Books About Ships

The Best Ships Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about ships? 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 Ships

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.
Sophie Scott Goes South
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2012

Sophie Scott Goes South

By Alison Lester

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

40 pages· 3,246 words· Est. 25 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 370 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Nine-year-old Sophie sails with her dad, the captain of an icebreaker, on a month-long voyage from Australia to Mawson Station in Antarctica. In her own words, drawings and photographs, she records icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. Based on the author's own trip, it is a journal of a real Antarctic journey through a child's eyes.
Starboard
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Starboard

By Nicola Skinner

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

416 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 145 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Kirsten Bramble tells herself she is too famous to have friends, but her hit reality TV show is about to end. On a class trip to the historic SS Great Britain, the old ship speaks to her and wants her as its new captain. With no sails and no working engine, the ship leaves the harbor, and it won't turn back until Kirsten helps it finish one final quest.
Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1975

Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent

By Bill Peet

A sea serpent faces peer pressure to sink ships but discovers his true self.

48 pages· 2,077 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 1,212 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Cyrus, a gentle sea serpent, is taunted by a shark for not sinking ships. As he grapples with the pressure to conform, Cyrus embarks on a journey of self-discovery. When a storm threatens voyagers and pirates loom, will Cyrus find the courage to embrace his true nature and become a hero? Dive into this tale of bravery and identity, where the ocean's depths hold more than just secrets.
Battle for Cannibal Island
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–+ · 2012

Battle for Cannibal Island

By Marianne Hering, Wayne Thomas Batson · Book #8 in the The Imagination Station series

Cousins face danger in 1850s Fiji as they try to prevent a deadly conflict.

144 pages· 12,590 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 320 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1852, time-traveling cousins Patrick and Beth arrive in Fiji amidst a fierce conflict between Christian and non-Christian Fijians. When Patrick is kidnapped by cannibals, Beth must team up with missionary James Calvert to prevent a village from being destroyed. As they navigate the perilous landscape, they learn about courage and sacrifice. Can they save Patrick and bring peace to the island, or will the tensions erupt into chaos? Discover the power of faith and determination in this gripping adventure.
The Maggie B.
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1975

The Maggie B.

By Irene Haas

A girl's dream voyage on her namesake boat becomes reality. Who joins her?

32 pages· 782 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.4 Goodreads · 646 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl embarks on a magical journey aboard a boat named after her, fulfilling her dream of sailing the seas. Accompanied by a special companion, she discovers the wonders and challenges of life at sea. What adventures await them on this enchanting voyage?
Titanic
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2002

Titanic

By Mary Pope Osborne, Will Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

The Titanic, the largest ship in the world, sinks on its first voyage after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives.

135 pages· 6,765 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 2,233 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they dive into the mysteries of the Titanic. How did the 'unsinkable' ship meet its fate? Why were lifeboats scarce? Discover the answers and more in this thrilling fact-finding journey. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn the real stories behind their favorite adventures, this book combines engaging facts with captivating illustrations. Will Jack and Annie uncover lessons from history's depths? Embark on this educational quest and find out!
The Hunters
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 Goodreads · 22,310 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?
It's a Book
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

It's a Book

By Lane Smith

A donkey and gorilla debate digital versus print in a playful showdown.

32 pages· 167 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 10,254 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where screens dominate, a tech-savvy donkey and a book-loving gorilla engage in a humorous debate over the merits of digital devices versus printed pages. As they explore their preferences, the question arises: can the simplicity of a book hold its ground against the allure of technology? This whimsical tale invites readers of all ages to ponder the value of print in the digital age, offering a charming reminder of the joy found in turning pages. Will the gorilla's love for books sway the donkey, or will technology reign supreme?
Titanic
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2012

Titanic

By Melissa Stewart · National Geographic Kids Readers series

The tragic sinking of the Titanic is told through a combination of historical facts and personal stories.

48 pages· 3,191 words· Est. 36 min read
4.4 Goodreads · 345 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the Titanic's ill-fated voyage with vivid photos and gripping stories. Discover the ship's grand design, the dramatic sinking, and the tales of those who survived. Why does this tragedy still captivate us a century later? Uncover the secrets and historical significance of this legendary liner in a captivating read that brings history to life for young readers.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
Books from a Bookroo book club in their box
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Ships Picture Books

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

Terrific
Sale price
$1799

Terrific

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Stranded on an island, Eugene finds unexpected help from a parrot.

Arrr, Mustache Baby!
Series
Sale price
$1799

Arrr, Mustache Baby!

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Babies turn pirates to recover treasure but face a moral dilemma on the high seas.

Do Pirates Take Baths?
Sale price
$899

Do Pirates Take Baths?

Ages 4–8 · 1994

Discover the secrets of pirate life on a whimsical sea adventure.

Navies of World War II
Sale price
$3422

Navies of World War II

1998

Which warships ruled the seas when the Allies and the Axis went to war?

Captain Mac

Captain Mac

2011

A captain races to assemble a crew for his ship.

Trim Sets Sail
Series
Sale price
$1499

Trim Sets Sail

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A kitten embarks on a voyage, learning to be a ship's cat amidst new challenges.

View all ships picture books
Browse by age

Ships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ships for developing and independent readers.

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle?
Series
Sale price
$599

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle?

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A mysterious region in the Atlantic Ocean where many ships and planes have disappeared under unexplained circumstances.

The Invaders
#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.

Moby-Dick
Series
Sale price
$799

Moby-Dick

Ages 7–9 · 2010

A captain's obsession with a white whale leads his crew into perilous waters.

View all ships chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about NeverlandBooks about orphansBooks about pirates