Books About The Ocean · 1,836 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.

#1 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Ocean

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1882

Treasure Island

By Robert Louis Stevenson

A young boy discovers a pirate's treasure map, but danger lurks on the high seas.

336 pages· 67,946 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 552,614 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Jim Hawkins stumbles upon a pirate's treasure map, igniting a perilous adventure. As he sets sail with Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney, treachery brews among the crew. The cunning Long John Silver, with his own designs on the treasure, poses a threat. Can Jim outwit the infamous pirate and claim the fortune, or will the lure of gold lead to his downfall? Amidst villains and wild seas, the quest for Captain Flint's treasure tests courage and loyalty. Will Jim's spirit of adventure triumph over the perils that await on Treasure Island?

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·4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,090 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

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

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Newbery Medal (1961)

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,299 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · 1846

The Count of Monte Cristo

A sailor's quest for revenge after wrongful imprisonment leads to a treasure and a reckoning with fate.

531 pages· 455,380 words

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,070,747 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

Mass Market Paperbound

Summary: Imprisoned on his wedding day for a crime he didn't commit, young sailor Edmond Dantès escapes the island fortress of Chateau d’If. With a hidden treasure at his disposal, he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those who betrayed him. As Dantès transforms into the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, he must confront the consequences of his obsession. Will his pursuit of justice lead to redemption or ruin? Set in post-Napoleonic France, this tale of betrayal, adventure, and fate challenges the boundaries of revenge and destiny.

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.

Odyssey Honor (2020)Schneider Family Book Award (2020)

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,930 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

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.

Golden Kite Honor (2019)

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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 529 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

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 · 2,534 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

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 · 915 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

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.

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 · 21,057 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.

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 · 20,446 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

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.

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The Ocean Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Series

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.

Series

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.

Series

Sale price

$399

Clifford and the Big Storm

Ages 0–3 · 1995

Discover the adventures of a giant, lovable red dog.

Sale price

$499

I'm a Narwhal

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$899

O Is for Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore the ocean's wonders from A to Z.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Pop-up Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

Series

Sale price

$999

Together

Ages 0–3 · 2016

A sea otter cherishes every moment with its parent.

One Fish, Two Fish, Three, Four, Five Fish

Series

Sale price

$999

One Fish, Two Fish, Three, Four, Five Fish

Ages 2–4 · 2005

Count along with colorful fish in this interactive board book.

Series

Sale price

$999

Never Touch a Shark

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Dare to touch the untouchable in this ocean adventure.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$995

Hello Humpback!

Ages 2–4 · 2017

Discover West Coast animals in a vibrant board book for little explorers.

View all the ocean board books

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The Ocean Picture Books

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

Sale price

$999

Sammy the Seal

Ages 4–8 · 1959

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

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$499

Hello, Crabby!

Ages 4–6 · 2019

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

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.

Series

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?

Series

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.

Series

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.

View all the ocean picture books

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The Ocean Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the ocean for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$3000

The Thing About Jellyfish

Ages 10–13 · 2015

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

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

#1 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

Ages 7–9 · 2020

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

Series

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.

#1 in Series

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

#1 in Series

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.