Twelve Books for Kids Who Love Animals
Did your family add a furry friend to its ranks during the pandemic? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans adopted dogs and cats during the pandemic. That’s a lot of quarantine cuddles!
I vividly recall my campaign as a young eight-year-old to have a pet of my own. I didn’t want a dog or a cat. Instead, I begged my parents for a hamster.
Small enough to fit in my room with no need for regular walks or arduous maintenance. The pride I felt in owning Stripes (that was his name) and taking care of him was a key component of my childhood, as was searching all over the house for him whenever he accidentally got left out of his cage.
Did you know pianos are great hiding spots for creatures that fit into the palm of your hand?
However, if you’re anything like our family and pets are not an option for one reason or another, books about pets or regular visits to the Humane Society or pet store can help bridge that gap. Perhaps your child’s fixation with furry creatures is simply a phase, or it’s the beginning of a lifelong kinship.
In either case, these books will bolster the connection for any child who has a love of animals.
Animals by Ingela P. Arrhenius
From crocodiles to meerkats, this book boasts 32 poster-sized images of familiar animals, with each name listed in beautiful typography. We’ve recreated a couple in craft format, and be warned that you may need two copies—one for reading and one to dissect into framed art for your kids’ playroom.
Ages 2+
Encyclopedia of Animals by Jules Howard
An information-rich collection of earth’s animal kingdom, this reference book is divided into sections of like creatures paired with lavish illustrations. Learn about the microscopic sea creature that looks like a ginger root and boost your knowledge of both common and Latin names for over 300 different species.
This one is an absolute MUST for any animal lover. Don’t miss the companion book, Encyclopedia of Insects.
Ages 6-10
100 First Animals by Tiger Tales
This lift-the-flap animal book covers creatures on land and in the sea—everything from farm animals to safari and arctic animals.
I received this same book at my first baby shower (seven years ago), and the worn spine and a couple of worn flaps indicate how beloved it has been in our house.
Ages 0-4
Pet by Matthew Van Fleet
“Fuzzy pet parrot, smooth pet frogs. Fluffy pet chinchilla, spiny hedgehog.”
Touch your way through this sturdy board book that features nearly 30 common household pets. Be prepared for multiple reads of this bumpy, sticky, fluffy, interactive read.
Ages 0-4
Can I Keep It? by Lisa Jobe
This book tells the sweet story of a little boy who keeps capturing critters (a squirrel, a bird, a frog) to call his own. Each time he asks, Can I keep it?, his astute mother always turns the question back on her son in thoughtful teachable moments.
Lush illustrations propel the story.
Ages 2-5
Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
When the author of this book was a young girl, she wanted to be a dog and experience her neighborhood’s scents and sounds through a canine lens. As an adult, she studied birds in Australia and gorillas in Africa. She swam with piranhas and electric eels and studied animals with careful observations and patience.
She learned something from each creature she encountered and discovered the lessons they taught her applied to all facets of life.
As for adults (or readers ages 14+), I highly recommend the New York Times bestseller upon which this picture book is based.
Ages 5-8
Charley Harper ABC’s by Charley Harper
When it comes to abecedarian books, I love ones with a unique aesthetic or modern design. Charley Harper hits both of those boxes. With his signature shapes, patterns, and unique minimalist lines, Harper uses bold colors to capture the essence of animals and gives young readers a glimpse at art from an early age.
Ages 0-3
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
A black cat greets a white cat, followed by a smattering of wide-eyed black-and-white creatures. Soon colorful animals, striped and spotted animals, patterned and preening animals spread across the stage. Readers eventually encounter nearly 100 different animals (many of which are endangered, vulnerable, or threatened).
With sparse words and bold images, this is one you’ll return to repeatedly.
Ages 4-7
Animals Brag About Their Bottoms by Maki Sato
A tiny bunny bottom and an enormous elephant tush. A white, furry polar bear derrière and an assortment of striped bottoms. Baboon bottoms match their faces, and heart-shaped bottoms form a family of deer. Spiky bottoms and soft bottoms. Each one is a different animal, and each one deserves to be celebrated.
If nothing else, this book encourages kids to love all parts of themselves.
Ages 3-7
Jumbo Stickers for Little Hands: Farm Animals by Jomike Tejido
This series is a parent’s secret weapon. Keep a few on hand for plane or car rides, a few more for birthday parties, and a stash for good measure.
Let little ones work on their fine motor skills by adding animals to a series of various landscapes.
These books are always a hit with young kids. Besides, there’s no such thing as too many stickers, right?!
Ages 2-6
The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
When it comes to comprehensive animal books, look no further than Yuval Zommer’s books. Each book has a handy table of contents, detailed illustrations, and fascinating facts. There’s something for every animal-loving kid in these oversized books.
Ages 5-9
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle
Can you hunch your shoulders like a buffalo? How about waggle your hips like a crocodile? Can you kick your legs up like a donkey? Or stomp like an elephant? Get kids actively involved in storytime with this Eric Carle classic.
And if you’re ever in western Massachusetts, be sure not to miss the Eric Carle museum.
Ages 0-4
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