Best Animal Books for Kids
There are so many wonderful animal books for kids that I had difficulty narrowing down my choices. Kirsten and I have read every one of these picture books with our kids and our kids have read every one of these chapter books- sometimes more than once.
You can be assured that if there is an animal book on this list, it has been pre-approved. The board books are adorable. The picture books are so much fun and the chapter books are engaging. There is something for everyone on this list.
The Beyond the Bookends summer reading challenge includes a prompt to read an animal novel. We included a few chapter books in this list that would fit that prompt very nicely. Some of the books in this list make great reading for adults as well. Some of my favorite books of all time are “middle grade”.
If there are books you think I missed, please let me know. Otherwise, happy reading!
*Animal Children’s Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Board Books: Animal Books for Kids ages 1-4
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Year: 1999
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
Gerald is a giraffe who wants to dance but things that is can’t. Thanks to a friend who encourages him, Gerald finds a way to embrace his differences.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love this book about following your heart and being true to yourself. The bonus of rhyming makes this book that much more special. This is one of the children’s books about being different that I was happy to read over and over.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for 2-Year-Olds / Rhyming Books
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See
Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
Brown Bear, Brown Bear is a classic for a reason. It uses Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle’s signature style to teach about colors and animals. The repetitive pattern is addictive.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s a great introduction to colors and animals. There are so many activities that can be done with this great book for toddlers. But the colors and pictures are perfect for even the littlest reader.
Find this book in: Color Books / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 2-year-old Books / Classic Kids Books
Good Night, Gorilla
Author: Peggy Rathmann
Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann
Year: 1996
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
This book is hilarious and a favorite in our house to this day. The sweet animals and the completely clueless zookeeper are laugh-out-loud funny. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo” which says something about how amusing this book is.
Why Jackie loves it
This wordless picture book is perfect for making up new stories. It’s a creative exercise in storytelling that will delight over and over.
Find this book in: Zoo Books / Bedtime Stories for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-Olds / Wordless Picture Books / Animal Children’s Books
But Not the Hippopotamus
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Boynton
Year: 1982
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Animals are all playing together- cavorting in a bog, drinking juice etc. and the hippo is not joining them.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading this with my kids. It is utterly ridiculous and completely wonderful. One of my oldest son’s first words was “armadillo!” It is a perfect classic children’s book.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 1-year-old / Rhyming Books / Classic Books for Kids
Plot
Rhyming, animals, and the sweet words in this book make it the perfect companion before bed. I loved setting up a routine that let my kids know bedtime was coming.
We would bathe, put on lotion, and snuggle up to read a story. I made sure that my voice was quiet and soothing. Even if you have a new baby, incorporating a book into your nightly routine is a wonderful way to end the day.
Why Jackie loves it
The rhyming for language development and lovely illustrations of animals make this a perfect going-to-bed book for babies.
Find this book in: Bedtime Books / Classic Books for Kids / First Year Reading Tips / Newborn Books / Best Board Books / 1-year-old Books / Animal Books for Kids
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2012
Genre: Bedtime Books
Age: 1-3
More info: Book 1 of Llama Llama Series
Plot
As the original book in the Lama Llama series, Llama Llama Red Pajama has a special place in our hearts. It’s the story that introduced us to our pal and his amazing Mama Llama.
In this one, Llama Llama is having trouble falling asleep – something every child can relate to, but his behavior has Mama maintaining a firm but loving routine to help Llama.
Why Jackie loves it
Every child has trouble with bedtime at some point. This sweet book helps kids realize they are not alone. As an added bonus, the book is written in rhyme.
Find this book in: Bedtime Books for Kids / Best Animal Books for Kids / Rhyming Books
Curious George
Author: H. A. Rey
Illustrator: H. A. Rey
Year: 1973
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
More info: Curious George #1
Plot
The story that launched an empire starts with a curious little monkey, a man in a yellow hat, and a new home at the local zoo.
Why Jackie loves it
Everyone’s favorite monkey remains a classic for a reason. This silly antics have delighted children for generations and recent adaptations have made sure he still has a cult following.
Find this book in: Best Books for 4-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
Picture Books: Animal Books for Kids ages 4-7
Mother Bruce
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Mother Bruce #1
Plot
Mother Bruce is the first in a fantastic series about a grumpy bear who becomes the adoptive mom of 4 young geese. He tries to get rid of them but soon realizes they are part of his family.
The rest of the series continues the story of Bruce, his geese children, and the inhabitants of the forest. Just wait until your children read about the meddlesome mice in future books!
Why Kirsten loves it
Bruce is so grumpy, I cannot help but laugh at him. No matter how grumpy he gets, he is also a great parent to the geese.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for a 3-Year-Olds
The Circus Ship
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2009
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
As a circus ship is headed toward Maine, it encounters a storm and begins to sink. The animals who are left to fend for themselves make it to safety and become part of the town. When the horrible owner of the circus comes looking for the animals, he encounters a surprise.
Why Jackie loves it
This book about a sunken circus ship is not only funny, but it is heartwarming as well. Chris Van Dusen is a master of rhyme. The rhyming scheme in this book is fantastic which only adds to the delight of this animal book.
Find this book in: Animal Book for Kids / Rhyming Books / Best Books for 4-year-olds
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2004
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Pigeon series
Plot
Mo Willems is a must-know author if you have preschoolers. He writes the best books for 4-year-olds! His pigeon series is particularly funny. In this story, the pigeon finds a hot dog but a clever bird outwits him into sharing!
Why Kirsten loves it
Pigeon is hilarious and his antics are so ridiculous that even younger readers will recognize his silliness. This is the perfect book to keep kids interactive when reading the book. It is also a great tool to teach appropriate social behavior because Pigeon is so silly.
Find this book in: Kids Food Books / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Plot
In 15 years, I don’t think I have ever found everything on ANY page in this book. The illustrations are completely amazing, creative, and mesmerizing as well. This is the alphabet book that I can read with all my kids (including my 16-year-old).
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best alliteration books I have ever read and the fact that it is also a mystery makes it a wonderful pick for the whole family.
Find this book in: Alliteration Books / Alphabet Books / Animals Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Felicia Bond
Year: 1985
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the If You Give A Series
Plot
If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk. And so the story continues in a big circle until the mouse is thirsty again. The adorable pictures and silly consequences will help your little one understand sequencing.
Why Jackie loves it
I use this book in speech therapy all the time to work on sequencing and cause and effect. This is a great book to give you question prompts for your little one.
Find this book in: Best Books 2-Year-Old / Kids Books About Food / Animal Books for Kids
The Gruffalo
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2005
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is another classic in our house. Mouse proves that a little bit of brain is all you need when faced with a whole lot of muscle. We adore this rhyming wonder.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this book written in rhyme, but it is funny as well. It also has a very strong message about brains vs. brawn as well as bullying.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Animal Children’s Books / Best Books for 5-Year-Olds / Monster Books for Kids
The Wonky Donkey
Author: Craig Smith
Illustrator: Katz Cowley
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2+
Plot
This book starts with what seems like a simple story. I was walking down the road and I saw a donkey who only had three legs… This story progresses into a hysterical tale of a donkey that will leave you in tears from laughing so hard.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is hilarious! But more than that, this book is a great book to read with your child to practice their auditory memory skills. The description of the donkey repeats in its entirety with each new item added to give your child a chance to remember and repeat.
Find this book in: Rhyming Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Animal Books
The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms
Author: Sandra Fay
Illustrator: Sandra Fay
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Mongolian Death Worms are as legendary to some as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, but these worms just want to make friends despite their gruesome appearance. Can the save the day when disaster strikes the desert?
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked this book up at my son’s book fair after all the kids in the grade were raving about how funny the story is. If your kid likes silly tales, this one doesn’t disappoint.
Find this book in: Best Books for 5-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
Bunny’s Book Club
Author: Annie Silvestro
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
Bunny has loved books since the first time he stumbled on a librarian reading outside to children. But when cold weather set-in, he couldn’t hear the stories anymore. So he set out with a plan.
He snuck into the library in the middle of the night to “borrow” some books for his home. Soon his woodland friends want to get in on the reading fun, but when they get caught one late night at the library, things don’t go quite as they planned.
Why Jackie loves it
Aside from the cuteness of woodland critters reading books, we love that the ending shows that the library is a welcome home to book lovers of all creatures!
Find this book in: Rabbit Books / Kids Books About Books / Best Books for 3-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
A Boy, A Mouse, and A Spider- The Story of E.B. White
Author: Barbara Herkert
Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Year: 2017
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
The adorable picture book tells the story of beloved children’s author E.B. White. As a young boy, Elwyn was bedridden, and he befriended a mouse. He began writing in a journal, and from that journal came some of the most beloved classic children’s books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a wonderful nonfiction book to teach kids about a beloved author. They will be E.B. White fans for life after reading it!
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds
Alfie (The Turtle That Disappeared)
Author: Thyra Heder
Illustrator: Thyra Heder
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
Nia loves her pet turtle even if he is not cuddly and cannot do tricks. The night before her 7th birthday, the turtle disappears. This is when the book switches perspectives to the turtles.
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many things that are great about this adorable book. Alfie is trying to find a birthday present and accidentally hibernates for the winter.
Find this book in: Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds
The Wolf, The Duck, and the Mouse
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: E. B. White Read Aloud Award Winner
Plot
A duck and a mouse find themselves inside a wolf’s belly and decide they like their life there. There is good food, and it’s relaxing, so when they find themselves back in the real world, they decide to find a way back.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a funny book that, at its heart, is about making a bad situation better. It is a strange and funny book that is so original.
Find this book in: Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 7-year-olds
The Princess and the Crocodile
Author: Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
When a Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces, this book is the result. Can this overscheduled princess get a day off? The princess makes her misbehaving pet crocodile take her place so she can relax. Will this silly plan work?
Why Jackie loves it
The illustrations are fantastic, as well as the story. It is funny because it is so ridiculous, and everyone loves a good laugh.
Classic Animal Books
Cat in the Hat
Author: Dr. Suess
Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Year: 1957
Genre: Classic Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
This classic book for kids marks the first appearance of one of the most beloved characters in literature. The Cat in the Hat is one of the most well-known classic children’s books because of the cat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the funny rhyming phrases within the book.
Why Jackie loves it
This classic book is so silly, it is fun to read. There are also a lot of beginning words that can be sounded out which makes it a great pick if you are looking for something for reading readiness.
Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
Author: A. A. Milne
Illustrator: Ernest H. Shepard
Year: 1926
Genre: Classic Kid’s Book
Age: 0 – 6
More info:
Plot
Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Christopher Robin have lived in the hearts of children for generations. This edition features the complete works of A. A. Milne’s stories and is essential for any home library.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying.
Find this book in: Rabbit Books / Best Audiobooks for Kids / Best Animal Books for Kids / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books /Audiobooks for Kids
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Author: Beatrix Potter
Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
Year: 1901
Genre: Classic Short Story Collection
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit are some of the most beloved stories in children’s literature. Her fantastic illustrations and Peter’s engrossing escapades have stood the test of time.
I was so pleased when I learned there would be a movie adaptation of the series. This book should be on every kid’s bookshelf! And don’t forget to watch the Netflix book adaptation!
Why Jackie loves it
It is a classic that withstands the test of time. There is nothing cuter than talking animals and the illustrations are beautiful and so realistic.
Find this book in: Best Rabbit Books / Best Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds
Because of Winn-Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Year: 2000
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
More info: Newbery Honor winner
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
Because of Winn-Dixie is a well-written, heartwarming book about the story of a girl named Opal who finds friendship with a smelly, dirty stray dog causing chaos in a supermarket. The dog soon helps Opal make friends and becomes her best friend in the process.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this pick from animal fiction books because it is a wonderful story about coming of age and finding yourself. It is a classic book for middle-grade through adult.
Find this book in: Animal Books / Animal Novels for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds
Chapter Books About Animals for Ages 5+
Should I Share My Ice Cream
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2011
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the Elephant & Piggie series
Plot
Gerald and Piggie are adorable. In this pick from preschool books about ice cream, Gerald is so excited to have his ice cream but cannot decide if he should share it with Piggie.
Why Jackie loves it
Each of the Elephant and Piggie books is not only funny, but teaches sweet and important lessons about friendship and kindness.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Ice Cream Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Baby Monkey, Private Eye
Author: Brian Selznick, David Serlin
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Year: 2018
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
This book is the perfect mystery book for a VERY beginning reader who is looking for a chapter book that looks like it’s made for older kids. Baby Monkey is a detective who is ready to solve mysteries.
Why Jackie loves it
With Selznick’s signature illustrations, easy language, and repetitive sentences, this book is hysterical and a great way to learn to read. Baby monkey putting his pants on gets me every time!
Find this book in: Books for a 6-Year-Old / Mystery Books for Kids / Animal Books for Kids
Charlotte’s Web
Author: E.B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1952
Genre: Children’s Classic
Age: 5-8
More info: Newbery Winner
Plot
This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship. When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, she promises to take care of him. As Wilbur grows, he befriends Charlotte, a spider, who ultimately saves his life a second time.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a heartwarming classic book for kids. We dare you to read it without crying.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books for Kids / Read Aloud Children’s Books / The Best Family Audiobooks / Animal Books for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Books for 7-year-olds
Stuart Little
Author: E. B. White
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Year: 1945
Genre: Classic Chapter Book
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
Adventure- Check. Animals- Check. Animals who can talk and wear clothes- Check check. This is a tale that everyone loves about a boy who also happens to be a mouse.
Why Jackie loves it
All my kids love this great story. Stuart has amazing adventures and displays great bravery in this classic book.
Find this book in: Read Aloud Children’s Books / Best Classic Books for Kids / Animal Book for Kids / Best Books for 8-year-olds
Chapter Books for Ages 10+
The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 10
More info: One and Only Ivan #1
Plot
Based on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla trapped in a shopping mall, this feel-good story is one of the best family audiobooks for any road trip.
Stella, a young girl gets Ivan to start painting again and she realizes how lonely he is. Bob, a stray dog, works to help Ivan and Ruby, a baby elephant, garner the attention they need to be sent to a better home.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Jackie loves it
This book will touch your heart. Even though there are sad parts in this book, the ending will make it worthwhile. This is one of the best animal fiction books for middle grade and adults.
Find this book in: Books for 9-year-olds / Zoo Books / Family Audiobooks / Animal Novels / Audiobooks for Kids / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction
A Wolf Called Wander
Author: Rosanne Parry
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 11
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Rosanne does a marvelous job of telling the true story of a wolf trying to survive when separated from his family. Without the protection of his pack, Swift must learn how to thrive on his own.
Swift’s journey takes him across 1,000 miles of forests, highways, and rivers with danger facing him at every turn.
Why Kirsten loves it
My family was riveted by this story when we listened on a recent family road trip. Even though this is a middle-grade book, we love this for adults as well.
Find this book in: Animal Novels / Middle-Grade Fiction / Audiobooks for Kids / Animals Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Warriors: Into the Wild
Author: Erin Hunter
Year: 2003
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Warriors: The Original #1
Plot
Rusty, a house cat, wanders into the forest where he fights with a cat named Grey Paw. Two cats, part of a Clan of wild cats, were watching the encounter and asked Rusty to join the clan. There is a prophecy that a cat with fire-colored fur would save the Thunder clan from evil. This is the book that has launched the 7 series of Warriors!
Why Jackie loves it
This is a very creative series with many different plots simultaneously. There is never a time to be bored in this series. There are many different Warriors series and somehow each one has a unique plot and villains.
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Animal Books for Kids
The Secret Zoo
Author: Bryan Chick
Year: 2010
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 10
More info: The Secret Zoo #1
Plot
Megan and her brother Noah live next to the zoo so it is easy for her to notice that the animals are acting strange. When Megan goes missing, Noah needs to rescue her and enlists the help of their best friends, Richie and Ella.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a perfect pick for any tween who loves fantasy and mystery, which means it is perfect for this house.
Plot
This coming-of-age story is about a deaf girl who is struggling to connect with her community and a whale named Blue 52 who can’t find his ocean community either. She sets out to connect with Blue 52 and along the way she finds her inner strength beautifully.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was one of the realistic fiction audiobooks for tweens I listened to with my kids and we all just adored it. I had tears streaming down my face at the end.
Find this book in: Audiobooks for Kids / Realistic Fiction / Animal Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Graphic Novel
The Bad Guys
Author: Aaron Blabey
Year: 2015
Genre: Graphic Novel
More info: The Bad Guys #1
Age Range: 6 – 8
Plot
Aaron Blabey’s famed series about the bad guys is a favorite in our homes. This graphic novel series is perfect for early readers. The series is all about four “bad guys” who are trying to become good guys by trying to save those around them in funny ways.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is hilarious which means kids will enjoy reading it. The more they read, the more it becomes a habit and they will improve their reading skills.
Adaptation Information
This series has been made into a series of movies. The second movie is scheduled to come out in 2025.
Find this book in: Early Reader Books for Emergent Readers / The Best Books for 7-Year-Olds / Animal Books for Kids / Books Becoming Movies
Dog Man
Author: Dav Pilkey
Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
Year: 2016
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Dog Man #1
Plot
Dav Pilkey is THE author of books for reluctant readers. His graphic novels never disappoint. From Dog Man to Captain Underwear, these books will keep your kids laughing AND reading. This particular story is about a half-man, half-dog hero.
Why Jackie loves it
Dog Man is a funny character that kids love to read. The more your child reads, the better they get at reading! It’s a great cycle.
Find this book in: Animal Books / Books for a 6-Year-Old
Scaredy Squirrel
Author: Mélanie Watt
Illustrator: Mélanie Watt
Year: 2006
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age: 3-7
More info: First in a series
Plot
The first book in a series of delightful tales of a neurotic squirrel, this is a laugh-out-loud funny story. After reading it, my boys became obsessed with squirrels.
Now the series is 9 books long, so your kids will have lots of Scaredy Squirrel to read in the future!
Why Kirsten loves it
Scaredy Squirrel is completely neurotic and hilarious. But he also makes some teachable moments that kids can relate to.
Find this book in: Animal Books For Kids
