Books About Water Sports · 293 titles considered

The Best Water Sports Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about water sports? 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 Water Sports

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

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach

By James Dean (Author/Illustrator), Kimberly Dean

A cat named Pete spends the day at the beach with his mom and brother, trying surfing for the first time.

32 pages· 345 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,589 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Pete the Cat loves the beach, collecting shells and building sandcastles. But when the sun blazes, there's only one way to cool down—dive into the ocean. Can Pete overcome his fear of water and take the plunge? Join Pete on a sunny adventure where courage and fun collide, perfect for young readers eager to explore the waves with a feline friend.

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

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Samira Surfs

By Rukhsanna Guidroz, Fahmida Azim (Illustrator)

A refugee girl finds hope and courage in a surf club.

Golden Kite Award (2022)

416 pages· 31,980 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 469 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Samira, an eleven-year-old Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh, grapples with a past of violence and loss. Amidst rebuilding her life, she discovers a surf club for girls. Can the waves of Cox's Bazar help her find strength and sisterhood, transforming fear into empowerment? Dive into Samira's journey from isolation to courage.

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?

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Water Sports Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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

Ruby & Rufus

Ages 0–3 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$799

Chu's Day at the Beach

Ages 2–5 · 2015

What chaos ensues when a sneezing panda visits the beach?

Series

Sale price

$899

Fruits in Suits

Ages 1–3 · 2018

Can fruits wear business suits to the beach?

Series

Sale price

$699

Spot Goes to the Beach

Ages 3–5 · 1985

A puppy's beach day turns adventurous with a surfing challenge.

Series

Sale price

$599

Llama Llama Let's Clean Up the Pond!

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Can Llama Llama save the pond before the boat float?

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

$799

Find Spot at the Beach

Ages 1–3 · 2024

Spot vanishes at the beach. Can you find him under the flaps?

Series

Sale price

$499

Baby Shark!

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$799

Maisy's Sailboat

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Join a sea adventure with unexpected catches and colorful discoveries.

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.

View all water sports board books

Browse by age

Water Sports Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1799

A Mermaid Girl

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

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

$599

The Sailor Dog

Ages 2–5 · 1953

A dog sailor's shipwreck leads to an adventurous comeback.

Sale price

$1700

Underwater Dogs

Ages 4–7 · 2013

Discover playful pups in action with vibrant photos and rhymes.

View all water sports picture books

Browse by age

Water Sports Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about water sports for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1999

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Ages 10–+ · 2023

A summer with Dad, a secret to reveal. Can Maudie find the courage before it's too late?

Sale price

$1799

Deep Water

Ages 10–13 · 2024

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

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1499

The Liars Society

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Two students must solve a theft to join a secret society or risk losing everything.

Sale price

$1499

Flip Turns

Ages 9–13 · 2022

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

Sale price

$2099

The Boys in the Boat

Ages 10–+ · 2015

Nine boys defy odds at the 1936 Olympics, challenging Hitler's elite rowers.

Sale price

$1799

Obie Is Man Enough

Ages 10–+ · 2021

Transgender tween Obie faces bullies and self-doubt as he strives to prove himself in a new swim team.

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

$599

Wet and Wild!

Ages 7–9 · 2011

Magic burps cause chaos at the water park.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?

Ages 8–11 · 2015

The life of Jacques Cousteau, a French naval officer, explorer, and filmmaker who revolutionized underwater exploration and conservation.

#72 in Series

Sale price

$799

The Hawaiian Heist

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A mouse editor must solve a mystery involving a stolen necklace and a surfing competition in Hawaii.

Series

Sale price

$699

Captain Awesome Takes a Dive

Ages 5–9 · 2012

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

View all water sports chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about swimming Books about the beach Books about facing fears Books about feeling scared Books about immigration and emigration Books about mermaids Books about new experiences Books about secrets

Our 10 Favorite Books About Water Sports

Great books, picked for their age.

Water Sports Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Water Sports Picture Books

Water Sports Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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