Books About Seas

The Best Seas Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about seas? 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 Seas

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1955

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

By Jean Lee Latham, Mary R. Walsh

A small man defies odds to revolutionize sea navigation.

Newbery Medal (1956)

251 pages· 59,495 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 21,036 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world dominated by towering ships and seasoned sailors, Nathaniel Bowditch, a slight but determined young man, defies expectations. Growing up in bustling Salem, Nat's passion for mathematics and navigation leads him to transform the maritime world. As he meticulously studies and observes, Nat creates 'The American Practical Navigator,' a groundbreaking guide that stuns the sailing community. Will his revolutionary work earn him the respect he craves and change the course of nautical history? Dive into the story of a man whose intellect and perseverance charted new waters for sailors everywhere.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2009

Dragonbreath

By Ursula Vernon · Book #1 in the Dragonbreath series

A young dragon named Danny goes on an underwater adventure with his friend Wendell to learn about the ocean for a school paper, encountering various sea creatures along the way.

160 pages· 9,852 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,923 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Danny Dragonbreath, the only mythical creature at his school, struggles with his inability to breathe fire. Teased by bullies, he finds solace in his unique family. When his sea-serpent cousin invites him and his iguana friend on an underwater journey, Danny discovers a world of giant squids and vomiting sea cucumbers. This unexpected adventure might just be the key to completing his ocean report and proving that being different has its perks. Will Danny find his own kind of magic beneath the waves?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Sea Knows

By Alice B. McGinty, Alan B. Havis, Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

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

48 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 127 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on a lyrical journey through the ocean's depths, where the sea reveals its ancient secrets. From majestic whales to tiny krill, and vibrant starfish to the eerie glow of an anglerfish, discover the wonders and mysteries of marine life. This enchanting exploration invites readers to dive deep into the ocean's hidden world, celebrating its beauty and power. What secrets does the sea hold beneath its waves?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–+ · 2014

Captured on the High Seas

By Marianne Hering · Book #14 in the The Imagination Station series

Captured by British forces, two cousins plan a daring escape during the Revolutionary War.

144 pages· 12,700 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 205 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Time-traveling cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves aboard a captured ship during the Revolutionary War. Amidst cannon fire and clashing swords, they befriend James Forten, a free Black man facing the threat of slavery. As they navigate the perils of a prison ship, they must devise a daring escape plan. Will they save their friend and themselves from a grim fate? Join them on a high-seas adventure filled with danger, courage, and the fight for freedom.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Whale Fall

By Melissa Stewart, Rob Dunlavey (Illustrator)

A whale's end sparks life in the deep sea, feeding a hidden world below.

34 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 437 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: When a whale's life ends, its body descends into the ocean's depths, igniting a new beginning for deep-sea creatures. Hungry hagfish, prowling sleeper sharks, and zombie worms feast on this energy-rich bounty. Over decades, the whale's remains sustain a hidden ecosystem, revealing the intricate dance of life and death beneath the waves. Discover the captivating journey of a whale fall and the vibrant community it supports in the ocean's darkest corners.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Nine Lives of Jacob Tibbs

By Cylin Busby, Gerald Kelley (Illustrator)

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

272 pages· 66,143 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 454 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: In 1837, a scrawny kitten named Jacob Tibbs embarks on a perilous sea voyage. Initially confined to the ship's hold, Jacob soon faces fierce storms, mutiny, and desert island survival. As he navigates the treacherous waters of shipboard life, Jacob must confront loss and despair while discovering the true meaning of loyalty. Will this little cat's luck hold out, or will the high seas prove too daunting? Dive into a tale of courage and adventure where every wave brings a new challenge.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2012

The Hunters

By John Flanagan · Book #3 in the The Brotherband Chronicles series

A daring chase to reclaim a stolen artifact pits Hal against a ruthless pirate.

448 pages· 97,565 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 22,045 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Hal and his brotherband crew pursue the notorious pirate Zavac, who has stolen the priceless Andomal. Their quest takes them through treacherous rivers to the fortress of Ragusa. Hal must confront Zavac in a deadly showdown, knowing only one will survive. Can Hal outwit the pirate and restore his honor?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2014

Slaves of Socorro

By John Flanagan · Book #4 in the The Brotherband Chronicles series

A crew must stop a rival turned pirate from selling villagers as slaves.

496 pages· 113,196 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 14,968 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Hal and the Herons return to Skandia, their honor restored, only to face a new threat. Tursgud, once a rival, now a pirate and slave trader, captures twelve villagers. The Herons, joined by a skilled Ranger, embark on a daring mission to rescue them. Can they outwit Tursgud and save the captives before it's too late? Adventure and danger await on the high seas.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

The Ghostfaces

By John Flanagan · Book #6 in the The Brotherband Chronicles series

Stranded in unknown lands, a crew faces a fierce tribe's impending attack. Can they defend their new allies?

416 pages· 93,044 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 10,607 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Caught in a storm, the Brotherband crew lands on mysterious shores, where they save children from a marauding bear. Their bravery earns them the trust of the hidden Mawagansett tribe. But peace shatters as the Ghostfaces, a fearsome tribe, return to wreak havoc. With an invasion looming, Hal and his crew must rally to protect their newfound friends. Will they succeed against overwhelming odds?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2017

The Caldera

By John Flanagan · Book #7 in the The Brotherband Chronicles series

A daring rescue mission pits the Herons against pirates to save an empire's heir.

384 pages· 88,617 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 8,128 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a race against time, the Herons embark on a perilous sea voyage to rescue the kidnapped heir of Empress Justina. As they navigate treacherous waters and face ruthless pirates, the stakes couldn't be higher. Stig, fresh from the Maktig competition, must lead his crew to the island of Santorillos, where a fortress looms atop a volcanic caldera. With the fate of an empire hanging in the balance, can the Herons outsmart their foes and save the boy before it's too late?

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Seas Picture Books

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

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Man-Of-War

Series

Sale price

$1695

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Man-Of-War

Ages 8–11 · 1990

Explore the hidden world of an 18th-century warship.

Sale price

$1895

The Mess That We Made

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Witness the ocean's plight and join the fight against pollution in a rhythmic journey of change.

Sale price

$1799

Ducks Overboard!

Ages 7–10 · 2021

A plastic duck's journey reveals ocean pollution's hidden truths.

Sale price

$1899

Pearl

Ages 3–6 · 2018

A mermaid's small task reveals her power to change the world.

Sale price

$1899

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A turtle's ocean journey is threatened by plastic pollution.

Sale price

$1799

The Blobfish Book

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover the misunderstood Blobfish in a tale that challenges appearances and reveals ocean secrets.

Sale price

$1799

Oil

Ages 4–8 · 2020

An oil spill devastates the ocean. What are the consequences?

Sale price

$1799

Whale in a Fishbowl

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A whale in a fishbowl dreams of the distant sea. Will she find freedom?

Sale price

$1799

Seagull & Sea Dragon

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A seagull and sea dragon discover unexpected friendship across worlds.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$1695

Under the Sea

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Pedal into an underwater world of wonder and sea treats.

Sale price

$1699

Water Sings Blue

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Dive into the ocean's mysteries through vivid poems and art.

Sale price

$1799

My Ocean Is Blue

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl's sensory journey reveals the ocean's wonders and colors.

View all seas picture books

Browse by age

Seas Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about seas for developing and independent readers.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$999

Scorpion Mountain

Ages 10–13 · 2014

A princess's life hangs in the balance as a deadly cult closes in.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Invaders

Ages 10–13 · 2012

Outsiders must reclaim a stolen artifact from deadly pirates to clear their names.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Outcasts

Ages 10–13 · 2011

Outcast boys face treacherous seas in a deadly race against rival bands.

Series

Sale price

$1499

The Ultimate Quest

Ages 9–12 · 2022

Stranded at sea, siblings race to find treasure and save their kidnapped parents.

Sale price

$1699

The Girl Who Sailed the Stars

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl defies expectations, seeking adventure on her father's ship. Can she prove her worth?

Sale price

$1699

Lintang and the Pirate Queen

Ages 10–12 · 2017

Island girl joins a pirate crew, facing secrets and monsters.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$2080

Bloody Jack

Ages 12–17 · 2002

A girl disguises as a boy on a pirate-hunting ship, risking exposure.

Series

Sale price

$1699

Captain Pug

Ages 6–9 · 2017

A pampered pug gets lost and must find his way back to his owner while learning to be a brave captain

Sale price

$1800

Sword Song

Ages 12–17 · 1997

A Viking swordsman, exiled for unintended murder, navigates mercenary life and clan feuds.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1199

Seafire

Ages 12–+ · 2018

A captain seeks revenge on a warlord, but a defector's loyalty could change everything.

Series

Sale price

$799

The Buccaneers

Ages 10–14 · 2001

A young sailor faces pirates and hidden dangers on a treacherous voyage.

Sale price

$1695

The Bamboo Sword

Ages 10–14 · 2015

A Japanese boy and an American cabin boy embark on a daring quest to evade samurai and return to safety.

View all seas chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Seas

Great books, picked for their age.

Seas Picture Books

Seas Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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