Go wild with these tales about tails!
For a printable copy of this list, click here: Books for Kids: Animals
Kittens in the Kitchen
Ben M. Baglio
When a stray cat gives birth to kittens in Mr. Williams' kitchen, he is furious. Can Mandy find homes for four kittens in one week?
View in CatalogAnimal Baths
Bob Barner
Discover how all kinds of animals bathe in this playful exploration of bath time in the animal kingdom! Learn how tiny shrimp aid eels in keeping their teeth squeaky clean, and how schools of fish help sharks stay spic and span. Young readers will recognize their own bath time habits, and will love splashing and playing along in their own imaginative way. Simple rhyming text and vibrant, colorful collages by award-winning author and artist Bob Barner make this book ideal for the youngest readers and bathers!
Read More View in CatalogClifford’s Animal Sounds
Norman Bridwell
Clifford the small red puppy meets a variety of animals and discovers what kinds of sounds they make.
View in CatalogSecrets of Animal Camouflage
Carron Brown
New light is thrown on the secrets of animal camouflage in this delightfully illustrated new Shine-a-Light title. Children will discover how animals hide by ingeniously adapting to their environment. From stick insects hiding on branches to the extraordinary owl butterly with wing patterns which resemble the eyes of an owl, the simple text and beautiful illustrations reveal the secrets of this spectacular world. The unique design of the book allows children to discover a "hidden" image by holding the page up to a bright light. For children aged 3 and up, this is the perfect introduction to the hidden mysteries of the natural world.
Read More View in CatalogDear Beast
Dori Hillestad Butler
A jealous cat really, really, REALLY wants to drive away his young owner's new dog in this playful illustrated chapter book from a two-time Geisel Honor winner. Simon has taken care of his owner, Andy, for many years. He's a good cat. Clean, responsible, and loyal. What more could a boy want? Even when Andy's dad moves out, Simon is certain that Andy doesn't need another pet. So why would Andy's dad adopt a DOG?! To make matters worse, the animal is a rude, rowdy troublemaker. Simon's job is clear: the beast has got to go. He decides to write him a letter. Strongly worded, of course. But when the dog's response sets off an unexpected correspondence, Simon realizes the beast may be here to stay. Can he make room for another pet in Andy's life? This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet - and the joy found in new friendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books. A Junior Library Guild Selection
Read More View in Catalog8: An Animal Alphabet
Elisha Cooper
Explore the animal world, from aardvark to zebu! Discover hundreds of animals, great and small. Lion and lizard, whale and wombat. Learn one wild fact about each animal. (Did you know that gorillas yawn when they are nervous?) Look carefully, because for each letter of the alphabet, one animal is pictured eight times. Why 8? Come inside and find out!
Read More View in CatalogSophie’s Animal Parade
Amy Dixon
Mama calls it Sophie’s imagination, but Sophie calls it magic. Everything Sophie draws comes to life, and one day when Sophie feels lonely, she decides to draw a friend. But the polar bear cub isn’t very happy in Sophie’s room, where it is much too warm. So Sophie tries again. But the duck wants to swim in a pool full of water. And the giraffe is too tall for the tiny room! It isn’t long after the elephant shows up that things begin to get a little too wild and Sophie must demand that everyone go outside. In the backyard, with all her new friends, Sophie meets someone new—someone who happens to be an expert lion trainer. It looks like Sophie’s magic may have worked after all. Featuring a charming crew of animals and two children who believe in magic, this sweet and funny picture book teaches children to combat loneliness with creativity, persistence, and a little imagination. Filled with the lovely watercolor illustrations of Katia Wish, Amy Dixon’s Sophie’s Animal Parade takes children on a journey toward friendship. Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Read More View in CatalogCrossings
Katy S. Duffield
This powerful nonfiction picture book explores wildlife crossings around the world and how they are helping save thousands of animals every day. Around the world, bridges, tunnels, and highways are constantly being built to help people get from one place to another. But what happens when construction spreads over, under, across, and through animal habitats? Thankfully, groups of concerned citizens, scientists, engineers, and construction crews have come together to create wildlife crossings to help keep animals safe. From elk traversing a wildlife bridge across a Canadian interstate to titi monkeys using rope bridges over a Costa Rican road to salamanders creeping through tiny tunnels beneath a Massachusetts street, young readers are certain to be delighted and inspired by these ingenious solutions that are saving the lives of countless wild animals.
Read More View in CatalogEva’s Treetop Festival: A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #1)
Rebecca Elliott
This adorable early chapter book series is perfect for young girls who love friendship stories starring animal characters! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This book is written as Eva's diary -- with Rebecca Elliott's owl-dorable full-color illustrations throughout!
Read More View in Catalog
Animal Homes
Tom Evans
Introduction to animal homes using simple text, question and answer format, illustrations and photos. Features include puzzles and games, fun facts, a resource list, and an index.
View in CatalogFarm Alarm!
Dustin Ferrer
The members of Team Umizoomi search for Farmer Dan's animals--a donkey, two chickens, three mice, and four pigs--at school.
View in CatalogClover’s Luck
Kallie George
An enchanting new illustrated chapter book series from acclaimed author Kallie George Young Clover seems to have the worst luck-until she happens upon a help-wanted ad from an animal adoption agency. She soon discovers that it is a place like no other. Instead of regular pets, this agency houses magical creatures: fairy horses, unicorns, a young dragon with a temperamental snout. All of a sudden, Clover finds herself in a new world of wizards, princesses and witches who will test her strength, courage and luck.
Read More View in CatalogMigration
Gail Gibbons
In this book, Gail Gibbons explores the many reasons why animals migrate, using direct sentences, maps, infographics, and illustrations.
View in CatalogAnimal Fair
Ponder Goembel
A retelling of a traditional song in which a child visits the animal fair. On board pages.
View in CatalogGray Wolves
Meish Goldish
Explains why gray wolves became an endangered species, and describes the efforts of scientists to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
View in CatalogFirst Friend
Kersten Hamilton
With lyrical text by Kersten Hamilton and luminous illustrations by Jaime Kim, First Friend is an exploration of how the wild wolves became dogs, and how we learned to communicate and grow alongside the creatures we love. Long, long ago, when the world was new...a girl met a pup. In those days, everyone knew that wolves and children could not be friends. Still, they learned from each other—how to hunt, how to trade, how to survive, how to play. And years and years went by, and the world spun and changed. And then—a boy fished with a wolf, and a girl traded with a wild dog, and animal and human grew up side by side. . .into the best friends we are today.
Read More View in CatalogAnimal Babies
Bobbie Hamsa, Tom Dunnington
Rhyming text provides the names used for different young animals.
View in CatalogAnimal Gym
Beth Greiner Hoffman
A beloved Little Golden Book Classic—with a funny, timeless school theme! This rollicking story explores just what would happen at school if elephants walked the balance beam, monkeys climbed all over the monkey bars, and tigers went up the rope! Some of the funniest scenes show the animals hitting the showers afterward—and hogging all the towels!
Read More View in CatalogWhat’s That Noise?
Naomi Howarth
When Magnus the seal is awakened by a rumbling sound, it may be closer than he thinks in a funny, kid-friendly story that winds up with facts about Arctic creatures. Rumble, rumble, rumble. . . . What's that noise? Magnus the Arctic seal wakes up from a very deep sleep one morning, puzzled by a strange rumbling sound. What's that noise? Could it be the creaking of the trees? The whistling of the wind? The cracking of the ice? The roaring of the sea? Hare, Owl, and Polar Bear don't have any idea, but Walrus has a good suggestion: it could be Magnus's rumbling tummy! After a yummy feast of plump, pink shrimp, the friends all settle down to sleep -- but suddenly there's another rumbling sound. What's that noise? Readers curious about the creatures can learn more about them and their environment in an informative final spread.
Read More View in CatalogAfrican Animal Alphabet
Beverly Joubert, Dereck Joubert
Presents alphabetically arranged entries describing animals that live in Africa, including cheetahs, elephants, lions, and zebras.
View in CatalogSaucy
Cynthia Kadohata
From Newbery Medalist and National Book Award–winning author Cynthia Kadohata comes an irrepressible and heartwarming story about a girl and her ever-growing pig, Saucy—perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan and Flora & Ulysses! Being a quadruplet can make it hard to stand out from the crowd. Becca’s three brothers all have something that makes them...them. Jake has his music and dancing, Jammer plays hockey, and K.C. thinks they’re all living in a simulation and doesn’t see the point of doing much of anything. Becca is the only one with nothing to make her special. But when she finds a tiny, sick piglet on the side of the road, Becca knows this is it. This is her thing. She names the piglet Saucy and between her own pleading and Saucy’s sweet, pink face, Becca convinces her family to take her in. Soon, Saucy is as big a part of the family as anyone else—and getting bigger. With each pound Saucy gains, the more capable she becomes of destroying the house and landing Becca in trouble. Some tough decisions need to be made about Becca’s pet, and her search for solutions brings to light exactly where Saucy came from. Turns out, there are a lot more scared piglets out there, and saving them may take Becca and her brothers finally doing something together.
Read More View in Catalog
Animal Mothers
Atsushi Komori
Text and illustrations describe how baby animals are aided by their mothers in moving from place to place.
View in CatalogNight Animals Need Sleep Too
Gianna Marino
Daytime brings a whole new set of problems and adventures to the crew of Night Animals Need Sleep Too! It's daytime and night animals are all sleeping soundly. Well, all except for Possum. Skunk tries to be helpful, pointing out a cave, then a tree, then a den. But the more places Possum tries to sleep, the more night animals he wakes up. Will Bear, Wolf, Skunk, and Possum ever find a good day's rest? The stars of Gianna Marino's Night Animalsknow what makes kids laugh in this hilarious spin on the bedtime book.
Read More View in CatalogWolverines
Sandra Markle
In the forests and open tundra of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America, wolverines are part of the world's clean-up crew.A powerful sense of smell, a sharp memory, strong jaw muscles, and big, cone-shaped teeth allow wolverines to track and devour dead animals. Watch these crafty creatures as they grow from tiny kits into full-grown scavengers.
Read More View in CatalogKatie the Kitten Fairy
Daisy Meadows
Rachel and Kristy return a kitten who seems to have magic powers to Katie the kitten fairy and discover that Jack Frost has been stealing magic pets that belong to the other Pet Fairies in Fairyland as well.
View in CatalogMy Stinky Summer by S. Bug
Paul Meisel
Told in diary form, My Stinky Summer by S. Bug introduces readers to the stinkbug's life cycle and survival habits.
View in CatalogZoo in the Sky
Jacqueline Mitton
Shows and describes the animal constellations, including Canis Major and Scorpius the Scorpion, and provides information about some of the more unusual stars that make up the constellations. Reprint.
View in CatalogWilla and the Whale
Chad Morris, Shelly Brown
When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Willa feels lost and alone except when she connects with things her mom loved about the wonders of the ocean as a marine biologist. While on a whale-watching excursion with her dad, who is trying to cheer her up after Willa is sent to live with him and his new family, Willa is alone on one side of the boat when she sees a humpback whale. Her awe and wonderment about this massive and beautiful creature turns to shock when the whale communicates with her, introducing herself as Meg and exchanging small talk. Willa asks if they can talk again, and Meg tells her that if she goes to the edge of the shore and calls out to her, she'll reply. Whales, after all, are very social creatures and communicate by sounds that can travel for miles, underwater. As their friendship develops, Willa views Meg as a trusted confidant who offers sound advice about dealing with a nemesis at school and trying to figure out why her best friend, Mark, is keeping secrets about his family life--all the kinds of talks her mom would normally have with her. She also learns about how similar whales are to humans in caring deeply for their babies, creating communities called "pods," and even singing. When a blue whale washes up on shore and dies, the townspeople jump into action with opinions about what to do with it. Blue whales are the largest animals known to have ever existed, so there is no simple solution. Some are advocating blowing up the whale, some want to cut it up and drag it out to sea, others say let it rot on the obscure beach. Willa is outraged by what she views as inhumane treatment of the deceased whale and vows to do something about it, which is precisely what her mom would have wanted. She knows this is a problem she can't tackle alone, though, and enlists her friends, family, and the City Council to rescue the body of the whale and donate it to the local university where her mom taught for further study and to display the bones. Feeling good about getting her community to band together in service of science and conservation, Willa returns to the shore to tell Meg about her amazing experience. Her joy is tempered with sadness when Meg tells Willa that it is time for her pod to migrate, but it's okay to say goodbye because they will always be connected in a special way in their hearts because they care about each other and showed it by listening and learning about each other. Willa and the Whale is a poignant story about caring and loss and the deep connections that make us human.
Read More View in CatalogBirrarung Wilam
Joy Murphy Wandin
Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly and Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri people Aunty Joy Murphy join to tell the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne's beautiful Yarra River - from its source to its mouth and from its prehistory to the present day.
Read More View in CatalogRanger Rick Jr.
National Wildlife Federation
Ranger Rick Jr, the #1 nature magazine for younger kids, is packed with astonishing photos of animals, amazing wildlife facts, and fun games and crafts.
View in CatalogAnimal Fun
Zita Newcome
A group of toddlers has fun imitating a penguin, a crab, a duck, an elephant, and other animals while they exercise and discover all the wonderful ways their bodies can move.
View in CatalogCoo
Kaela Noel
In this exceptional debut, one young girl’s determination to save the flock she calls family creates a lasting impact on her community and in her heart. Gorgeous and literary, this is an unforgettable animal story about friendship, family, home, and belonging. For readers who love books by Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate. Ten years ago, an impossible thing happened: a flock of pigeons picked up a human baby who had been abandoned in an empty lot and carried her, bundled in blankets, to their roof. Coo has lived her entire life on the rooftop with the pigeons who saved her. It’s the only home she’s ever known. But then a hungry hawk nearly kills Burr, the pigeon she loves most, and leaves him gravely hurt. Coo must make a perilous trip to the ground for the first time to find Tully, a retired postal worker who occasionally feeds Coo’s flock, and who can heal injured birds. Tully mends Burr’s broken wing and coaxes Coo from her isolated life. Living with Tully, Coo experiences warmth, safety, and human relationships for the first time. But just as Coo is beginning to blossom, she learns the human world is infinitely more complex—and cruel—than she could have imagined. This remarkable debut novel will captivate readers from the very first line. Coo examines the bonds that make us family, the possibilities of love, and the importance of being true to yourself. Fans of Katherine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, and Barbara O’Connor will devour this extraordinary story. Features black-and-white spot art throughout.
Read More View in CatalogBaloney and Friends
Greg Pizzoli
Three-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recipient Greg Pizzoli launches a full-color graphic novel series about four funny friends that Dav Pilkey declares "will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories"! Meet Baloney! He's the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit -- he'd rather not be here, but what can you do? In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool, and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions! "A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics."--Booklist "Kids will gobble up Baloney!"--Ben Clanton, creator of Narwhal and Jelly series "Porcine-ly-perfect"--Laurie Keller, Geisel Award-winning author of We Are Growing!
Read More View in CatalogThe Beauty of the Beast
Jack Prelutsky
An illustrated collection of poems about animals, insects, and birds by poets from different parts of the world.
View in CatalogPacks
Hannah Salyer
★ "Part natural science, part deep ecology, wholly captivating."—Kirkus, STARRED review ★ "A must-purchase for every collection." —School Library Journal, STARRED review An exquisitely illustrated celebration of animals who live in packs, herds, pods, and more—including humans. Vivid art and exuberant vocabulary are perfect for emerging readers and parents looking for nonfiction picture books for home learning. Packs shows how togetherness and teamwork are the keys to survival of any species, and the many ways we rely on one another. "Showing how different animals benefit from living and working in groups, Salyer’s debut is a great example of the inventiveness possible in a nonfiction picture book."—New York Times Book Review Groups, packs, herds of millions, and more—our world teems with animals on land, air, and sea. Packs is an inspiring celebration of how togetherness helps many creatures thrive, in both nonhuman and human communities. Hannah Salyer’s stunning selection reminds us that teamwork is universal, there is brilliance in biodiversity, and there is strength in numbers. Includes an author’s note encouraging community engagement and activism, as well as a fun visual index of the animals featured.
Read More View in CatalogAnimal Babies in Grasslands
Jennifer Schofield
Animal Babies in Grasslands shows mammals living in this lush and green habitat. From inquisitive prairie dogs to big-eared elephants, the charming images and clear text will engage children's interest immediately.
View in CatalogA Mob of Kangaroos
Richard Spilsbury, Louise Spilsbury
Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, and group life of kangaroos.
View in CatalogGator on the Loose!
Sue Stauffacher
Chaos ensues when Keisha's father brings an escaped alligator home to Carter's Urban Rescue, but it gets out of the bathroom while Grandma is guarding it.
View in CatalogThe White Giraffe
Lauren St. John
When Martine’s home in England burns down, killing her parents, she must go to South Africa to live on a wildlife game preserve, called Sawubona, with the grandmother she didn’t know she had. Almost as soon as she arrives, Martine hears stories about a white giraffe living in the preserve. But her grandmother and others working at Sawubona insist that the giraffe is just a myth. Martine is not so sure, until one stormy night when she looks out her window and locks eyes with Jemmy, a young silvery-white giraffe. Why is everyone keeping Jemmy’s existence a secret? Does it have anything to do with the rash of poaching going on at Sawubona? Martine needs all of the courage and smarts she has, not to mention a little African magic, to find out. First-time children’s author Lauren St. John brings us deep into the African world, where myths become reality and a young girl with a healing gift has the power to save her home and her one true friend.
Read More View in CatalogTogether We Grow
Susan Vaught
“A gentle tale of inclusion and fairness that children will clearly understand.” —Booklist (starred review) From award-winning novelist Susan Vaught comes a poignant picture book that celebrates inclusivity, acceptance, and the importance of rebuilding a community in the wake of disaster. Lightning gash! Windy lash! A storm drives all the farm animals indoors except for a lonely fox family. The barn isn’t their home. But where will they go for safety? This stunning picture books explores themes of acceptance and belonging: Large or small, Short and tall, There is room, There is room, There is room For us all.
Read More View in CatalogAnimal Hospital
Judith Walker-Hodge
When two children find an injured duck and take it to a veterinarian at an animal hospital, they learn about the work of the hospital and of the doctor as she cares for the duck and other animals.
View in CatalogAnimal Seasons
Brian Wildsmith
Spring brings forth flowers and animal young, but the summer is hot, fruits ripen, and the animals seek shade. Autumn paints leaves while animals store food for the winter when the ground is covered with snow.
View in CatalogUnlimited Squirrels I Want to Sleep Under the Stars!
Mo Willems
Mo Willems, creator of the revolutionary, award-winning, best-selling Elephant & Piggie books, has another breakout beginning-reader series. An ensemble cast of Squirrels, Acorns, and pop-in guests hosts a page-turning extravaganza. Each book features a funny, furry adventure AND bonus jokes, quirky quizzes, nutty facts, and so, so many Squirrels. In I Want to Sleep Under the Stars, Zoom Squirrel dreams of sleeping under the night stars. The Squirrel pals are excited to help! But will their encouragement be enough-or too much? Do you know more about sleeping under the stars than the Squirrels do? You will by the end of this book!
Read More View in CatalogAnimal Fare
Jane Yolen
A collection of sixteen nonsense poems about the anteloop, the sprinkler spaniel, the rhinocerworse, and other fantastic animals.
View in CatalogThe Great Animal Search
Caroline Young, Ian Jackson
Information about the creatures that live in a variety of habitats is accompanied by detailed illustrations of scenes of the habitats in which young readers are invited to search for hidden animals.
View in CatalogI Love Ewe
Aaron Zenz
Bouncing text filled with entertaining wordplay and adorable illustrations feature animal mothers of every shape and size, and encourage little readers to express big love for their moms.
View in Catalog