Books About Swimming · 162 titles considered

The Best Swimming Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about swimming? 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.

#1 in Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Swimming

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unsettled

By Reem Faruqi

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,802 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nurah moves from Karachi to Georgia, struggling to fit in with her accent and attire. In the pool, she finds solace and ambition, aiming to outshine her brother, Owais. But a moment of betrayal alters their paths. As Nurah battles bullies and self-doubt, she discovers her strength and the courage to stand up for herself. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will her choices haunt her? Dive into this heartfelt tale of family, identity, and the quest for belonging.

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 29,699 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.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

By Diane DeGroat · Gilbert and Friends series

A beach day turns tricky when fears and forgotten suits collide.

32 pages· 522 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.6/5 Goodreads · 110 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Gilbert dreams of a perfect beach day, but Lola's fear of water and his forgotten swimsuit threaten to ruin it. Even with a new 'Surfer Dude' suit, can Gilbert navigate these waves of trouble and save the day?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Sakamoto's Swim Club

By Julie Abery, Chris Sasaki (Illustrator)

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

40 pages· 165 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 487 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1930s Maui, science teacher Soichi Sakamoto turns irrigation ditches into training grounds, coaching plantation children to Olympic glory. Can his unique methods and their determination defy the odds?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall · Jabari series

A young boy faces his fears and learns to jump off a diving board with the help of his dad.

Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2018)

32 pages· 464 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 5,640 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Jabari has completed his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, but the diving board looms large. As he watches others jump, his confidence wavers. With his father's supportive hand, Jabari musters the courage to take the plunge. Will he overcome his fear and make a splash? This heartwarming tale explores the bravery needed to face one's fears and the bond between a father and son.

Sale price

$759

Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2015

The Whale in My Swimming Pool

By Joyce Wan

A boy finds a whale in his pool and must find a way to share the space.

32 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 911 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Board book

Summary: A boy's summer swim is interrupted by an unexpected guest—a whale in his pool! Despite his best efforts, the whale won't budge. From games to bribes, nothing works. How will he reclaim his pool? With creativity and a splash of fun, he discovers a delightful solution. Dive into this whimsical tale and find out how a little imagination can turn a problem into a playful adventure.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2019

Lottie & Walter

By Anna Walker

A girl fears a pool shark until a new friend changes everything.

40 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Lottie dreads swim lessons, convinced a shark lurks in the pool just for her. Enter Walter, a quirky friend who shares her love for fish sticks and books. As another Saturday approaches, will Walter's friendship help Lottie find the courage to face her fears? Discover how a special bond can reveal hidden bravery and transform a child's world.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Shark Nate-O

By Tara Luebbe, Becky Cattie, Daniel Duncan (Illustrator)

A shark-loving boy must learn to swim to prove himself in a sibling showdown.

40 pages· 660 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 305 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nate adores sharks but can't swim. When his brother challenges him, Nate faces his fears, determined to swim like his favorite creature. Can he master the water and outpace his brother in a swim tryout? Dive into Nate's journey of courage and determination, where the stakes are high and the water's fine. Will he reclaim his shark-like confidence and win the race?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

A Mermaid Girl

By Sana Rafi, Olivia Aserr (Illustrator)

A girl faces doubts at the pool in her new burkini. Can she find confidence?

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 188 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Heba is thrilled to wear her new yellow burkini to the pool, eager to join the mermaid girls in her family. But when her friends question her unique swimsuit, she feels out of place. With her mother's support, Heba draws strength from her family's legacy, ready to prove she can dive, flip, and swim just like everyone else. Will Heba's courage shine through, or will her doubts hold her back?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2024

Deep Water

By Jamie Sumner

A marathon swim tests Tully's resolve to bring her mom back, but danger looms in the deep waters.

224 pages· 22,450 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 983 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Tully Birch embarks on a daring marathon swim across Lake Tahoe, hoping to set a record and win back her absent mother's attention. With her best friend Arch by her side, Tully faces the physical and emotional challenges of the 'Godfather swim.' As memories resurface and the waters grow treacherous, Tully must decide whether to push on and risk everything or abandon her quest for safety. Will her determination lead to triumph or tragedy?

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Swimming Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about swimming for the youngest readers and listeners.

Series

Sale price

$999

Ruby & Rufus

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Goslings face a frozen pond. Is it a new adventure or a challenge?

Series

Sale price

$899

Fruits in Suits

Ages 1–3 · 2018

Can fruits wear business suits to the beach?

Series

Sale price

$799

Maisy Learns to Swim

Ages 2–5 · 1990

First swim lesson: will Maisy conquer her fear of the water?

Series

Sale price

$499

Baby Shark!

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Dive into a rhythmic underwater adventure with Baby Shark and family.

Series

Sale price

$599

Summer

Ages 1–3 · 2015

Children explore summer's wonders through play.

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night Seashore

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the wonders of the seashore in a delightful bedtime journey.

Series

Sale price

$799

Baby Orca

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Join Baby Orca on an ocean adventure from playtime to bedtime.

Sale price

$795

Surf's Up

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Two frogs discover the thrill of reading on a beach day adventure.

View all swimming board books

Browse by age

Swimming Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Our Pool

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A child spends a day at the pool with their mom.

Sale price

$1899

When You Can Swim

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the mysterious joys and fears of water as children learn to swim.

#8 in Series

Sale price

$699

Drake Makes a Splash!

Ages 5–7 · 2014

Can Drake conquer his fear of water before their next space adventure?

#14 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

Eva at the Beach

Ages 5–7 · 2021

A young owl named Eva goes on a beach vacation with her family and friends, where she faces her fears and makes new discoveries.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$699

Forget-Me-Not Lake

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Can Sophie Mouse find a way to join her friends in the water despite being unable to swim?

How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals

Sale price

$1999

How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Discover the secrets behind winning eight Olympic golds.

Sale price

$1699

Swimming with Sharks

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A scientist challenges shark myths, revealing their true nature beneath the waves.

Sale price

$1699

Together We Swim

Ages 3–5 · 2023

A boy faces his fear of water with his mom's support during his first swim lesson.

Sale price

$1799

Mermaid Queen

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A daring athlete defies norms, transforming girls' sports forever.

Sale price

$1700

Underwater Dogs

Ages 4–7 · 2013

Discover playful pups in action with vibrant photos and rhymes.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Party Problems

Ages 5–7 · 2020

Emma faces party jitters and communication challenges.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Deep End

Ages 4–7 · 2012

Can Billie conquer her fear of the deep pool?

View all swimming picture books

Browse by age

Swimming Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about swimming for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1499

Flip Turns

Ages 9–13 · 2022

Maddie's pool is under attack. Is her persistent admirer to blame?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Swim Team

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Can Bree conquer her fear of water to save her school's swim team?

Series

Sale price

$699

A Splash of Forever

Ages 6–8 · 2008

A girl must conquer her fear of water with the help of a mysterious kitten.

Series

Sale price

$699

Captain Awesome Takes a Dive

Ages 5–9 · 2012

A young superhero must protect his swimming class from quirky villains.

#5 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Live and Let Swim

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A group of kids and their pets try to solve a mystery at a TV show audition.

Series

Sale price

$899

Really Truly

Ages 10–14 · 2020

A mermaid academy leads to a sunken ship mystery in Pumpkin Falls.

#4 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Sunny Makes a Splash

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A summer job at the pool leads to unexpected independence and a budding romance.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

Women Who Dared

Ages 9–13 · 2017

Discover untold stories of daring women who defied history's limits.

#20 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

Babymouse Goes for the Gold

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A young mouse joins a swim team and learns to work with others and overcome challenges.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A young boy named Stink discovers a blue frog that has been affected by pollution and decides to take action to save the frogs in his area.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$799

Surf's Up, Creepy Stuff!

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy is forced to go to the beach with his friend's family, where they encounter mysterious creatures and a hidden treasure.

Sale price

$1699

Tiny Infinities

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A girl seeks stability in chaos, finding unexpected friendships and a mysterious voice.

View all swimming chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about facing fears Books about immigration and emigration Books about mermaids Books about secrets Books about shipwrecks Books about sibling rivalry Books about surfing Books about the beach

Our 10 Favorite Books About Swimming

Great books, picked for their age.

Swimming Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Swimming Picture Books

Swimming Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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