Kids Books About Fish
While assembling this post, we learned our preference for fish books for kids ran deep! Jackie and I each had beloved books from our own childhoods as well as ones we love to read to our kids.
And the funny part is that most of them weren’t the same! We didn’t want to overwhelm you with a giant list, so below are our absolute favorite kids’ books about fish. You’ll have to tell us if any of the books make it into your homes!
For more summer reading, look at the Beach Read Hub for all things related to summer reading or the Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023 for the latest vacation reading.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Classic Kids Books About Fish
A Fish Out of Water by Helen Baker
Plot: A favorite in Jackie’s house, this tells the story of a goldfish owner that overfeeds his pet to disastrous outcomes!
This is a book that is perfect for beginning readers just trying their hand at reading out loud.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Plot: Dr. Seuss’s rhyming book about fish is such a classic that most parents can recite it in their sleep!
A wonderful rhyming book that stands the test of time for being simple and creating lessons for young readers. This is one that is perfect for our reading readiness series.
Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle
Plot: This is a perfect fish book for Father’s Day because it highlights how under the sea critters often have the dads looking out for their little fish eggs.
This lift-the-flap book showcases other fun under-the-sea fish hidden among the seaweed too. It’s so cute to see how different fish species care for their eggs!
Charming Kids Books about Fish
The Rainbow Fish
Author: Marcus Pfister
Illustrator: Marcus Pfister
Year: 1992
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
It’s all about a gorgeous fish with shiny scales who is so conceited he doesn’t have any friends. After he decides to share a lovely scale with each fish in his neighborhood, he gains friends in spades! A wonderful lesson for young kids.
Why Kirsten loves it
This modern classic kids’ book about fish was one I learned about in school! I remember making a project with this story in elementary school.
Find this book in: Kids Books About Fish / Best Books for 3-year-olds
Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian
Plot: I love this story of a lonely goldfish who records the changes in his fish bowl each day. He goes from being bored to living in a tank so crowded he can’t swim.
But once he has a chance to take a break from his tank and its inhabitants, he realizes life isn’t nearly as exciting without friends around.
The Library Fish by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Plot: This charming story tells the story of a goldfish who lives in a library. Library fish loves storytime, but when a snowstorm closes the library, she needs to find another way to get her book fix!
I need to add this one to our list of books about books for kids! It’s perfect.
Funny Kids Books about Fish
Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey
Plot: Aaron Blabey is at his best in this hysterical story of Brian, a piranha, who loves fruit. He’s trying to get his friends to try his fruit platter, but they are more interested in knees than peas.
A charming story to have your children help you with rhyming! Take a look at more of our rhyming books for other fun stories.
The Pout-Pout Fish
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hamas
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Part of the Pout-Pout Fish series
Plot
This is a classic children’s book about the ocean and the first book in the best-selling series. In it, Pout-Pout Fish learns that it is not his destiny to always be gloomy.
Why Kirsten loves it
With it’s adorable rhymes and sweet message, this book is rights up my alley. There is alot of repetition in this story, which is makes it a wonderful choice of picture book for a beginning reader too.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Ocean Books for Kids / Kids Books About Fish
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Plot: This funny story kids’ book is about a fish thief! A little tiny fish stole a hat from a giant sleeping fish and he thinks he can get away with it.
But will he be able to or will he end up getting caught? This one will have you chuckling aloud as you read it!
