12 Fun Pirate Books for Kids Wanting a High Seas Adventure
Pirates are always fun to read about from board books to the classics. The daring adventures on the sea, escapes, captures, and searching for buried treasure captivate children and adults alike. It was not hard to come up with our favorite pirate books for kids.
What would the Princess Bride be without the Dread Pirate Roberts? How could we love Peter Pan without Captain Hook? In honor of these beloved pirates, we included a list of pirate books for kids to enjoy. So whether you have a 2-year-old or a 12-year-old, we have the perfect pirate book for adults as well. You can also check out this cute Pirate bedroom inspired by this book list.
*Pirate books for kids 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.
Toddler/Preschool Pirate Books
Arr, Mustache Baby! by Bridget Heos and Joy Ang
If you love Mustache Baby, you’ll love this pirate book – a household favorite in the series. Mustache Baby decides to set out on an adventure to be the best pirate baby and he brings his first mate, Beard Baby along with him!
Sheep on a Ship by Nancy E. Shaw
Sheep, ships, and rhymes….an adorable combination with very cute illustrations. This is one of my favorite pirate books for kids on this list.
Pirate Books for Kids Ages 4-8 years
DinoSailors by Deb Lund
The dinosaurs are looking for adventure, but can they even keep their lunch down aboard their ship? With rhyming text and fascinating pictures, this children’s pirate book comes alive!
Pirates Go to School by Corrine Demas
Pirates head to school and they just can’t seem to understand the rules. If you have a pirate lover, they will adore this silly tale! My kids often pour over the funny illustrations in the best way. This one is harder to come by, so check your local library.
Why We Love This Book:Â Of all the stories on the list, I think this is the one my kids read the most for a great laugh.
Appropriate for ages 5-9
Find this book in: Back-to-School Books, Pirate Books for Kids
How I Became a Pirate by Molly Long & David Shannon
With the hilarious text and fantastic pictures, this children’s pirate book is sure to become a family favorite. It’s about a baby who thinks he will make a perfect pirate, but maybe pirate life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Captain Abdul’s Little Treasure by Colin McHaughton
A pirate captain raises his baby and teaches him to be a pirate – but the baby always has the upper hand.
Eloise’s Pirate Adventure by Lisa McClatachy
The famous Eloise is the star of her own early reader book series. This particular story has everyone’s favorite Plaza resident dressing up as a pirate and searching for treasure.
Early Reader Pirate Books for Children Ages 6-10-year-olds
Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon by Mary Pope Osborne
Number 4 in the Magic Treehouse Series, Jack and Annie arrive in the time of pirates on the high seas. Will they find a treasure and outsmart the pirates or be forced to walk the plank?
Puppy Pirates #1: Stowaway by Erin Soderbergh
This adorable series combines puppies and pirates for fun adventures. It’s about Wally and his quest to be the best pirate puppy! With seven books in the series so far, the fun can continue for your early reader.
Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter’s Companions by Captain William Lubber
This book is written like a ship’s log for a pirate hunter filled with pictures and great information. This book is sure to be a huge hit for any pirate lover.
Older Children’s Pirate Books
Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Berry, Ridley Pearson
Illustrator: Greg Cal
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 13
More info: National Best Seller
Plot
This Peter Pan retelling finds Peter aboard a ship of sailors. He and a bunch of other orphans aboard the ship have to protect a treasure locked in a chest hidden on the ship from pirate captain Black Stache. Think of this as the origin story of Tinkerbell, her fairy dust, and how Peter gained his ability to fly.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one of my kids’ favorite fairy tale retellings. If your child loves Peter Pan, this story is a must-read!
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Fairy Tale Retellings / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for 13-year-olds
Plot
In this classic story, Jim Hawkins is on his way to adventure – and treasure. When he gets to the locale of his quest, he encounters Long John Silver – one of the most famous villains in literature.
Why Kirsten loves it
This swashbuckling tale of piracy and treasure is perfect for children and adults alike. Long John Silver is quite a scary villain, whose legacy lives on in Halloween costumes everywhere.
One-legged, parrot-wearing, map-loving pirates everywhere can thank Robert Louis Stevenson for the inspiration. Why not read this book set in Cornwall to your little buccaneer at bedtime?
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Best Classic Books / Books Set in Cornwall / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Did we forget your favorite pirate books for kids? Let us know!
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