This post is about the best beach books for kids. Whether you make it to the beach this summer or not, your child is sure to love these books about the beach!
Beaches hold a special allure for children with their vast stretches of sand, crashing waves, and fascinating marine life. Being close to the beach was just one of the things that drew us to southern life, and it’s still one of our favorite ways to spend the day as a family!
If you’re looking to ignite your child’s imagination and introduce them to the wonders of the beach, picture books are a fantastic way to do it. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 17 delightful picture books about beaches that will captivate your child’s interest and bring the seaside adventures to life.
picture books about beaches for Ages 0 – 3
This engaging picture book perfectly captures the anticipation and excitement of a family’s day at the beach. From building sandcastles to flying kites and splashing in the surf, young readers will feel the warmth of the sun and the joy of seaside fun through the vivid illustrations and lively text.
With its vibrant illustrations and engaging text, this board book captures the joyful experiences of building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and searching for seashells. A definite winner for explorative toddles!
Llama Llama is one of our favorite series and the fact that it’s also a touch-and-feel book is even better. My daughter asked to read this book over and over when she was a toddler!
It’s no secret we love alphabet books around here so I just had to include this one in our beach books list! This beautifully illustrated book introduces kids to different aspects of coastal life while teaching them the alphabet at the same time.
Spot was a favorite of mine growing up and I loved reading this book and dreaming about the beach (hazards of a warm-weather loving kid growing up in the midwest, haha!). Your kiddo will love adventuring with Spot as he enjoys a day of sun, sand, and surf, making new friends and having a splash-tastic time at the beach.
In “Biscuit’s First Beach Day,” the lovable pup Biscuit embarks on a fun-filled adventure at the beach. From building sandcastles to playing in the waves, Biscuit’s excitement and curiosity create unforgettable moments of joy and discovery.
“Good Night Beach” is a delightful tale that captures the joy and wonder of a day spent by the seaside. It’s a bedtime story that will make your little ones drift off to sleep with visions of sandcastles and ocean waves dancing in their heads.
picture books about beaches for ages 3 – 7
Suzy Lee’s wordless picture book, “Wave,” immerses readers in the joy and playfulness of a young girl’s interactions with ocean waves. Through captivating illustrations, children will experience the excitement of the beach as they follow the girl’s delightful encounters with the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves.
Join a young girl in Marianne Berkes’ “Seashells by the Seashore” as she embarks on a beachcombing adventure, collecting seashells of various shapes, sizes, and colors. This beautifully illustrated book not only introduces children to the diverse world of seashells but also teaches them about marine life and encourages a love for exploration and discovery. Also available as a board book for younger readers!
In “Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach,” Mélanie Watt’s lovable character, Scaredy Squirrel, faces his fears head-on as he cautiously navigates a beach outing. This humorous and relatable story takes children on a delightful journey as Scaredy Squirrel learns to embrace new experiences and discovers that the beach can be a place of adventure and excitement. This is a great book for kiddos with anxiety – it teaches problem solving skills and shows how preparation can help ease fears over a new situation.
I still remember the first time I discovered a wordless picture book. I was so enamored with the idea that you could tell an entire story without words. “A Day for Sandcastles” is a captivating wordless picture book that follows a child’s imaginative journey at the beach. With vibrant illustrations, readers witness the creation of magnificent sandcastles, highlighting the power of visuals to tell a story without the need for words.
Those books are a great opportunity to practice story analysis with your kiddo! This is a foundational part of learning to read and wordless picture books allow for a unique opportunity to focus just on the images being presented to really analyze the setting, characters, story progression, and recap.
Megan Maynor’s “The Sandcastle That Lola Built” celebrates the power of teamwork and creativity. Join Lola and her family as they come together to build an impressive sandcastle, taking readers on an enchanting journey through the process of creation and the joy of collaboration.
With its breathtaking illustrations and sparse text, Elisha Cooper’s “Beach” offers a serene and immersive experience of a day spent at the beach. Readers will be captivated by the subtle details and vivid imagery, evoking the peaceful ambiance and the vastness of the seaside landscape. This book invites children to imagine themselves walking barefoot in the sand and listening to the soothing sound of crashing waves.
In “A House for Hermit Crab,” beloved author and illustrator Eric Carle takes readers on an imaginative journey as Hermit Crab sets out to find a new home. Along the way, he encounters various sea creatures and discovers the beauty and interconnectedness of the underwater world. This engaging story encourages children to appreciate the wonders of marine life and embrace change.
In “Ladybug Girl at the Beach,” young readers accompany the brave and imaginative Ladybug Girl as she explores the wonders of the beach. With colorful illustrations and relatable experiences, this picture book encourages children to embrace their curiosity, use their imagination, and discover the magic that can be found in even the smallest beach treasures.
Pam Muñoz Ryan’s “Hello Ocean” invites children to experience the beauty and sensory delights of the ocean through poetic text and vibrant illustrations. From the feel of warm sand to the sound of seagulls and the salty breeze, young readers will be transported to the seaside as they explore the sights, sounds, and sensations of the ocean.
Jim Arnosky’s “Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore” is an engaging non-fiction picture book that takes children on a fascinating journey along the shoreline. Through captivating illustrations and informative text, young beachcombers will learn about the diverse marine life, discover interesting seashells, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders found at the beach.
Tip: bring a small, waterproof bag like these beachcombing bags so your kiddo can bring their treasures home safely!
These 17 picture books about beaches offer delightful stories and captivating illustrations that will ignite your child’s imagination and cultivate a love for the seaside. Whether they are building sandcastles, collecting seashells, or exploring the wonders of marine life, these books provide a gateway to endless possibilities and create lasting memories of the beach. So grab a book, head to the shore, and embark on an enchanting adventure together.
Happy reading!
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