Kids’ Books about Sharks
It’s finally time for the best summer holiday of all — SHARK WEEK! It’s here! And if you have shark-obsessed kiddos, it’s all they will be watching for the next week. But what will happen when Shark Week is over? I say let the shark frenzy continue with these adorable kids’ books about sharks.
From the silly to the educational, these are sure to delight. Jackie and I have read each of these with our children before aquarium trips or Shark Week or even just for fun, so we can vouch for each one of these picks!
The Best Kids’ Books about Sharks
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Shark Book for Toddlers
The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark by Deborah Diesen – Jump to Section
The Best Shark Book for Preschoolers
Dude! by Aaron Reynolds – Jump to Section
The Best Nonfiction Picture Book About Sharks
Shark Lady by Jess Keating – Jump to Section
The Best Early Reader Shark Book
Stink and the Shark Sleepover by Megan McDonald – Jump to Section
*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.
Shark Books for Toddlers
The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Part of the Pout-Pout Fish series
Plot
In this pick from shark books for toddlers, Pout-Pout Fish teaches a bully shark about kindness and friendship.
Why Jackie loves it
This board book is a perfect way to teach your littlest reader about the power of communication.
Plot
Shark is not afraid of anything. He is not afraid of bears or the dark. But there is one thing he is afraid of… and it will leave you in giggles!
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are looking for shark books for preschoolers, this is an adorable pick. It’s fun and humorous.
Shark Books for Preschoolers
Plot
Beaver and Platypus are best friends who want to surf. But they cannot because there is a shark in the ocean! You will not believe what happens when the shark approaches.
Why Kirsten loves it
This entire book is told with one word – DUDE. As you read it, you’ll need to use different tones and inflections. It’s funny, but it’s also a great way to teach kids about language development.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Kids’ Books About Sharks
Hark, A Shark: All About Sharks
Author: Bonnie Worth
Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz, Joe Mathieu
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This pick from kids’ books about sharks is a non-fiction pick where your reader can learn all about the different types of sharks and why they are not so scary.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the perfect pick for curious readers who love the ocean and all its creatures.
Plot
Bobby loves sharks so much that he wants a pet shark for his birthday. What he gets instead is a puppy, and he is very disappointed.
Why Kirsten loves it
Filled with heart and humor, this adorable book about sharks explores the idea that what you want is not always what you need.
Nonfiction Picture Books about Sharks
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Author: Jess Keating
Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Best Children’s Book for 2017 by Parents Magazine
Plot
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks the first time she saw them in an aquarium and made it her life’s work to show the world what beautiful animals they are. This is a perfect book about sharks and the power of truth.
Why Kirsten loves it
This children’s book about the ocean is a remarkable and true story and one that resonated with my childhood self – because at one point, I too was obsessed with ocean animals and marine biology.
Find this book in: Kids’ Books About Sharks / Ocean Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds
If Sharks Disappeared
Author: Lily Williams
Illustrator: Lily Williams
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
If you are looking for wonderful picture books about sharks, this fiction pick will not disappoint. This book discusses what a healthy ocean looks like, including the many species of sharks that are in danger of extinction.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book acknowledges that while sharks look scary, they have a very important role in managing our ecosystem.
Smart About Sharks
Author: Owen Davey
Illustrator: Owen Davey
Year: 2016
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 2 – 9
More info: Part of the About Animals series
Plot
Owen Davey uses gorgeous illustrations and infographics to teach children about different kinds of sharks in this stunning book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a fantastic non-fiction kids’ book about sharks. Filled with illustrations and information, this is a perfect pick for your little shark to devour.
Early Readers About Sharks
Shark in the Park
Author: Phil Roxbee Cox
Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright
Year: 2006
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 5 – 6
More info: Part of the Usborne Phonics Readers
Plot
Fat cat, big pig and pup are all concerned that there is a shark in the pond at the park.
Why Jackie loves it
The Usborne Phonics Readers are some of my favorite books for developing phonological awareness.
Find this book in: Kids’ Books About Sharks / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Rhyming Books
Stink and the Shark Sleepover
Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Year: 2021
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Part of the Stink series
Plot
When Stink gets to have a sleepover at the aquarium with his family and friends, he is so excited, until he starts hearing stories about the animals in the aquarium.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you have a reader who loves books about sharks and other underwater animals, this is the perfect book for you.
Find similar books in: Best Books for 7-year-olds
Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Sharks
Author: Katie and Kevin Tsang
Illustrator: Nathan Reed
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade
Age: 7 – 12
More info: Part of the Sam Wu series
Plot
On a class trip to the aquarium, Sam Wu meets Crazy Charlie, a giant shark, and vows never to be near a shark again until his classmates Regina and Ralph announce they’re having a birthday party at the beach. Can Sam overcome his fear, or will he miss the party?
Why Jackie loves it
This pick from children’s books about sharks is perfect for your early reader and any child learning to overcome fears.
Fin-tastic Shark Toys
Expert Tip
- Celebrate Shark Week with any of these fun children’s books about sharks – just make sure that you check the age rating for each one!
- If you are gifting one of these books to a shark lover, pick a fun shark toy to pair it with!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best picture book about sharks?
Dude by Aaron Reynolds gets my vote for best silly picture book about sharks, but if you are looking for something more educational, check out Shark Lady by Jess Keating.
Are there any early reader books about sharks?
Yes! There are some great choices! Check out Shark in the Park for a beginning reader or Stink and the Sleepover Shark for more advanced readers.
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Epilogue
I’ve always had a thing for Shark Week, so I used many of these books in my own home to commemorate each year. My boys and I adored them, and we hope you do too. Do you have any suggestions for the list?
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
