Books About Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles · 572 titles considered

The Best Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Transportation Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about boats, ships and underwater vehicles? 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 Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles

Peter and the Starcatchers
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2004

Peter and the Starcatchers

By Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Greg Call (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Peter and the Starcatchers series

Orphan Peter's voyage turns perilous with a mysterious trunk and dangerous foes.

452 pages· 83,144 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 78,891 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Orphan Peter embarks on a perilous journey aboard the ship Never Land, where he meets Molly, a young Starcatcher. Together, they must protect a magical trunk from a ruthless pirate and the island's inhabitants. As they face treacherous seas and fierce battles, secrets unfold, revealing the true nature of their mission. Will Peter and Molly succeed in safeguarding the stardust, or will the forces of greed and danger prevail? Dive into a world of adventure and mystery, where every twist brings them closer to the heart of the legendary tale of Peter Pan.
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
Sale price
$474
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the I Survived series

A ten-year-old is off exploring the parts of the ship he isn't supposed to be in when the Titanic hits the ice.

104 pages· 10,470 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 20,814 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: George Calder's dream voyage on the Titanic becomes a nightmare when disaster strikes. As the ship begins to sink, George must navigate chaos and danger to save himself and his sister, Phoebe. Will they survive the icy waters and find safety? Dive into a gripping tale of courage and resilience aboard history's most infamous ship.
The Voyage to Magical North
Sale price
$2659
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Voyage to Magical North

By Claire Fayers · Book #1 in the The Accidental Pirates series

A girl with a forgotten past joins a pirate quest to a mythical land, risking sea monsters and secrets.

320 pages· 73,104 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 776 ratings
$27.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Brine Seaborne, a girl with no memory of her past, escapes with Peter, a magician's apprentice, only to stumble upon the pirate ship Onion. They join a daring quest to find the elusive Magical North, a place of legend and mystery. As they navigate treacherous waters, Brine hopes to uncover her true identity, but danger lurks in the form of sea monsters. Will she find her place in the world, or will the journey end in peril? The stakes are high, and the outcome is uncertain in this thrilling adventure.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

By Liz Kessler, Sarah Gibb (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Emily Windsnap series

A girl discovers she's half mermaid and dives into a quest to find her father.

224 pages· 44,146 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 29,981 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has always lived on a boat, but her mother keeps her away from the water. When Emily finally takes swimming lessons, she uncovers a shocking truth: she's half mermaid. This revelation leads her on a daring journey beneath the waves to find her mysterious father. In a world where mermaids study shipwrecks and Neptune reigns, Emily must navigate family secrets and forge new friendships. Will she reunite with her father, or will the ocean's perils prove too great? Dive into this enchanting tale of discovery and adventure.
What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig

By Emma J. Virjan · A Pig in a Wig Book series

A story about a pig in a wig and her friends on a boat.

40 pages· 185 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.8 Goodreads · 998 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Pig, a whimsical character in a wig, as she embarks on a boat ride that quickly becomes crowded with a frog, dog, goat, and more. As the boat fills with quirky passengers like a panda in a blouse and a skunk on a trunk, Pig realizes she needs a bigger boat. This delightful tale of friendship and fun will have young readers giggling and eager to see who hops aboard next. Will Pig find a way to accommodate all her new friends? Dive into this charming adventure to find out!
The Cay
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1969

The Cay

By Theodore Taylor · Book #1 in the The Cay series

Stranded at sea, a boy must rely on an unlikely ally to survive and see beyond prejudice.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1970)
160 pages· 26,482 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 39,071 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Phillip's world turns upside down when his ship is torpedoed, leaving him stranded on a raft with only a cat and an old West Indian, Timothy. As they drift to a deserted island, Phillip's blindness forces him to depend on Timothy, challenging his ingrained prejudices. Can Phillip learn to trust and survive in this harsh new reality, or will his past beliefs be his downfall? Discover a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the true meaning of seeing beyond the surface.
Young Captain Nemo
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Young Captain Nemo

By Jason Henderson · Book #1 in the Young Captain Nemo series

A young adventurer battles oceanic threats with a submarine and friends.

288 pages· 55,231 words· Est. 6 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Gabriel Nemo, descendant of the legendary Captain Nemo, leaves his secluded underwater life to protect the seas. With his Nemotech submarine and loyal friends, he faces daring rescues and thrilling battles. When his sister reveals giant sea creatures lurking in wrecked ships, Gabriel must confront his most perilous mission yet. Can he harness his legacy to save the ocean from these mysterious beasts?
Tonight on the Titanic
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1999

Tonight on the Titanic

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #17 in the Magic Tree House series

Two siblings travel back in time to the Titanic to help a dog under a spell

96 pages· 5,129 words· Est. 57 min read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 17,548 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Jack and Annie embark on a perilous journey aboard the doomed Titanic, courtesy of the Magic Tree House. As they navigate the ship's grandeur and impending disaster, they face a daunting challenge: can they alter the course of history and save lives, including their own? With time running out, every decision counts. Will their courage and quick thinking be enough to make a difference, or will they be swept away by the tragedy? Dive into this thrilling adventure where the stakes are as high as the ship's towering decks.
Quest for the Nautilus
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Quest for the Nautilus

By Jason Henderson · Book #2 in the Young Captain Nemo series

A boy races to find a legendary ship to save his kidnapped mother.

304 pages
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 23 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Twelve-year-old Gabriel Nemo, descendant of the legendary Captain Nemo, faces his greatest challenge yet. When a mysterious group kidnaps his mother, Gabriel and his friends, Peter and Misty, must embark on a daring mission. Armed with their Nemotech submarine, they race against time to locate the legendary Nautilus. Will they outsmart their foes and rescue Gabriel's mother before it's too late? Dive into a world of adventure, where high-tech gadgets meet classic steampunk intrigue, and discover if Gabriel can uphold his family's legacy while confronting the dangers lurking beneath the waves.
Boats on the Bay
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Boats on the Bay

By Jeanne Walker Harvey, Grady McFerrin (Illustrator)

Explore a bustling bay filled with diverse boats and vibrant scenes.

40 pages
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Discover a lively bay where boats of all kinds, from houseboats to dredgers, navigate the waters. As the day unfolds, witness a spectacular boat parade and fireworks illuminating the city skyline. This enchanting journey invites readers to explore the vibrant life on the bay, capturing the essence of maritime adventure and the beauty of a bustling harbor. Will you spot your favorite vessel among the fleet?
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BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
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Browse by age

Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about boats, ships and underwater vehicles for the youngest readers and listeners.

Ahoy, Li'l Buccaneers!
Sale price
$695

Ahoy, Li'l Buccaneers!

Ages 1–4 · 2011

Join young pirates on a high-seas adventure full of treasure and fun.

Here Come the Helpers
Sale price
$999

Here Come the Helpers

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover the heroes on wheels that keep us safe during emergencies.

Pop-up Ocean
Series
Sale price
$1599

Pop-up Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore the ocean's wonders in a vibrant pop-up adventure.

Peter Hops Aboard
Series
Sale price
$799

Peter Hops Aboard

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Peter Rabbit struggles to build a raft alone. Can he learn to ask for help?

Who Sank the Boat?
Sale price
$699

Who Sank the Boat?

Ages 2–5 · 1982

Five friends set out on a boat. Who's to blame when it sinks?

Boat Book
Sale price
$899

Boat Book

Ages 0–3 · 1983

Discover the world of boats and their many uses in this vibrant board book.

Toy Boat
Sale price
$899

Toy Boat

Ages 0–2 · 2007

A toy boat braves the open waters, facing challenges to find its way back home.

Moby-Dick
Series
Sale price
$1199

Moby-Dick

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Discover the ocean's secrets through a playful sea adventure.

Super Submarines
Series
Sale price
$699

Super Submarines

Ages 2–5 · 2006

Dive into ocean depths with animal sailors exploring submarines and sonar.

View all boats, ships and underwater vehicles board books
Browse by age

Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about boats, ships and underwater vehicles for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Off & Away
Sale price
$1699

Off & Away

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Jo must conquer her fear of the sea to deliver mail and discover new adventures.

The Sea Knows
Sale price
$1799

The Sea Knows

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Uncover the ocean's secrets and its mysterious creatures in a lyrical journey beneath the waves.

Ocean Meets Sky
Sale price
$1799

Ocean Meets Sky

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A boy sails to find where the ocean meets the sky.

Dream Away
Sale price
$1699

Dream Away

Ages 3–5 · 2011

A father and son explore dreams, discovering the universe's endless possibilities.

The Fisherman & the Whale
Sale price
$1799

The Fisherman & the Whale

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A father and son discover a profound bond with a trapped whale at sea.

Yellow Kayak
Sale price
$1899

Yellow Kayak

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A boy and his friend embark on an unexpected sea adventure full of wonder.

Bear Came Along
Sale price
$1899

Bear Came Along

Ages 5–6 · 2019

A group of animals embark on a journey together along a river.

Sophie Scott Goes South
Sale price
$1899

Sophie Scott Goes South

Ages 6–9 · 2012

A girl joins her father's icebreaker on a dangerous voyage to Antarctica.

Oceanology
#8 in Series
Sale price
$2999

Oceanology

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A young survivor's tale of a mysterious submarine voyage and oceanic wonders.

View all boats, ships and underwater vehicles picture books
Browse by age

Boats, Ships And Underwater Vehicles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about boats, ships and underwater vehicles for developing and independent readers.

Starboard
Sale price
$1999

Starboard

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A lonely young TV star is chosen as captain by a talking ship on one last voyage.

The First Unicorn Rider
Sale price
$1799

The First Unicorn Rider

Ages 8–12 · 2025

Shipwrecked on a mysterious island, George discovers bloodthirsty unicorns and a lurking dark presence.

Sea Demon
#1 in Series
Sale price
$2732

Sea Demon

Ages 9–13 · 2013

Elite squad races against time to rescue kidnapped V.I.P.s from pirates.

Dive!
Sale price
$1799

Dive!

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Submariners fight a hidden war in the Pacific, battling against overwhelming odds after Pearl Harbor.

Shipwrecked
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Shipwrecked

Ages 8–11 · 2024

Three friends stranded at sea must survive a storm and test their friendship on a deserted island.

Spooky Lakes
Series
Sale price
$2499

Spooky Lakes

Ages 8–11 · 2024

Explore eerie lakes where nature's mysteries and dangers lurk beneath the surface.

The Lion's Paw
Sale price
$2995

The Lion's Paw

Ages 8–12 · 1946

Rediscover a classic children's adventure from 1946.

Search for a Giant Squid
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Search for a Giant Squid

Ages 7–10 · 2023

Embark on a deep-sea quest to find the elusive giant squid. Choose wisely; each decision shapes your adventure.

Death Sets Sail
#9 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Death Sets Sail

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A murder on the Nile cruise challenges two young detectives. Only one will return home.

Snowy Wishes
Series
Sale price
$599

Snowy Wishes

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A seasick girl finds magic and adventure with a mysterious puppy on a Christmas cruise.

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs
Sale price
$1999

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A kitten's high-seas adventure tests loyalty and courage amidst storms and mutiny.

View all boats, ships and underwater vehicles chapter books
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Books about piratesBooks about secretsBooks about shipwrecksBooks about blindnessBooks about friendshipBooks about journeys and voyagesBooks about magicBooks about mermaids