Nonfiction Books About Sharks for Kids (Ages 3-6)
Nonfiction books about sharks are a great choice for curious kids who want real answers about these fascinating ocean animals. From learning how sharks swim and hunt to discovering the different types of sharks, informational books help preschoolers and kindergartners explore shark facts in a simple, age-appropriate way.
These nonfiction reads also pair naturally with shark activities for preschoolers, making it easy to extend interest through play, drawing, or simple hands-on exploration at home. Whether you’re planning a short shark theme or just following your child’s curiosity, the books below work well for ages 3–6 without feeling overwhelming.
Nonfiction Shark Books At-a-Glance
Ages: 3–6
Focus: Nonfiction shark books with real facts and photos
Skills Supported: Curiosity, early science concepts, vocabulary development
Best For: Preschool and kindergarten kids who want real shark information
Reading Style: Read-aloud friendly and easy to browse independently
Works Well With: Shark themes, ocean units, and interest-led learning
What Makes a Good Nonfiction Shark Book for Kids
The best nonfiction shark books for young kids share real information in a way that feels approachable and engaging. At this age, nonfiction should invite curiosity without overwhelming early readers.
Look for books that include:
- Real photos or clear illustrations that help kids see what sharks actually look like
- Short sections of text that are easy to read aloud or explore a page at a time
- Simple, kid-friendly vocabulary with just a few new words to learn
- Focus on big ideas, such as where sharks live, how they move, and what they eat
- Browsable layouts with labels, diagrams, or fact boxes that encourage exploration
These features make nonfiction books about sharks more enjoyable for preschoolers and kindergartners while still delivering meaningful facts they can understand.
Nonfiction Shark Books for Preschoolers
Nonfiction books for preschoolers work best when they focus on big ideas and strong visuals rather than long explanations. At ages 3–4, kids are usually more interested in what sharks look like, where they live, and how they move than in detailed facts.
The books in this section use real photos or simple illustrations, short sentences, and clear layouts that make them easy to enjoy during read-aloud time or independent browsing. They introduce basic shark facts in a way that feels engaging and age-appropriate without overwhelming young learners.
Hello, World! Sharks
This sturdy nonfiction board book introduces young kids to sharks using simple language and bright illustrations. It covers basic shark facts like body parts, ocean habitats, and movement, making it a great first nonfiction shark book for preschoolers and younger kindergarten kids.
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Hark! A Shark! All About Sharks
This playful nonfiction book introduces shark facts using rhyming text and classic Dr. Seuss–style illustrations. It blends real information about shark behavior and characteristics with humor and wordplay, making it a fun nonfiction option for preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy lively read-alouds.
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My Little Golden Book About Sharks
This gentle nonfiction picture book introduces young kids to sharks using simple text and classic Little Golden Book–style illustrations. It shares basic shark facts about body parts, habitats, and different types of sharks, making it a solid nonfiction choice for preschoolers and kindergartners who are just beginning to explore ocean animals.
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Sharks: Teeth to Tail
This sturdy nonfiction board book introduces shark facts through clear photographs and simple explanations that highlight body parts, movement, and habitats. Designed for early learners, it works especially well for preschoolers and kindergartners who enjoy real images and straightforward information, allowing them to explore a page at a time.
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For a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles designed specifically for this age group, you can also explore our full list of shark books for preschoolers.
Nonfiction Shark Books for Kindergarten
Nonfiction shark books for kindergarteners can include a bit more detail while still staying accessible for young readers. At ages 5–6, many kids are ready to learn specific shark facts, explore different types of sharks, and begin using new science vocabulary in a meaningful way.
The books in this section often feature longer sentences, labeled diagrams, and more detailed photos or illustrations. They work well for shared reading, independent exploration, or as a reference when kids want answers to their shark questions.
I Am the Shark
This engaging nonfiction picture book shares shark facts through a first-person, conversational format that feels playful and accessible for young kids. It introduces basic information about shark behavior, body parts, and ocean life in a way that works well for preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy stories with real facts woven in.
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Shark Lady
This narrative nonfiction picture book tells the true story of Eugenie Clark, a scientist who spent her life studying sharks. It introduces real shark facts alongside a simple biography, making it a good choice for preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy true stories and learning about real people who study ocean animals.
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The Small and Mighty Book of Sharks
This compact nonfiction book packs short, engaging shark facts into a small, easy-to-handle format for young readers. With bold illustrations and bite-sized information, it works well for preschoolers and kindergartners who enjoy quick facts and flipping through pages independently.
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Sensational Sharks
This visually engaging nonfiction picture book introduces a wide variety of sharks through bold illustrations and clear, kid-friendly facts. It highlights different shark species, habitats, and behaviors, making it a good choice for preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy looking closely at pictures while learning new information.
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Sharks: I’m Ready to Read
This beginner nonfiction book introduces shark facts using real photographs and short, simple sentences designed for early readers. It works well for preschoolers who enjoy looking at real images and for kindergarteners who are starting to read nonfiction independently with support.
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If you’re looking for a broader mix of shark books written specifically for this age group, you can also browse our full collection of shark books for kindergarten.
How to Use Nonfiction Shark Books at Home
Nonfiction books don’t need to be read cover to cover to be useful. For young kids, these books work best when they’re treated as a resource to explore rather than a lesson to complete.
Try using nonfiction shark books in simple, flexible ways:
- Read a few pages at a time during story time or interest-led reading
- Let your child browse independently, looking at photos, diagrams, and captions
- Pause to answer questions or look up new words together
- Revisit favorite pages when your child wants to learn more about a specific shark
- Pair books with play, drawing, building, or pretending to deepen interest
Using nonfiction books this way keeps learning relaxed and enjoyable while still supporting curiosity and early science understanding.
More Shark Books by Age
If your child is especially interested in sharks, browsing books by age can help you find titles that match their attention span and reading level. These lists group shark books by developmental stage, from simple board books to early elementary reads.
- Shark books for toddlers: Simple, sturdy books with bold images and very short text for the youngest shark fans.
- Shark books for preschoolers: A mix of storybooks and gentle nonfiction designed for ages 3–4.
- Shark books for kindergarten: Longer reads with more facts and vocabulary for ages 5–6.
Nonfiction books about sharks give young kids the chance to explore real facts in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. Whether your child is flipping through photos, asking questions, or revisiting favorite pages, these books support curiosity and early science learning at a natural pace.
As with any topic, it’s okay to follow interest while it lasts and move on when curiosity shifts. Reading about sharks doesn’t need to turn into a full unit or lesson plan. Sometimes, a good book and a curious question are more than enough.
Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.
