Seaside books for children

Mariana and the Merchild by Caroline Pitcher

Mariana and the Merchild is the story of Mariana, a lonely woman by the sea who discovers a merbaby in a crab shell after a storm. She cares for the child with the Sea Spirit’s blessing until it must return to the sea. The story, drawn from Chilean folklore, combines rich imagery with themes of kindness and connection. Ideal for young readers fascinated by magic and enchantment, it resonates with unusual emotional depth and stunning illustrations. Visually stunning and beautifully written, this edition of Mariana and the Merchild would make the perfect gift or immersive bedtime story for a younger child. Highly recommended.

Aqua Boy by Ken Wilson-Max

Aaron loves the ocean but fears going underwater. But he gains confidence during a beach cleanup when he helps rescue a stranded octopus. Living by the sea with his family, who are ocean guardians, Aaron’s story, depicted through glorious picture book artwork, encourages environmental stewardship and empathy for marine life. Highly recommended.

Changing Tides by Júlia Moscardó

Júlia Moscardó’s stunningly illustrated picture book tells the story of Theo and Lula, new siblings who learn to work together while building a sandcastle during a seaside holiday. Ideal for reading to and discussing with EYFS and KS1 children aged 3-6, Changing Tides explores themes of blended families and friendship with great sensitivity. Highly recommended.

Beach Song by Ros Moriarty and Samantha Campbell

This beautifully illustrated hardback picture book for 3-6-year-olds whisks young readers away on a lyrical seaside journey. Meeting crabs, dolphins, seals, squids, turtles, seagulls and whales, children will love the vibrant double-page spreads. With vivid imagery and engaging text, it celebrates the joy of discovery the joy of the seaside and offers lots of opportunities to explore rich vocabulary and appreciate nature. Highly recommended for seaside topics in EYFS and KS1.

The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind by Fiona Carswell and Yu Rong

This beautifully illustrated picture book story follows two boys, one with autism, as they share a seaside adventure of friendship and bonding. Through throwing stones, collecting shells, and licking the wind they find common ground and understanding. Suitable for children aged 4+, this subtle and inclusive story will help teachers discuss empathy and acceptance with EYFS and KS1 classes. Highly recommended.

I Hear you, Ocean by Kallie George and Carmen Mok

“The Ocean has lots to say, if you listen,” explains one child to a younger sibling in this beautifully illustrated picture book featuring diverse characters. With rich figurative language and alluring aural and visual descriptions, pebbles, wildlife, rockpools and seaweed come alive. Readers in EYFS and KS1 will almost taste and smell the experience through the thoughtful and lyrical writing. Highly recommended.

Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles by Michael Rosen, illustrated by David Melling

When Tiddles the dog persuades Goldilocks to look for the house with the three bears, the Pershoo Pershee sound of the sea leads them to a very different home with strange furniture and no bears in sight! With great use of repetition, call and response and onomatopoeic rhymes, the lyrical text will be a joy to read to and with large groups of EYFS children. The engaging illustrations by David Melling capture a sense of freedom at the seaside and a sense of fun and curiosity in the crocodiles’ cave. It’s great fun and highly recommended for 3-7-year-olds.

There’s a Tiger on the Train by Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb

Join a boy and his dad as they take a train journey to the seaside in this joyous illustrated picture book from Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb. In the carriage, they meet a menagerie of unlikely animal passengers, from a tiger in a top hat to crocodiles with beach gear and – our favourite – hippos with sweetie tins. Through wonderful illustrations and playful rhymes, this charming book encourages imagination and also gently reminds parents to put down their phones and cherish precious moments with their children. With a classic feel, heart-warming message and captivating characters, ‘There’s a Tiger on the Train’ is a sure-fire bedtime story hit.

Found by Sam Usher

When Boy and his grandad set off for a day out on the beach, little can they imagine the spectacular adventure that awaits. A joyful seaside story that celebrates the bond between a grandson and his grandfather. With sandcastle building, a sailing rescue feat and a satisfying twist – all conveyed through short bursts of text and watercolour illustrations – this is a beautiful book to read and share with young children. The fourth in the series – including Wild, Free and Lost – Found does not disappoint.

The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann and Padmacandra

When a young girl meets a whale, she is taken on a miraculous journey through pristine paradise waters of endless treasures, but also plastic pollution and discarded waste. A beautifully illustrated and sensitive story that will inspire younger children to consider the environment. If your EYFS class is planning a beach or litter clean, this is a great book to read and share.

The Charlie Moon Collection by Shirley Hughes

Charlie manages to get himself into all sorts of trouble. His seaside summer trip turns into a missing jewellery mystery with burglars. A ripping yarn for seven-year-olds, this is a perfect text for taking on holiday.

Max Magic 3 by Stephen Mulhern and Tom Easton

Max Mullers is going on holiday and hopes to avoid the dreaded prison break Crayfish Twins who are bent on revenge and looking for him. Find out if Max and his friends can lie low and escape the Crayfish clutches in this summery seaside-tinged adventure. Perfect for readers aged 7 to 10, the third instalment of this accessible and pacey series will appeal to magic and problem-solving fans. And with a dyslexia-friendly font and engaging layout, it’s ideal for less confident readers at the top end of KS2.

Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest by Susan Brownrigg

Set in the seaside town of Blackpool, this captivating mystery will grip 9+ year-old readers with intriguing characters and a nostalgic setting. When her mother mysteriously disappears from their new home at The Majestic boarding house, Gracie and her siblings team up with their maid to unravel her disappearance. Set against the backdrop of the 1935 Illuminations Switch-on, this delightful tale is perfect for fans of classic mystery series like The Famous Five and Nancy Drew.

Son of the Sea by Richard Pickard

Caspar dreams of swimming but has to hide his uniquely webbed feet. But then he discovers how he’s linked to the sea and his life changes forever. Perfect for more able readers in Year 4, Son of the Sea will make for an enthralling and thought-provoking class reader and or a sparkling tale of positivity for 9+ year-olds. Read Tracy Wood’s review.

Seaside themed middle grade novels for KS2 & KS3

Northwind by Gary Paulsen

When a plague forces Leif, an orphan, to flee for his life in a canoe with barely any food, he embraces his newfound freedom and grows to love the wide open seas and the Norwegian coast. Learning to forage, and live off the land and sea, he feels at home amongst the wildlife. It’s a gripping story of resilience, determination and survival. Highly recommended.