Books About The Ocean · 1,713 titles considered

The Best The Ocean Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the ocean? 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 Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Ocean

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!

By Ben Clanton · Book #1 in the Narwhal and Jelly series

A narwhal befriends a jellyfish and they go on adventures together.

64 pages· 825 words· Est. 13 min read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,077 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Meet Narwhal, a carefree narwhal, and Jelly, a practical jellyfish, as they dive into oceanic escapades. Despite their differences, they bond over waffles and wild adventures. From forming a unique pod to reading a wordless book, their journey celebrates friendship and creativity. Will their unlikely partnership navigate the vast sea of possibilities?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Song for a Whale

By Lynne Kelly

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

304 pages· 56,953 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,894 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Iris, a tech genius and the only deaf student at her school, discovers Blue 55, a whale whose song is silent to his kind. Determined to bridge their shared isolation, Iris devises a plan to communicate with him across three thousand miles. Can her invention reach the lonely whale and make a difference? This poignant tale explores the power of connection and the courage to be heard.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Journey of the Pale Bear

By Susan Fletcher

A runaway boy must choose between his freedom and saving a captive polar bear.

291 pages· 49,102 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 528 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Arthur, a runaway, finds an unlikely ally in a royal polar bear bound for London. As he cares for the bear on a perilous sea journey, their bond grows. But when pirates strike, Arthur faces a life-altering decision: save himself or help the bear find freedom. Will he risk everything for the creature who mirrors his own lost family? This adventure, inspired by true events, explores themes of captivity, freedom, and unexpected friendship.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Anna Hibiscus

By Atinuke, Lauren Tobia (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Anna Hibiscus series

A young girl in Africa dreams of seeing snow amidst her vibrant family life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2011)

112 pages· 7,589 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,529 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Anna Hibiscus lives in bustling West Africa with her lively family. Amidst seaside adventures and family gatherings, Anna dreams of experiencing snow. As she navigates her colorful world, will her wish come true? Join Anna on her heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and the longing for something extraordinary.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2013

The Secret of Whale Island

By Thea Stilton · Book #1 in the Thea Stilton Graphic Novel series

A killer whale disrupts college life, threatening peace during whale migration.

56 pages· 5,314 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 913 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: At Ratford College, the Thea Sisters, five aspiring journalists, face an unexpected challenge as a killer whale threatens the annual whale migration. Amidst classes and friendships, can they uncover the truth and restore peace to Whale Island? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are high, and the mystery deepens with every wave.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the I Survived series

A ten-year-old is off exploring the parts of the ship he isn't supposed to be in when the Titanic hits the ice.

104 pages· 10,470 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,409 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: George Calder's dream voyage on the Titanic becomes a nightmare when disaster strikes. As the ship begins to sink, George must navigate chaos and danger to save himself and his sister, Phoebe. Will they survive the icy waters and find safety? Dive into a gripping tale of courage and resilience aboard history's most infamous ship.

Sale price

$2850

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

The Thing About Jellyfish

By Ali Benjamin

A girl seeks the truth behind her friend's death, suspecting a jellyfish sting.

352 pages· 45,506 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 46,394 ratings

$30.00Save 5%

Summary: After her best friend's tragic drowning, Suzy believes a rare jellyfish sting is to blame. Determined to prove her theory, she embarks on a global quest, navigating grief and wonder. As Suzy delves deeper into her silent world of imagination, she uncovers the mysteries of life, death, and the universe. Will her journey lead to answers, or will she find hope and love closer than she imagined? Discover the poignant adventure of a girl driven by loss and curiosity.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1959

Sammy the Seal

By Syd Hoff

A seal leaves his home at the zoo to explore the outside world and learn about what lies beyond his enclosure.

72 pages· 786 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,477 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Sammy, a curious seal, escapes the zoo for a day in the bustling city. His adventure leads him to a school where he encounters children and discovers the joy of reading. As Sammy navigates this new world, will he find his way back home, or will the allure of learning keep him in the city? Join Sammy on a delightful journey filled with discovery and fun, perfect for young readers eager to explore the magic of books.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2020

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

By S.J. King · Book #1 in the The Secret Explorers series

Two friends go on an underwater adventure to help a lost whale calf find its mother and the rest of the pod.

128 pages· 8,809 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 459 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Join Connor, a marine life expert, and Roshni, a space whiz, as they embark on a daring mission to rescue a pod of lost humpback whales. Navigating a submarine through treacherous waters, they face challenges like stranded baby whales and a fleet of boats. Will they guide the whales safely home? This thrilling adventure blends action with fascinating facts about marine life and the impact of climate change, making it an exciting read for curious minds.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$474

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Hello, Crabby!

By Jonathan Fenske · Book #1 in the Crabby series

A crab's day at the beach is filled with interactions with other sea creatures.

48 pages· 724 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Summary: Crabby is having a bad day—sun in the eyes, salt in the teeth, sand in the shell. Plankton, ever the optimist, tries everything to lift Crabby's spirits, from jokes to cakes. But can Plankton's antics crack Crabby's tough exterior and bring out a smile? Dive into this colorful, laugh-out-loud early reader series where humor meets heart, and discover if Crabby will ever find a reason to be happy. Perfect for young readers eager to explore the joys of friendship and laughter.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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

Find their book club

Browse by age

The Ocean Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$799

Big Shark, Little Shark

Ages 4–6 · 2020

A big shark and a little shark try to catch fish for a snack.

Sale price

$899

Look Who's There!

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Uncover hidden creatures in vibrant landscapes.

Sale price

$1599

Let's Dive into the Ocean

Ages 6–8 · 2019

Dive into ocean depths and uncover hidden wonders.

Sale price

$799

The Whale in My Swimming Pool

Ages 2–6 · 2015

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

Sale price

$1999

Swashby and the Sea

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A sea-loving captain's notes to noisy neighbors get hilariously altered by the beach.

Sale price

$399

Clifford and the Big Storm

Ages 0–3 · 1995

Discover the adventures of a giant, lovable red dog.

Sale price

$899

Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee

Ages 3–7 · 2000

A playful whale sends Mr. Magee and his dog flying. How will they return to the sea?

Sale price

$499

I'm a Narwhal

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Dive into the sea and discover the mysterious life of a narwhal.

Sale price

$899

O Is for Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore the ocean's wonders from A to Z.

Sale price

$1599

Pop-up Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Explore the ocean's wonders in a vibrant pop-up adventure.

Sale price

$899

A House for Hermit Crab

Ages 5–8 · 1987

A crab discovers new friends and adventures await beyond the past.

Sale price

$999

Together

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A sea otter cherishes every moment with its parent.

View all the ocean board books

Browse by age

The Ocean Picture Books

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

Sale price

$999

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Ages 3–7 · 1960

A collection of whimsical stories and poems about various creatures and their adventures.

Sale price

$1699

To the Sea

Ages 3–6 · 2015

A boy befriends a lost blue whale and embarks on a journey to return him home.

Sale price

$1799

Poor Doreen

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A clueless fish bites bait, leading to unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1699

Off & Away

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Jo must conquer her fear of the sea to deliver mail and discover new adventures.

Sale price

$1795

The Blue Whale

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Discover the giant blue whale's world through engaging facts and vivid comparisons to everyday objects.

Sale price

$1995

Smart About Sharks

Ages 5–9 · 2016

Uncover the mysteries of sharks, the sea's most misunderstood predators.

Sale price

$1799

The Sandcastle That Lola Built

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Can Lola and her new friends save their sandcastle from the waves?

Sale price

$799

The Pout-Pout Fish

Ages 3–6 · 2008

A grumpy fish lives in the ocean and spreads dreary feelings to those around him, until he meets a friendly fish who changes his life.

Sale price

$1899

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious invitation leads to unexpected friendships.

Sale price

$1999

Vernon Is on His Way

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Three friends embark on whimsical adventures, discovering joy in the everyday through waiting, fishing, and gardening.

Sale price

$1799

The Sea Knows

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1999

Whole Whale

Ages 3–6 · 2021

Can 100 animals squeeze into one book? Find out in this playful tale.

View all the ocean picture books

Browse by age

The Ocean Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the ocean for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$2799

The Voyage to Magical North

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A girl with a forgotten past joins a pirate quest to a mythical land, risking sea monsters and secrets.

Sale price

$699

Trouble at Trident Academy

Ages 6–9 · 2012

Two mermaid friends navigate the challenges of school and friendship in an underwater city

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Dragonbreath

Ages 8–10 · 2009

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.

Sale price

$1699

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl braves a perilous sea quest to save her mother and her future.

Sale price

$699

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A girl discovers she's half mermaid and dives into a quest to find her father.

Sale price

$799

Nim's Island

Ages 7–11 · 1999

A young girl lives on a deserted island with her scientist father and various animal friends.

Sale price

$1899

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A pirate and a lady defy fate and captors on the high seas.

Sale price

$599

Clark the Shark: Lost and Found

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A young shark named Clark gets lost at the farmers' market during a field trip.

Sale price

$999

The Black Pearl

Ages 10–13 · 1967

A legendary pearl brings fortune and a haunting curse.

Sale price

$599

Do Dolphins Really Smile?

Ages 6–8 · 2006

Discover the secrets of dolphin communication and intelligence.

Sale price

$1599

The Shark Report

Ages 6–8 · 2020

A boy befriends a shark and learns about its habits and characteristics, but their friendship is put to the test when a deep-sea fisherman comes to town.