Books About Water Sports · 300 titles considered

The Best Water Sports Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Sports Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Water Sports

Unsettled
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 Goodreads · 1,810 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.
Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach
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 Goodreads · 5,899 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.
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
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 Goodreads · 29,870 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.
Gilbert, the Surfer Dude
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 Goodreads · 111 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?
Samira Surfs
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 · 473 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.
Sakamoto's Swim Club
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 · 490 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?
Jabari Jumps
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 · 5,666 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.
The Whale in My Swimming Pool
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 · 916 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.
Lottie & Walter
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 · 556 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.
Shark Nate-O
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 · 306 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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Browse by age

Water Sports Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Pop-up Ocean
Series
Sale price
$1599

Pop-up Ocean

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

Baby Shark!
Series
Sale price
$499

Baby Shark!

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

Maisy's Sailboat
Series
Sale price
$799

Maisy's Sailboat

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Join a sea adventure with unexpected catches and colorful discoveries.

Summer
Series
Sale price
$599

Summer

Ages 1–3 · 2015

Children explore summer's wonders through play.

Good Night Seashore
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.

A Mermaid Girl
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?

Our Pool
Sale price
$1899

Our Pool

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A child spends a day at the pool with their mom.

When You Can Swim
Sale price
$1899

When You Can Swim

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the mysterious joys and fears of water as children learn to swim.

Eva at the Beach
#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.

Forget-Me-Not Lake
#3 in Series
Sale price
$799

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?

Swimming with Sharks
Sale price
$1699

Swimming with Sharks

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A scientist challenges shark myths, revealing their true nature beneath the waves.

Together We Swim
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.

Mermaid Queen
Sale price
$1799

Mermaid Queen

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A daring athlete defies norms, transforming girls' sports forever.

The Sailor Dog
Sale price
$599

The Sailor Dog

Ages 2–5 · 1953

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

Underwater Dogs
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.

Deep Water
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.

The Liars Society
#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.

Flip Turns
Sale price
$1499

Flip Turns

Ages 9–13 · 2022

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

The Boys in the Boat
Sale price
$2099

The Boys in the Boat

Ages 10–+ · 2015

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

Obie Is Man Enough
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.

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?

A Splash of Forever
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.

Who Was Jacques Cousteau?
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.

The Hawaiian Heist
#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.

View all water sports chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about swimmingBooks about the beachBooks about facing fearsBooks about feeling scaredBooks about immigration and emigrationBooks about mermaidsBooks about new experiencesBooks about secrets