20 Fun Beach Books for Kids

Grab your beach bag and don’t forget the sunscreen because we’re diving into some seriously sunny stories! Whether you're planning a beach vacation or just dreaming of waves from the backyard sprinkler, these read-aloud beach books will bring the salty air and sandy toes straight to your storytime.

From sea creatures to sandy shenanigans, here are 20 beachy reads your kids will love all summer long!

1. Hello Ocean by Pam Muñoz Ryan

This sensory-rich book explores the beach through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. It’s a beautiful read-aloud that doesn’t just talk about the ocean, it feels like it. Whether your family lives near the coast or only visits once in a while, this book captures the magic of the seaside and brings it right into your living room!

2. Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Mélanie Watt

Scaredy Squirrel wants the beach experience without the crowds, sand, or jellyfish. So he builds his own beach at home. Hilarious and clever for kids who aren’t sure if they love the beach…yet.

3. The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan

A nostalgic, beautifully told story about a girl who returns to the same seaside cottage summer after summer. As the years pass, both the girl and the cottage grow and change, making this a touching read about tradition, love, and the places that feel like home.

4. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell! by Lucille Colandro

A beachy twist on the classic “swallowed a fly” rhyme. It’s silly, fun, and guaranteed to get giggles because yes, she really does swallow a shell (and a whole lot more).

5. Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

One of our favorite books about the ocean for kids. This is a beautifully illustrated story that follows the life of a lighthouse keeper on a remote shore. With timeless artwork and a calm, steady narrative, it captures the rhythm of lighthouse living, the changing sea, and the quiet beauty of daily life.

6. All You Need for a Beach by Alice Schertle

A poetic, playful take on everything you need to make a perfect day at the beach, from sand and water to imagination and laughter.

7. There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

Sukie the dog is scared of… well, pretty much everything at the beach…especially the possibility of lobsters. But with a little help from her stuffed monkey, she finds her courage. This one’s funny, sweet, and perfect for any kiddo who’s ever felt nervous about trying something new.

8. The Beach Ball by David Steinberg

This is a playful counting story that follows a runaway beach ball on a wild seaside adventure. As the ball bounces from one silly scene to the next, kids count along from one to ten, making it a fun and energetic read with a little built-in learning.

9. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson is at it again with this rhyming adventure that follows a tiny snail with a big dream and the kind whale who gives her a ride around the world. Together, they explore oceans, mountains, and jungles and learn that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. 

10. Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman & Jacky Davis

Ladybug Girl is brave, adventurous… and a little nervous about the ocean. This sweet story helps kids navigate new experiences and face their fears, especially when it comes to big waves. Part of a beloved series, Ladybug Girl books explore big feelings, confidence, and friendship, making them great picks for growing readers.

11. Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies

A nighttime beach adventure starring a crew of fun-loving bats. Think beach balls, moonlight, and toasted bug-mallows. The rich illustrations and fun rhymes are a treat for moms and kids alike.

12. Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes

Another counting book that introduces little readers to ocean animals and life in a coral reef. With vibrant, textured illustrations and a fun sing-song rhythm, it’s a perfect read (or sing) aloud that sneaks in learning about marine life and numbers!

13. If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano

This book is poetic, and peaceful, making it a perfect wind-down read. It’s not just about spotting a whale; it’s about noticing the tiny wonders all around you and using your imagination to see beyond the ordinary

14. The Seashore Book by Charlotte Solotow

This sweet, quiet story follows a boy who’s never seen the ocean as his mom describes it to him. Her words bring the beach to life in his imagination, making it feel like he’s really there. It’s a cozy read that shows how powerful storytelling can be and the beauty of imagining a place before you ever set foot there.

15. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

You didn’t think we’d leave out everyone’s favorite grumpy fish, did you? This underwater adventure has rhyme, rhythm, and a message about choosing happiness…perfect for summer.

16. A House For Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

This classic follows a little hermit crab who’s outgrown his shell and sets off to find a new one. As he decorates it with sea creatures and treasures, he turns it into a home that’s all his own. It’s not just great for kids headed to the beach, it’s also an encouraging read for any child facing big changes.

17. Deep in the Ocean by Lucie Brunellière

This board book may be listed for ages 3-5, but its oversized pages and rich, detailed illustrations make it a standout for older kids too. It’s the kind of book they’ll come back to again and again, spotting familiar sea creatures, asking questions about new ones, and getting totally pulled into the underwater world.

18. Flotsam by David Wiesner

A boy finds an old camera on the beach and uncovers a world of underwater wonder. This wordless book is packed with wild, dreamy illustrations that kids will love getting lost in. It’s weird (in the best way), creative, and full of little surprises on every page.

19. The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor

Lola wants to build the perfect sandcastle and ends up making a few new friends along the way. A beachy retelling of “The House That Jack Built” with lots of teamwork and summer vibes.

20. Beach Feet by Kiyomi Konagaya

This one follows a little boy’s trip to the beach, starting with hot sand under his toes and ending with splashes at the water’s edge. Everything is felt through his feet: the sand, the shells, the waves. The playful perspective and super kid-relatable vibes make it a standout.

Whether you're at the shore or just trying to survive summer with a kiddie pool and a popsicle, these children’s beach books are a great way to bring a little beach magic to your day.

So throw a few into your beach bag or your bedtime basket and let the summer reading for kids begin with sunny stories they’ll love!