17 Jawsome Shark Books for Young Readers

Whether your young reader has been swept up in Shark Week excitement or is a longtime devotee of the sea’s most dangerous and interesting swimmers, these shark books for kids are sure to give them something to sink their teeth into.

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1. Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Tracy Subisak

Shawn is a shark fanatic. So when his teacher assigns reports on sea life to the class, he’s unhappy when someone else gets sharks as a topic. Kids with any kind of obsession can relate to this award-winning title.

Buy it: Shawn Loves Sharks on Amazon

2. Shark Dog! by Ged Adamson

Is it a shark, or is it a dog? It’s half of each and it’s the extremely lovable but sometimes confused new pet of the little girl at the helm of this exuberant picture book.

Buy it: Shark Dog! on Amazon

3. Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale

The first in a continuing series, Clark the Shark is introduced as a buoyant, enthusiastic big fish in the sea. The problem is, he can sometimes be a bit too much for his fish family and friends.

Buy it: Clark the Shark on Amazon

4. Shark Lady by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

The true story of scientist Eugenie Clark is about defying expectations in multiple ways: Clark set out to learn about sharks in a world that believed the fish were nothing but bad news and also thought women shouldn’t be scientists.

Buy it: Shark Lady on Amazon

5. Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Scott Magoon

Everyone thinks sharks are up to no good, no matter what they’re actually up to. This picture book provides fun facts and spins a hilarious story about a shark who freaks out an underwater TV crew.

Buy it: Misunderstood Shark on Amazon

6. My Little Golden Book About Sharks by Bonnie Bader, illustrated by Steph Laberis

Sharks get the iconic Golden Book treatment in this guide to the many types of sharks that roam the oceans.

Buy it: My Little Golden Book About Sharks on Amazon

7. I’m Getting a Shark! by Brady Smith

A little girl overhears her parents discussing sharks and assumes she’s getting one for birthday. But she has to adjust her vision when she learns they’ve adopted a wild shark in her name.

Buy it: I’m Getting a Shark! on Amazon

8. Hark! A Shark! by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu

Kid favorite the Cat in the Hat guides young readers into the deep to explore the world of sharks, learn how we study them, and discover why they’re not as fearsome as we may believe.

Buy it: Hark! A Shark! on Amazon

9. Dude! by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Dan Santat

This book has two friends—beaver and platypus, only one word (“Dude!”), and a giant shark in a vibrant and unexpected splash of a story.

Buy it: Dude! on Amazon

10. Sharks! Sticker Activity Book by National Geographic Kids

One thousand shark stickers and a treasure trove of games and activities make this fun book irresistible to shark-loving kids.

Buy it: Sharks! Sticker Sticker Book on Amazon

11. Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

Oona is a mischievous mermaid who gets along with just about every creature under the sea. But Stanley the shark is not impressed by Oona’s inventions, yet she persists in working to gain his friendship.

Buy it: Oona and the Shark on Amazon

Newly Independent Readers

12. Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures! by Mike Lowery

This 128-page reference book is jam-packed with shark facts and fun, illustrated in vibrant colors, and punctuated by humorous comics and silliness. It’s part of the Everything Awesome series of books, a hugely creative effort from author-illustrator Mike Lowery.

Buy it: Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures! on Amazon

13. Pedro and the Shark by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyons

When Pedro’s class takes a field trip to the aquarium, he doesn’t notice when he gets left behind—at the shark tank. This chapter book is perfect for shark-loving beginning readers.

Buy it: Pedro and the Shark on Amazon

14. National Geographic Kids: The Ultimate Book of Sharks by Brian Skerry

When National Geographic Kids promises the “ultimate” book of anything, you know it will be chock-full of interesting stories, jaw-dropping facts, and amazing photography, and this guide to sharks is no exception.

Buy it: The Ultimate Book of Sharks on Amazon

15. How to Draw Sharks by Arkady Roytman

If you’re looking for shark books for kids who love to draw, the simple-to-follow instructions in this book make it possible for young artists to draw whatever type of shark most captures their imagination.

Buy it: How to Draw Sharks on Amazon

16. Pocket Genius: Sharks: Facts at Your Fingertips by DK

DK’s Pocket Genius series packs serious information into a volume that can be easily slipped into a backpack or, yes, pocket. The edition covering sharks includes write-ups of 150 species.

Buy it: Sharks: Facts at Your Fingertips on Amazon

17. Magic Tree House: Shadow of the Shark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca

In this edition of the Magic Treehouse, Jack and Annie are whisked to Mexico for a respite from their adventures, only to encounter a hungry shark! Newly independent readers will love how this series works facts into an exciting narrative.

Buy it: Shadow of the Shark on Amazon

If you like these shark books for kids, check out 29 Fascinating Facts About Sharks for Kids.

Plus, find all our Summer Learning Resources here!