Books About Manatees

The Best Manatees Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Sea Creatures, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about manatees? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Manatees

Sale price

$1416

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Manatees

By Laura Marsh, National Geographic Kids · National Geographic Readers series

Dive into the world of manatees and uncover their survival challenges.

32 pages· 736 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 130 ratings

$14.90Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Journey into the underwater realm of manatees, the gentle 'sea cows' of the ocean. Discover how these endearing creatures nurture their young and navigate the dangers threatening their marshy homes. With captivating photos and engaging text, young readers will be enchanted by the mysteries of manatee life and the environmental challenges they face. Will these gentle giants overcome the perils of their habitat?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

The Missing Manatee

By Cynthia Defelice

A boy finds a shot manatee, uncovering secrets beneath the surface.

192 pages· 33,374 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 486 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Skeet Waters dreams of catching a tarpon, but his world shifts when he overhears his parents' marriage unraveling. Escaping on his boat, he discovers a manatee shot dead. With the help of Dirty Dan, Skeet dives into a mystery that mirrors his own life’s turmoil. Can he solve the manatee's murder and navigate his family's crisis? In a tale where appearances deceive, Skeet learns to look beyond the surface.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

Kobee Manatee

By Robert Scott Thayer BA, Lauren Gallegos BA (Illustrator)

A manatee races against time to reach Florida before winter's chill.

32 pages

$16.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Kobee Manatee embarks on a perilous twelve hundred-mile journey from Cape Cod to Florida, racing against the chilling grip of winter. Along the way, he befriends Tess, a curious seahorse, and Pablo, a hermit crab seeking a new shell. As they navigate the ocean's challenges, the trio must overcome obstacles and beat the clock. Will they reach the warm waters of Florida in time, or will the cold catch up to them? Dive into this thrilling adventure filled with friendship, danger, and the urgent plight of the endangered Florida manatee.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2023

Top Secret Anniversary: A Branches Book

By Mitali Banerjee Ruths, Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the The Party Diaries series

Can she keep the surprise party a secret from her curious dad?

80 pages· 2,773 words· Est. 47 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 104 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Priya is on a mission to plan the perfect surprise anniversary party for her parents. With her best friend Melissa by her side, she crafts decorations and plans every detail. But her dad's curiosity threatens to unravel the secret. Can Priya keep the surprise under wraps and make it a celebration to remember? Dive into this colorful adventure filled with humor, friendship, and a touch of DIY fun!

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013

Manatee Rescue

Heroes of the Wild series

A girl vows to save an orphaned manatee, facing unexpected challenges.

112 pages· 13,821 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 99 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Manuela's world shifts when her father's hunt leaves a baby manatee orphaned. Determined to save it, she embarks on a daring mission to return the calf to the river. As she faces the daunting challenge, Manuela questions her past beliefs and fights to protect the manatee from future threats. Can she succeed against the odds and change her community's views?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

Ocean Animals Collection

By National Geographic Kids

Dive into the ocean's wonders with playful creatures and their unique stories.

128 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 31 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the vibrant world of the ocean with gentle manatees, playful otters, and active sea turtles. Discover their fascinating lives and quirky habits in this captivating collection. Each book offers a glimpse into the unique traits and habitats of these aquatic animals, sparking curiosity and wonder. With stunning National Geographic photographs, young readers will be inspired to learn more about the ocean's most intriguing inhabitants. What secrets do these creatures hold beneath the waves? Dive in to find out!

Sale price

$3658

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2017

Florida

By Ann Heinrichs, Matt Kania (Illustrator) · U.S.A. Travel Guides series

Discover Florida's hidden gems and vibrant history through maps and fascinating facts.

40 pages· 1,850 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 2 ratings

$38.50Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Journey through Florida's diverse landscapes, from the panhandle's unique sands to Little Havana's vibrant streets. Explore state symbols, meet famous figures, and uncover intriguing facts that make Florida truly special. With maps and captivating details, this guide invites readers to delve into the Sunshine State's rich tapestry. What secrets will you uncover?

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Dancing with Manatees

By Faith McNulty, Lena Shiffman (Illustrator)

Discover the secrets of a gentle creature's evolution.

40 pages· 1,532 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 68 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Uncover the mysteries of a gentle creature's evolution and behavior. What makes this being so unique in the animal kingdom? Explore its physical traits and evolutionary journey, revealing the hidden wonders of nature.

Dudley: A Florida Manatee

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8

Dudley: A Florida Manatee

$8.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2010

Face to Face with Manatees

By Brian Skerry · Face to Face With Animals series

Dive into a threatened habitat and discover the playful manatee's fight for survival.

32 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 44 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the vibrant waters of southern Florida, encounter the playful manatee, a gentle giant facing threats from pollution and development. Through stunning photographs and firsthand adventures, explore the manatee's endangered world and learn how young environmentalists can make a difference. Will these efforts be enough to save this beloved creature? Dive into this immersive journey and find out.

The Bookroo Book Club