The Best Books for Kids Who Love Animals

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

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 find the characters in these books relatable 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 Dragon Masters #25: Legend of the Star Dragon, Drake and the rest of the Dragon Masters must work together to prevent the Shadow Dragon from blanketing the world with its sky-shadow. 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. 

In Dog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea, Piggy is back with a new diabolical plot, and it's up to the Supa Buddies to step up and save the city! And, the latest Dog Man #12: The Scarlet Shedder (now available for pre-order!) features a never-before-seen villain who unleashes an army of A.I. robots. 

Find more graphic novels starring animals (including bugs and a mouse), below. 

Heartfelt Chapter Books 

Growing readers who have pets (or want one) will appreciate The Dodo: Nubby's Story — a heartwarming true story about Nubby, a boxer dog, born without two front legs. Readers will learn what it really takes to care for a pet, especially one with special needs, and give them the home they deserve. Explore more chapter books starring animals, from a porpoise to a cat: 

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 different types of animals (reptiles, sea creatures, and more), while comparing and contrasting the 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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