsmart the ocean's fiercest predator and make it back safely? Dive into this thrilling journey where education meets survival, and every moment counts.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Captain Starfish

By Davina Bell, Allison Colpoys (Illustrator)

A shy boy discovers balance between hiding and shining.

32 pages· 581 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Alfie, a quiet boy with anxiety, struggles to join in on childhood adventures. When an underwater costume parade looms, his mom takes him to an aquarium. There, a tiny clownfish's brief encounter teaches Alfie the art of balancing between hiding and shining. Can Alfie find his place in the world without losing himself?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Inky's Amazing Escape

By Sy Montgomery, Amy Schimler-Safford (Illustrator)

An octopus escapes an aquarium, seeking the ocean's mysteries.

32 pages· 810 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 724 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Inky, the octopus who captivated the world with his daring escape from a New Zealand aquarium. Bored and curious, Inky slithered across the floor and down a drainpipe to the sea. Discover his adventurous spirit and the wonders of the ocean in this beautifully illustrated tale. What drives Inky's quest for freedom, and what secrets does the ocean hold for him?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

The Girl Who Built an Ocean

By Jess Keating, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illustrator)

A seamstress defies norms to create the first aquarium, unlocking ocean mysteries.

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 331 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jeanne Villepreux-Power, a seamstress with a thirst for discovery, leaves Parisian fashion to explore the ocean's secrets. Fascinated by marine life, she invents the first aquarium, revolutionizing scientific exploration. Can her creation reveal the mysteries of the elusive argonaut and change the course of science forever?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2011

Shark Attack!

By Abby Klein, John McKinley (Illustrator) · Ready, Freddy! series

A first grader must find his lucky shark tooth to ace the aquarium quiz and win a prize.

96 pages· 7,394 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 165 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Freddy's excitement for the class trip to the aquarium is sky-high, especially with the chance to see his beloved sharks. But there's a catch: a Shark Quiz that promises a prize for the most knowledgeable. Freddy's confidence hinges on his lucky shark tooth, which has mysteriously vanished. Can he find it in time to prove he's the ultimate shark fan, or will his dream of winning slip away? Dive into Freddy's adventure as he navigates the aquarium's wonders and his own determination.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Sharks

By Tedd Arnold · Fly Guy Presents series

A boy and his pet fly visit an aquarium to learn about sharks.

32 pages· 690 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 753 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Join Fly Guy and Buzz on a fin-tastic adventure into the world of sharks! This lively nonfiction book blends humor with fascinating shark facts, making learning a splash. Dive into the ocean's depths and uncover the secrets of these incredible creatures through engaging photographs and witty commentary. Will Fly Guy's antics make you laugh while you learn? Perfect for young readers eager to explore the wonders of the sea!

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

Ivy + Bean: Doomed to Dance

By Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Ivy and Bean series

Two friends try to escape their ballet class by running away to the aquarium, but things don't go as planned.

136 pages· 9,140 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,879 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ivy and Bean finally get their long-awaited ballet lessons, only to discover it's not the action-packed adventure they imagined. Faced with an ocean-themed recital, the duo must concoct a clever plan to avoid performing while keeping their promise to their parents. Will they find a way to escape gracefully, or will they have to dance to a different tune? Dive into their hilarious antics and see if they can outsmart the situation without causing a splash.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–10 · 2018

Inky the Octopus

By Erin Guendelsberger, David Leonard (Illustrator)

An octopus plots a daring escape from an aquarium to the open sea. Can he succeed?

32 pages· 425 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,347 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Inky the octopus is tired of aquarium life and dreams of the vast ocean. Determined to break free, he embarks on a thrilling escape. But how does an octopus outsmart his confines and reach the open sea? Follow Inky's adventurous journey, inspired by a true story, as he navigates challenges and discovers the wonders of freedom. This captivating tale invites young readers to explore marine life and the incredible feats of these intelligent creatures. Will Inky's big dreams lead him to the ocean's embrace?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Stink and the Shark Sleepover

By Megan McDonald, Peter Reynolds (Illustrator) · Stink series

A young boy named Stink goes on a sleepover at an aquarium with his friends and family.

176 pages· 10,046 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 741 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Stink and his friends are thrilled about an aquarium sleepover, complete with scavenger hunts and jellyfish shows. But as night falls, eerie tales of a mutant squid named Bloody Mary stir their imaginations. Can Stink sleep knowing a glowing Frankensquid might be prowling the dark waters? Dive into a night of adventure and mystery where science meets spine-tingling suspense.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Brave Every Day

By Trudy Ludwig, Patrice Barton (Illustrator)

Camila's fears grow on a class trip, but helping a friend reveals her hidden courage.

40 pages· 516 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Camila is an expert at hiding, especially when her worries take over. On a class trip to the aquarium, her anxiety reaches new heights. But when a fellow student needs help, Camila must decide if she can overcome her fears. Can she find the courage to step out of her comfort zone and be there for someone else? This heartwarming story explores the power of compassion and bravery, encouraging young readers to face their own fears and support others in need.

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Browse by age

Aquariums Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about aquariums for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1799

Made by Maxine

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young inventor must find a way for her pet fish to join the school parade.

Series

Sale price

$599

Going to the Sea Park

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A class visits the Sea Park and has various adventures.

Series

Sale price

$1625

Curious George at the Aquarium

Ages 3–6 · 1984

A curious monkey visits an aquarium and gets into various adventures.

Sale price

$1899

The Octopus Escapes

Ages 3–7 · 2021

An octopus plans a daring escape from captivity.

Sale price

$1699

Otter: Hello, Sea Friends!

Ages 4–6 · 2016

A child visits an aquarium with Otter Keeper and Teddy, meeting various sea animals along the way.

Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish

Series

Sale price

$599

Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A class trip to the aquarium challenges Nancy to face her fear of jellyfish.

Sale price

$1799

How to Make a Shark Smile

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Can a dolphin's smile change a shark's frown?

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears at the Aquarium

Ages 4–8 · 2012

The Berenstain Bears explore the wonders of the aquarium on their first visit.

Series

Sale price

$350

Clifford's Class Trip

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A class trip turns chaotic when a big red dog meets dinosaurs and sea creatures.

Sale price

$1699

Prince and Pirate

Ages 5–8 · 2017

Two fish clash in a shared tank until a surprise forces them to unite.

Series

Sale price

$499

Fishy Tales

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A field trip to the aquarium leads to unexpected splashes and surprises.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Why do some fish swim while others hide? Vivi experiments to uncover the mystery.

View all aquariums picture books

Browse by age

Aquariums Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about aquariums for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Great Shark Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 2003

A great white shark is in danger at an aquarium. Can the children save it?

Series

Sale price

$1399

Spy Penguins

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young penguin named Jackson dreams of becoming a secret agent and teams up with his best friend Quigley to solve a mystery involving stolen fish from the local aquarium.