Books About Whales · 133 titles considered

The Best Whales Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about whales? 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.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Whales

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.

The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales

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 · 461 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

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.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2015

To the Sea

By Cale Atkinson

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

CBC Children's Choice Award Finalist (2016)

32 pages· 389 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 898 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Tim feels unnoticed at school until he meets Sam, a blue whale who needs help finding his way back to the ocean. As Tim takes on the challenge of guiding Sam home, he discovers the true meaning of friendship and courage. Will Tim succeed in his mission, and what adventures await them along the way? Dive into this heartwarming tale of an extraordinary bond and the lengths one will go to for a friend.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Blue Whale

By Jenni Desmond

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

48 pages· 1,161 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 795 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into the world of the giant blue whale, where facts meet imagination. Explore its immense size through playful comparisons to trucks, cars, and even hippos. With captivating illustrations and engaging text, this book invites young readers to learn about the ocean's gentle giant in a fun and memorable way. How does the whale's eye compare to a milk bottle? What makes this creature so fascinating? Uncover the answers and more in this delightful journey into the life of the blue whale.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2021

Whole Whale

By Karen Yin, Nelleke Verhoeff (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 210 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 306 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a whimsical world, a sloth, a moth, and even a skunk try to fit into the pages of a book. But when a camel and a quail join the fun, the real question arises: can a blue whale squeeze in too? This lively rhyming adventure invites readers to laugh and count along as 100 animals attempt the impossible. With a surprise ending and a list of all the creatures, this story promises a delightful journey of discovery and humor. Will there always be room for one more?

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2017

How Long Is a Whale?

By Alison Limentani · Wild Facts & Amazing Math series

Discover the surprising lengths of underwater creatures in a fun, educational journey.

36 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 122 ratings

$14.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a world where sea otters, tuna, and sea lions reveal the secrets of their lengths. This captivating picture book invites young readers to explore the fascinating sizes of underwater creatures, from dolphins to the majestic blue whale. How do these animals measure up against each other? Uncover the answers and marvel at the wonders of the ocean's giants. With engaging comparisons and a special gatefold for the largest of them all, this book is a delightful introduction to numbers and marine life.

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

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Orphans of the Tide

By Struan Murray · Orphans of the Tide series

A mysterious boy arrives, and Ellie must prove his innocence to save him from a city's fear.

368 pages· 69,258 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,064 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ellie lives on a secluded island, where myths of a vengeful god haunt the shores. When a boy emerges from a whale's belly, the city fears he's the god's harbinger. Only Ellie believes in his innocence. To save him, she must confront the city's fears and reveal her own hidden secret. Can Ellie unravel the truth before it's too late, or will the myths consume them both?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Fisherman & the Whale

By Jessica Lanan

A father and son discover a profound bond with a trapped whale at sea.

48 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 411 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: A fisherman and his son embark on a serene journey across the ocean, only to find a whale ensnared in a net. As they work to free the majestic creature, they uncover a deep connection that bridges the human and natural worlds. Will their encounter change their understanding of life beneath the waves?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2019

Waiting for Chicken Smith

By David Mackintosh

A boy waits for his friend at the beach, but unexpected moments unfold.

32 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·3.4/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Every summer, a boy eagerly awaits his friend Chicken Smith at their beach cabins. This year, Chicken hasn't arrived, and the boy's sister, MaryAnn, keeps interrupting his memories. As he wonders about Chicken's absence, MaryAnn's persistent calls hint at a new adventure. Will Chicken show up, or is there something else to discover? Dive into a tale of friendship and the unexpected magic of summer moments.

The Bookroo Book Club