Books About The Sea

The Best The Sea Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the sea? 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 The Sea

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 · 1,066,788 ratings

$7.95Save 5%

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

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Off & Away

By Cale Atkinson

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

40 pages· 463 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 515 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Jo's father, the sea's mailman, falls ill, leaving her to brave the ocean alone. Terrified yet determined, Jo sets sail, facing her fears head-on. Will she find courage and unexpected friendships on her journey? As she navigates the vast waters, Jo might just return with her own tales of adventure. Dive into a world where courage and friendship await beyond the horizon.

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 · 307 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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.

Chapter Book · Ages 2–6 · 2013

Ten Little Pirates

By Mike Brownlow · Ten Little series

Ten pirates face storms, sea creatures, and a hungry shark. Who will remain?

32 pages· 224 words· Est. 4 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 366 ratings

Summary: Join ten little pirates on a thrilling sea adventure as they encounter a singing mermaid, a fierce hurricane, and a hungry shark. With each challenge, their numbers dwindle. Can they all make it back safely, or will the perils of the sea claim them one by one? This lively counting rhyme invites young readers to count down from ten to one, spotting and counting details on every page. Dive into this rhythmic, action-packed tale and discover the fate of the ten little pirates.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Little Mermaid

By Faith Noelle

A mermaid's deal with a sea witch risks both ocean and human worlds.

256 pages· 34,618 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 331 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Ariel, a curious mermaid, dreams of the human world. After rescuing Prince Eric, she strikes a risky bargain with the cunning Sea Witch, Ursula. As Ariel navigates this treacherous pact, she must summon her courage to thwart Ursula's sinister plans and protect both realms. Will Ariel's bravery be enough to save the worlds she loves? Dive into this enchanting reimagining of a timeless tale, where the stakes are high and the ocean's secrets are deep.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 1996

The Whale

By Cynthia Rylant · Lighthouse Family series

A lighthouse family races to reunite a lost baby whale with its mother.

64 pages· 4,079 words· Est. 46 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 658 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: In a coastal haven, the Lighthouse Family's peaceful life is disrupted by the cries of Sebastian, a lost baby beluga whale. Whistler and Lila, guided by the wise yet grumpy cormorant Huck, embark on a heartwarming quest to reunite Sebastian with his mother. As they navigate the challenges of the sea, the family discovers the true meaning of love and unity. Will they succeed in bringing the lost whale home? Dive into this enchanting tale of courage and compassion, where the bonds of family extend beyond species and the call of the ocean leads to unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Hum and Swish

By Matt Myers

On a summer day, Jamie seeks solitude for her art but finds an unexpected quiet companion.

40 pages· 158 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 637 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Jamie craves solitude on a sunny beach to complete her sand art, but constant interruptions challenge her peace. As she struggles to focus amidst the questions, she discovers a kindred spirit who shares her love for quiet creativity. Will this newfound friendship help her find the tranquility she seeks? Dive into a tale of introversion, art, and the joy of silent companionship.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1963

Burt Dow, Deep-Water Man

By Robert McCloskey

A storm at sea tests Burt's ingenuity to save himself and his gull.

64 pages· 3,304 words· Est. 26 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 929 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Burt Dow, a seafaring man from the Maine coast, embarks on an adventure with his giggling gull. When a fierce storm threatens their journey, Burt must rely on his wits and resourcefulness to navigate the perilous waters. Can he outsmart the tempest and bring them safely back to shore? Dive into this tale of courage and cleverness on the high seas.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1983

The Wreck of the Zephyr

By Chris Van Allsburg

A boy's quest to master the sea leads to a mysterious, sky-bound adventure.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1983)

31 pages· 1,189 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,076 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Summary: A wrecked sailboat on a cliff sparks tales of a boy's dream to be the greatest sailor. Driven by ambition, he and his boat, the Zephyr, are swept into a storm, reaching a realm where boats soar like birds. Is it myth or reality? Discover the enchanting journey where the sea meets the stars, and the wind whispers secrets of the sky.

Sale price

$2370

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2017

Mary Poppins Up, Up and Away

By Helene Druvert · Up, Up and Away series

Embark on a magical journey through London with a beloved nanny's whimsical adventures.

36 pages· 261 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings

$24.95Save 5%

Summary: Join Mary Poppins on a magical adventure through London's rooftops and under the sea. This enchanting tale, inspired by classic stories, invites readers to explore a world of wonder and imagination. With her unique mode of transport, Mary Poppins takes children on a journey filled with surprises and delightful discoveries. What mysteries will unfold as they travel through this whimsical landscape? Dive into a fresh take on a timeless classic that promises to captivate readers of all ages.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

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

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Browse by age

The Sea Picture Books

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

Sale price

$899

A Lot of Otters

Ages 3–7 · 1997

A celestial search leads to a playful rescue under starlit seas.

Sale price

$1899

Eric Carle's Book of Many Things

Ages 3–7 · 2018

Discover first words and concepts with a beloved caterpillar.

Sale price

$1895

Yellow Ball

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A forgotten ball drifts into the sea, facing storms and finding a new home.

Sale price

$1799

The Tree House That Jack Built

Ages 3–5 · 2014

A tree house full of animals and secrets awaits. What happens when the bell rings?

Sale price

$3564

Neptune

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Discover Neptune's power and secrets in ancient Roman myths.

Sale price

$1399

Lucy and Tom at the Seaside

Ages 2–5 · 1992

A seaside adventure unfolds with sandcastles, picnics, and discovery.

Sale price

$3428

Poseidon

Ages 8–11 · 2012

The story of Poseidon explores his role as god of the sea, his battles for power, his relationships with gods and mortals, and his influence on ancient Greek life and mythology.