The Best Books for Kids Who Love Animals

There’s a reason kids love books about animals: They are fascinating to look at and make funny noises, but they also provide a comforting space to explore complex themes and explore the world around them the same way young children do. 

Plus, see why animal friends make great storytime sidekicks!

This collection features a variety of animal-themed reads for beginning and independent readers, from picture books, like Baby Shark, to chapter books, like Puppy Place. Your child will relate to the characters in these books as they work to do good, spread happiness, and gain confidence to find their own way in the world. 

Charming Picture Books 

Young readers will delight in charming picture books featuring their favorite characters, such as The Stinky Wonky Donkey. In this hysterical rhyming tale, readers will follow along as Dinky shares her love for all animals and creatures. This sweet story is full of heart and will teach your little one important lessons about friendship.

Take a look at more picture books featuring animals: 

Early Reader Books

Striving readers in grades 1-2 will find a book series like Dragon Masters entertaining because it’s filled with exciting adventures and has easy-to-read text to boost reading confidence. In the latest Dragon Masters #28: Night of the Dream Dragon, Drake and the rest of the Dragon Masters go on an adventure with the Dream Dragon to prevent Zoltan from carrying out an evil plan.

Explore more animal-themed books for early readers: 

Zany Graphic Novels

For older readers in grades 2-5, the best-selling Dog Man series will grab and hold your child’s attention with supa epic adventures from this half-canine, half-human hero. Your children will find Dog Man relatable as he summons the courage to fight for justice while sparking laughs along the way. 

Dog Man #12: The Scarlet Shedder features a never-before-seen villain who unleashes an army of A.I. robots. And, in the latest Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins, Dog Man and the Supa Buddies join forces to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. Will goodness and bravery prevail? There's only one way to find out!

Find more graphic novels starring animals (including a cat and a wolf), below: 

Heartfelt Chapter Books 

Growing readers will be touched by The One and Only Bob, the sequel to Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times best-selling novel The One and Only Ivan. Bob and his two best friends set out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister. When a hurricane approaches, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

Explore more chapter books starring animals, from an otter to a goat: 

STEM Animal Books 

For science enthusiasts, try STEM-focused nonfiction book series, like Who Would Win? — packed with fun facts and vivid images! Your child can learn about various types of animals (reptiles, sea creatures, and more), while comparing and contrasting different features of the two species.

Take a look at these STEM-focused books about animals: 

Book Sets

Further indulge your child's interests in animals with book sets — from nonfiction collections to sets featuring kids' favorite fictional characters. 

For instance, share A Very Impatient Caterpillar Collection (4 Books) with young readers! These lighthearted stories are STEM-friendly and packed with social-emotional themes, including confidence, self-esteem, and fostering a growth mindset. 

Meanwhile, older readers will love diving into the first five installments of The Bad Guys series with The Bad Guys Box Set (Books #1-5). This graphic novel series about "bad guys" who want to be good will be sure to captivate every animal lover as they follow along the epic adventures of Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark. 

Find more animal book sets below: 

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