Picture Books List: Seaside Stories
Here is a list of a few of Hailey’s favorite seaside stories - books about the beach, or other bodies of water, and life nearby. Some of these books are shorter and geared toward younger kids, and some, like Pond, are picture books for slightly older kids. Don’t see one you love listed here? Let us know and we’ll add it! Don’t forget to check out our book of the month resources while you’re here!
Enjoy!
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
This is a wonderful book about a woman who travels all around the world until she settles in a home near the sea. She makes a lasting impact on those around her and makes the world around her a little more beautiful with every flower she plants.
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Robert McCloskey is the author of the well known classic Blueberries for Sal. This book is equally enjoyable, and is also about Sal! She is a bit older in this book. Venture along the seaside in Maine with Sal and her sister, Jane. This picture book is longer, and I recommend it for slightly older kiddos.
The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown
I just love the cover illustration and the illustrations throughout this book. The Little Island also has such beautiful, descriptive language for everything around this little island. I hope you enjoy it!
Pond by Jim LaMarche
Follow along with three friends as they restore a pond together and watch it grow and change with the seasons.
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
My favorite illustration from this book is every level of the inside of the lighthouse shown at once, as the author describes the lighthouse keeper’s day. Follow along with the keeper as he goes about his daily tasks and learn more about his life in the lighthouse. Such a wonderful and touching read!
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Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon
The illustration style in this book is quite unique! Follow along with the boy and his animal friend as they journey in their yellow kayak. The words on each page are short and accessible for young readers.
Deep in the Ocean by Lucie Brunelliere
Another unique illustration style and a book about a submarine and all the life teeming under the sea.
Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz
I love using this book in speech therapy sessions, and it is such a fun rhyming book! Follow along and learn all about different creatures under the sea.
Sandy Feet! Whose Feet? by Susan Wood
An adorable book about tracks in the sand, I hope you have fun with this book!
The Snail and the Whale by by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A snail that wants to adventure, and a whale friend to take him along. Read along on their journey across the sea, and watch the little snail save the day!
The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan and Jessica Courtney-Tickle
This is a beautiful book about a summer cottage and the joyful visits of the house’s owners.
Flotsam by David Wiesner
A wordless picture book about a boy who finds a lost camera! Looking for more wordless picture books? Check out our list here.
A Seaside Alphabet by Donna Grassby
Exactly what the title suggests, this is an alphabet book with alliterations and all sorts of seaside creatures and things!
The Maggie B. by Irene Haas
Enjoy reading the adventures of a little girl, on her very own boat, along with her little brother. They have a small farm and all sorts of fun adventures throughout their day on this little boat.
The Raft by Jim LaMarche
Another longer picture book for slightly older kids. This book is about a boy’s reluctant visit to his grandma’s house, and the unexpected adventures he finds while he is there.
Ocean Meets Sky by Eric and Terry Fan
This is a book about a boy named Finn and his fond memories of his grandfather. He builds a boat and honors his grandfather in all of his experiences on the little boat.
Sea Dog by Astrid Sheckels
I love this author’s illustration style! Here is the first book in what is now a little series, if you enjoy this book be sure to check out her other Sea Dog adventures.
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The Boy and the Sea by Camille Andros
This is a book about a boy who lives by the sea and his special connection to it.
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