Books About Ships

The Best Ships Books for Kids

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

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 · 78,757 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.

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,204 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.

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 310 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.

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 643 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?

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,222 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!

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 · 22,090 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

$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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 10,239 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?

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

4.4/5 Goodreads · 341 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.

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 · 15,008 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

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

What Was the Titanic?

By Stephanie Sabol, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · What Was . . . ? series

The story of the Titanic's maiden voyage and its tragic sinking.

112 pages· 8,162 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,165 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the tragic tale of the Titanic, the grand ship deemed 'unsinkable,' which met its doom after striking an iceberg. With over 1,500 lives lost, only 705 survived the icy waters. Uncover the reasons behind the disaster and the ship's rediscovery 75 years later. What secrets lie beneath the waves, and why does this maritime tragedy continue to captivate us over a century later? Dive into the mystery and legacy of the Titanic, a story of ambition, hubris, and survival against the odds.

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Ships Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

Terrific

Ages 4–8 · 2005

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

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.

There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Map!

Series

Sale price

$899

There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Map!

Ages 4–8 · 2018

An old pirate swallows odd items on a sea adventure. Why? Discover the fun!

Sale price

$1799

Captain Jack and the Pirates

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Boys' pirate adventure leads to unexpected treasure and friendly foes.

Chasing Whales Aboard the Charles W. Morgan

#2 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$3564

Chasing Whales Aboard the Charles W. Morgan

Ages 8–11 · 2011

Two boys find themselves on a ghostly whaling voyage. What are they truly chasing?

Series

Sale price

$2732

The History of Pirates

Ages 8–14 · 2006

Uncover the rise and fall of piracy's golden age.

Captain Mac

2011

A captain races to assemble a crew for his ship.

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.

Sale price

$1795

Big Ship Rescue!

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A storm wrecks the Goliath. Can Miley's tugboat save the day?

Series

Sale price

$1799

Captain Cat and the Pirate Lunch

Ages 3–5 · 2021

Will the birds join Captain Cat for lunch or become her lunch?

Series

Sale price

$599

Pirate Plunder Blunder

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Spidey must save loved ones turned into a pirate army by Green Goblin.

View all ships picture books

Browse by age

Ships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about ships for developing and independent readers.

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.

#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.

#9 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Stern Chase

Ages 10–13 · 2022

Pirates strike, ships are lost. The Herons pursue justice at sea.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$899

Around the World in 80 Days (Graphic Novel)

Ages 10–14 · 2006

A daring bet to circle the globe in 80 days risks fortune and freedom.

Sale price

$599

The Titanic: Lost and Found

Ages 6–8 · 1987

The story of the Titanic's maiden voyage and its tragic sinking.

#14 in Series

Sale price

$599

Mandie and the Shipboard Mystery

Ages 9–12 · 1990

A steamship journey turns mysterious as objects vanish from a cabin.

Series

Sale price

$799

Moby-Dick

Ages 7–9 · 2010

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

Series

Sale price

$999

The Secret of the Wooden Lady

Ages 8–12 · 1950

Nancy Drew unravels a ghostly mystery aboard an old ship, facing fire, theft, and hidden pasts.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$499

The Mysterious Island

Ages 7–10 · 1999

Shipwrecked on a mysterious island, three friends seek magical escape.

#18 in Series

Sale price

$999

The Twisted Claw

Ages 8–12 · 1939

Museum thefts lead to a chase after a pirate king.

Series

Sale price

$2300

Littoral Combat Ships

2011

Discover the secrets of coastal warships and their hidden capabilities.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$799

Shipwreck on the High Seas

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A ship sinks in WWII, leaving a boy and his dog battling the ocean's dangers.

View all ships chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Ships

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Ships Picture Books

Ships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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