Inside: 21 fascinating kids books about sharks to really sink your teeth into!
Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, there’s no denying that sharks are simply captivating for curious kids!
Today we’ve rounded up 21 fabulous shark books, great for home or school. The list includes picture books featuring sharks as the main characters, sharp toothed chapter books and novels for independent elementary/primary and middle school readers, and non-fiction titles packed with kid-friendly facts about these fascinating rulers of the sea.
21 Kids Books About Sharks
As with all of the books in our Best Books for Kids collection, each book on this list is linked to both Amazon and The Book Depository (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for any titles you are not familiar with.
Fiction: Picture Books About Sharks
 Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway: Smiley Shark may be the biggest fish in the ocean but he’s also the friendliest and the funniest – and by far the smiliest. So why won’t the other fish let him join in their games?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 I’m a Shark by Bob Shea: What is a shark afraid of? The dark? A big bear? Never! There is one thing Shark fears…can you guess what it is?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman: Interesting shark facts are interwoven into a clever story about the fact that sharks are actually not so bad and scary, more just misunderstood!Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Land Shark by Ben Mantle: The only thing Bobby wants for his birthday is a pet shark. So you can imagine his disappointment when his parents get him a puppy! Full of humour and heart, this book explores the idea that sometimes, getting exactly what you don’t want turns out to be exactly what you need.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Shark Vs Train by Chris Barton: A rather wacky, very funny picture book pitting toy train against toy shark in burping, bowling, piano playing, pie eating and more! Who will win the ultimate toy box contest?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 What’s More Scary Than a Shark? by Paul Bright: What’s more scary than a shark? Two sharks! Shark is seriously scary and then along comes Sadie. Can Shark skip his scary ways to win Sadie’s sharky heart?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Fictional Shark Books for Elementary Readers
 The Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson: A Hawaiian folk tale captured in an engaging graphic novel format. Kalei discovers the man she loves is the Shark King when he returns to the ocean after their son is born. Nanaue grows to be a clever boy but as much as he loves his mother, he also misses his father. Will Nanaue find his father and work out where he really belongs?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Stink and The Shark Sleepover by Megan McDonald: When Stink and his friends get to sleep over at the aquarium, it’s a science freak’s dream come true. Stink loves the sea-creature scavenger hunt, the jellyfish light show, and the sand tiger sharks with razor-sharp teeth. But after some spooky stories around the virtual campfire, can Stink manage to fall asleep?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Sharks by Kate & Kevin Tsang: Sam Wu is not a scaredy-cat (except when he is). And when a shark totally tries to eat him at the local aquarium, he decides he’s not going to take any more chances. At his friend’s birthday party at the beach Sam refuses to dip even a toe in the water- nothing could go wrong now, could it?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 The Great Shark Escape (Magic School Bus Chapter Books) by Jennifer Johnston: A class trip to the aquarium ends up in the depths of the ocean as Ms.Frizzle’s class must escape the jaws of a great white shark. Of course this is the perfect opportunity for Ms. Frizzle to teach the class all about sharks!Available: Amazon |
 The Shark Caller by Dianne Wolfer: A beautiful story for middle schoolers. Izzy’s brother has been killed in a diving accident, and she’s returning to Papau New Guinea to spread his ashes to the sea. When she arrives Izzy realises things have changed since their last visit. Logging threatens the community’s way of life and sharks no longer answer the song of the shark callers. Izzy’s cousin explains that the clan needs someone to undertake a traditional diving ritual. The person must be a twin from the shark calling lineage. The dive will be perilous. And Izzy is the last twin.Available: The Book Depository |
Non-Fiction: Informational Books About Sharks
 If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams: A beautiful narrative non fiction explaining the delicate balance of an important natural environment. Sharks might be scary but they are an essential part of the ocean ecosystem and we need them to keep our oceans healthy.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 How to Survive As a Shark by Kristen Foote: An entertaining introduction to shark facts for younger children (that older ones will find fascinating too – like learning the definitio of oophagy!)Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Smart About Sharks by Owen Davey: With detailed illustrations and engaging text, Smart About Sharks compares the diet, hunting techniques, social life, size and biology of eight different sharks. Tips for ecologically sensitive living also included.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Fly Guy Presents Sharks by Tedd Arnold: A fun and fascinating nonfiction reader that combines the kid-friendly humour of Fly Guy with the high-interest topic of sharks! Great for early readers.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Mad About Sharks by Deborah Jane Murrell: For kids who are mad about sharks! From fins and teeth to babies and ancient ancestors, this pint-sized book is full of fascinating facts and information for young shark enthusiasts.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Surprising Sharks by Nicola Davies: Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 How to Draw Sharks by Arkady Roytman: With clear, simple directions kids can learn to draw a variety of the marine world’s fiercest predators – from the Great White and the Hammerhead to Tiger, Bull, and Saw Sharks.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Who Would Win: Hammerhead Vs Bull Shark by Jerry Pallotta: Packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts, this title from the popular Who Would Win? series compares two ferocious shark species.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang is the story of a girl who grew up to be known as ‘Shark Lady.’ Eugenie was fascinated with sharks from a young age and her curiosity and courage- swimming into shark caves – inspired a successful career as a marine researcher.Available: Amazon |
 Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the World’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating teaches us that the world cannot tell us what we can, or can’t do. Through Eugenie Clark’s story we are inspired to be fearless in following our dreams.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Want even more undersea reading adventures? Check out this list of 25+ Ocean Books for Kids.
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
