Books About Water · 398 titles considered

The Best Water Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about water? 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

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Water

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,729 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

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%

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

$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%

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%

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

$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%

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%

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

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Sea Knows

By Alice B. McGinty, Alan B. Havis, Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

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

48 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 127 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Embark on a lyrical journey through the ocean's depths, where the sea reveals its ancient secrets. From majestic whales to tiny krill, and vibrant starfish to the eerie glow of an anglerfish, discover the wonders and mysteries of marine life. This enchanting exploration invites readers to dive deep into the ocean's hidden world, celebrating its beauty and power. What secrets does the sea hold beneath its waves?

Sale price

$1498

Board Book · Ages 6–8 · 2019

Let's Dive into the Ocean

By Timothy Knapman, Wesley Robins (Illustrator) · Let's Go series

Dive into ocean depths and uncover hidden wonders.

24 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 9 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Embark on an undersea journey where each page reveals a new ocean habitat. Explore vibrant coral reefs, mysterious shipwrecks, and the ocean's deepest secrets. What surprises will you discover?

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%

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

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

Over and Under the Pond

By Kate Messner, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator) · Over and Under series

A mother and child explore the world above and below a pond.

48 pages· 441 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,631 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Explore the enchanting world of a mountain pond with a young adventurer. Above, the water mirrors the sky, but below lies a secret realm of darting minnows, diving beavers, and growing tadpoles. What other wonders await beneath the surface? This beautifully illustrated journey invites young readers to uncover the mysteries of nature and inspires a lifelong love for the environment. Dive into this captivating ecosystem and see what secrets you can find over and under the pond.

The Bookroo Book Club