Nonfiction Books About Animals
When Kirsten and I were talking about books we loved, we realized there were quite a few that were nonfiction books about animals. I wanted to give you a list of these books.
I love reading books about animals, especially when the story is true. If you are looking for great adult fiction novels about animals, I have that list as well.
I am particular about which nonfiction books I like to read, and there is no rhyme or reason. However, when it comes to nonfiction books about animals, I find myself captivated by the story very quickly. Animals cannot lie or pretend to be something they are not. They can teach us so much about ourselves. Below are Kirsten’s and my favorite books in the category.
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Nonfiction Books About Animals
Raising Hare
Author: Chloe Dalton
Year: 2025
Genre: Memoir
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
During the Covid lockdown, Chloe discovered a leveret, aka a baby hare, and decided to rescue it from death. She nursed it to health, working hard not to domesticate it, and watched it grow and thrive, eventually having babies of its own in her backyard in the English countryside.
Why Kirsten loves it
This cozy read is a bestseller in the UK for a reason. Chloe’s narrative was soothing and interesting as she details the hurdles and highlights of rescuing a leveret and watching it mature. I felt her compassion and care in her narrative — it gave me new respect for these wild creatures. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books About Animals / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Giftable Books / Best Nonfiction Books of 2025 / Feel Good Nonfiction Books
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Author: Lara Hillenbrand
Year: 1999
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are looking for the best feel-good nonfiction book, look no further than this story which is the perfect underdog story. Seabiscuit is the story of a horse who overcame every obstacle, bad fortune, and injury to run one of the best horse races of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
This book reads like fiction because the story is fantastic and is one of the rare cases where the adaptation did the book justice. It is the ultimate story of an underdog. If you are looking for an animal book for adults you will love, this should be your pick.
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books About Animals / Feel-Good Nonfiction Books / Books About Sports
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
Author: Sy Montgomery
Year: 2015
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sy Montgomery is a naturalist who explores consciousness through the stories of animals- particularly Octopuses. The lives of these shy, amazing animals are unlike any other animal on the planet. These intelligent creatures, who have such distinct personalities are the backdrop for this wonderful feel-good nonfiction book.
Why Jackie loves it
My mom recommended this book to me for a feel-good book about animals for adults and it was exactly what I needed. Be warned! After reading this book, you may never be able to eat octopus again.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Books About Animals / Best Nonfiction Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Math and Science Nonfiction Books
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Author: Diane Ackerman
Year: 2007
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
There is no surprise that this nonfiction book was made into a movie. The story is just so compelling and feels like a novel. When the Nazis invaded Poland, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo had their animal collection ransacked. While taking care of the remnants of the zoo, they decide to hide fleeing Jewish people in the now-empty animal homes.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Animal death, Genocide, War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this book and I am so glad that I listened to this one. Suzanne Toren reads it beautifully. Her wonderful accents and pronunciation of the words helped set the scene.
Find this book in: Feel-Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books About the Holocaust / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Netflix Adaptations / Nonfiction Books About Animals
When Harry Met Minnie: A True Story of Love and Friendship
Author: Martha Teichner
Year: 2021
Genre: Memoir
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Martha and her Bull Terrier Minnie had a chance encounter with an old friend at the Union Square Farmers market. He told Martha about his friend Carol who was dying from cancer from 9/11 toxins and was trying to find someone to take her dog
What follows is a fairytale of unconditional love, friendship, and heartbreak. Be warned. Not all fairytales have happy endings.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a remarkable true story of love and friendship that is
Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog
Author: John Grogan
Year: 2005
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a heartwarming story about a family and their huge yellow lab. Marley is a hilariously, ridiculous, horribly behaved dog who teaches everyone around him what love really means. From his time as a puppy in John’s bachelor days, until his elder dog years when John has a family, this book perfectly captures the full pet-ownership experience.
Why Jackie loves it
If you are looking for nonfiction books that read like fiction, this is the book for you. After all, who would believe one dog could create so much havoc?
Find this book in: Nonfiction Books About Animals / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners
The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Animals
Author: Yossi Yovel
Year: 2025
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 114+
Plot
There are nearly 1500 species of bats. These are incredibly interesting animals that range in size, colors, and what they eat. This book, written by an ecologist and neurobiologist, is an in-depth look at these amazing mammals
Trigger Warnings
Discussion of blood (vampire bats)
Why Jackie loves it
I am in awe of the differences between the variety of bats. While I did not like reading about the vampire bats who actually drink blood, I was amazed at the complex social structure that exists in bat colonies. This is a fascinating book.
Expert Tip
If you are looking for nonfiction books about animals and you are not sure where to start, here are some tips:
- Pick an animal you love- we have rabbits, horses, dogs, and more on this list.
- Read the descriptions! Kirsten or I have read every one of these books to help you pick one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nonfiction book about animals?
There are so many amazing books to choose from, but my favorite is Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. Not only is the subject fascinating, but Montgomery’s storytelling skills are wonderful. This book reads like fiction and will definitely leave you wanting more
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Epilogue
What is your favorite nonfiction book about animals? If it is not on this list, I would love more suggestions!
