In this post, we’ve curated a selection of beloved animal books for kids, each with its unique charm and message. From the nocturnal quiet of “Goodnight Moon” to the humorous escapades in “Turkey Trouble,” and the whimsical attempts of capturing mythical creatures in “How to Catch a Unicorn,” these stories promise laughter, learning, and lots of fun.
Animal Books for Kids
Whether it’s through the playful puns of “I Love You Like No Otter” or the educational adventures of “Where’s Spot?”, these animal books for kids are perfect for cozy read-aloud sessions, classroom storytimes, and bedtime rituals.
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
2. I Love You to the Moon and Back, by Amelia Hepworth
“I Love You to the Moon and Back” by Amelia Hepworth is a tender story of the unbreakable bond between a bear and its cub, unfolding under the vast, colorful sky. Through their day filled with splashing in the water, climbing mountains, and playing with friends, Hepworth weaves a tale of love and companionship, accentuated by gentle rhymes. The interactions between the bear and cub—touching noses, chasing, hugging, and snuggling—are heartwarmingly depicted, making this book a perfect bedtime read for parents and children.
3. How to Catch a Turkey, by Adam Wallace
Adam Wallace’s “How to Catch a Turkey” offers a hilariously chaotic adventure set in a school during the Thanksgiving season. As a turkey causes uproar right before the school play, readers are invited to join in the wild turkey chase, which sees students employing various STEAM concepts and traps in imaginative ways. Wallace’s narrative, filled with humor and unexpected twists, ensures that no turkeys are harmed, offering a playful yet informative reading experience.
4. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” is a collaborative masterpiece by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle that delights children with a rhythmic question-and-answer cadence. This book introduces young readers to a series of colorful animals, from a red bird to a yellow duck, encouraging them to predict what comes next. Carle’s iconic collage illustrations bring the animals to life with bold, flat colors that captivate the imagination, while Martin’s text nurtures early reading skills through repetition and simple language.
5. World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book, by PI Kids and Eric Carle
The “World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book” is an interactive experience that brings the farm closer to children, thanks to the collaboration between PI Kids and the iconic Eric Carle. This sound book enchants young readers as they explore the farm, pressing buttons to hear 30 different animal sounds, enhancing their learning and engagement. The book not only features Carle’s renowned artistry but also encourages hands-on interaction, multisensory engagement, and a stronger bond between readers and their caregivers.
6. The Leaf Thief, by Alice Hemming
Alice Hemming’s “The Leaf Thief” is a charming tale that captures the essence of autumn through the eyes of Squirrel, who notices one day that a leaf from his beloved tree is missing. As panic sets in, Squirrel and his friend Bird embark on a detective adventure to uncover the mystery of the missing leaf among their forest friends. This story, adorned with Nicola Slater’s vibrant illustrations, not only explores the whimsical side of nature’s changes but also delves into themes of change, anxiety, and friendship.
7. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown is a timeless bedtime story that has lulled generations of children to sleep. Set in a “great green room,” a little bunny methodically says goodnight to everything around him, from the room itself to the moon shining outside his window. Brown’s gentle, rhythmic prose, coupled with Clement Hurd’s soothing, softly colored illustrations, creates a serene bedtime atmosphere. The book’s repetitive and comforting farewell ritual to the day offers a perfect closure, making it an indispensable part of nightly routines for young children and their parents.
8. I Love You Like No Otter, by Rose Rossner
Rose Rossner’s “I Love You Like No Otter” is a delightful board book that playfully uses animal puns to express the depths of love. Through charming rhymes and Sydney Hanson’s beautifully illustrated animal characters, readers are taken on a heartwarming journey of love and affection that resonates with both parents and children. This book not only serves as a sweet read-aloud for bedtime but also makes a perfect gift for baby showers and special moments, encapsulating the joy and warmth of expressing love in the most adorably punny ways.
9. If Animals Kissed Good Night, by Ann Whitford Paul
In “If Animals Kissed Good Night,” Ann Whitford Paul crafts a whimsical exploration of how different animals might say goodnight to their little ones. Through playful rhymes and David Walker’s captivating illustrations, the book imagines giraffes, wolves, bears, and even sloths engaging in their unique bedtime rituals. This story captures the universal theme of parental love in the animal kingdom, inviting families to giggle and snuggle as they read together.
10. How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace
Adam Wallace’s “How to Catch a Dinosaur” blends humor, STEAM concepts, and the thrill of adventure into a delightful story about children attempting to catch a dinosaur for their school science fair. With the premise that dinosaurs might still roam among us, this book invites young readers into a world of imagination and inquiry. Andy Elkerton’s lively illustrations complement the text’s playful tone, making for a read that’s both educational and entertaining.
11. The Wonky Donkey, by Craig Smith
Craig Smith’s “The Wonky Donkey” is an infectious, laugh-out-loud story of a unique donkey with quirky characteristics. As readers turn each page, they’re introduced to new, amusing descriptions of the donkey, culminating in a hilariously memorable portrait of this singular character. Katz Cowley’s illustrations bring the wonky donkey to life with humor and charm, ensuring that children and adults alike can’t help but smile and laugh along. This read-aloud tale is perfect for those moments that call for a good giggle, proving to be a delightful addition to any child’s library and a reminder of the joy found in embracing our own and others’ peculiarities.
12. Dragons Love Tacos, by Adam Rubin
Adam Rubin’s “Dragons Love Tacos” is a wildly entertaining tale that captures the love dragons have for tacos—of all sizes and fillings. The story humorously warns against serving spicy salsa, which leads to fiery consequences, providing a unique twist on party planning with dragons. Daniel Salmieri’s illustrations bring this zany premise to life with vibrant and engaging artwork. This book not only tickles the funny bone but also sparks the imagination, making it a perfect gift for any occasion. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the fun in sharing simple joys, like tacos, with fantastical friends.
13. Moo, Baa, La La La!, by Sandra Boynton
“Moo, Baa, La La La!” by Sandra Boynton is a charming board book that introduces young readers to the sounds animals make, all presented with Boynton’s signature humor and playful rhymes. From cows that say “Moo” to ducks that go “Quack,” this book engages toddlers in a lively and interactive reading experience. The finale invites readers to join in with their own animal sounds, making it a perfect read-aloud for fostering early language skills and a love for reading.
14. Spooky Pookie, by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton’s “Spooky Pookie” is a charming Halloween tale featuring Little Pookie as they search for the perfect costume. With each turn of the page, readers follow Pookie’s costume trial and error, building anticipation and delight. Boynton’s narrative is filled with her characteristic charm and pizzazz, making this book a festive and light-hearted read. The resolution to Pookie’s dilemma is both satisfying and heartwarming, making “Spooky Pookie” a Halloween classic that toddlers and their caregivers will love to revisit each year.
15. Where’s Spot?, by Eric Hill
“Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill is the first book in the beloved Spot series, introducing young readers to Spot, the adventurous puppy. This lift-the-flap book engages children in a playful search as Spot’s mother, Sally, looks for him around the house. Through interactive pages, children lift flaps to explore various hiding spots, encountering a host of friendly animals along the way. Eric Hill’s simple yet expressive illustrations and the repetitive, engaging text not only captivate toddlers but also support their developmental skills in problem-solving and prediction.
16. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!, by Mo Willems
In “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!”, Mo Willems brings back his beloved Pigeon character with a holiday twist. The Pigeon dreams big – this time, he has his heart set on driving Santa’s sleigh. Through persuasive arguments and hilarious antics, the Pigeon tries every trick in the book to convince readers to let him take the reins. Willems’s signature humorous text and expressive illustrations capture the Pigeon’s persistent and endearing character, making this book a festive and laugh-out-loud read for the holiday season.
17. Turkey Trouble, by Wendi Silvano
“Turkey Trouble” by Wendi Silvano is a humorous Thanksgiving tale that follows a turkey on a mission to avoid becoming the holiday’s main course. By donning disguises to look like other farm animals, Turkey hopes to escape his fate. Silvano’s witty storytelling and Lee Harper’s expressive watercolors bring this comedic caper to life, showcasing Turkey’s increasingly inventive and amusing attempts at camouflage. The story culminates in a clever twist that ensures Turkey’s place at the table, not on it.
18. How to Catch a Unicorn, by Adam Wallace
Adam Wallace’s “How to Catch a Unicorn” takes readers on a vibrant and whimsical journey as the How to Catch Kids set out to capture a magical unicorn at the zoo. With a combination of zany traps, STEAM concepts, and colorful illustrations by Andy Elkerton, this book captivates young readers’ imaginations and encourages them to think creatively. The story’s rhyming text and the elusive unicorn’s antics keep the adventure lively and engaging.
19. Hello, Baby Animals, by duopress labs
“Hello, Baby Animals” by duopress labs, with art by Julissa Mora, offers a unique reading experience tailored for newborns and babies. Understanding that young babies respond best to high-contrast visuals, this board book features bold, black-and-white illustrations of various baby animals, paired with simple greetings. This design stimulates visual development and early engagement with books. The friendly text and striking patterns provide a foundational reading experience, fostering an early appreciation for books and encouraging interactions between babies and their caregivers.
20. Pookie’s Thanksgiving, by Sandra Boynton
“Pookie’s Thanksgiving” brings readers into the world of Little Pookie and Mom as they prepare for a Thanksgiving filled with family, gratitude, and, of course, pie. Sandra Boynton’s celebrated charm is on full display, with delightful illustrations and engaging storytelling that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday. This book is a gentle introduction to the concept of Thanksgiving for young readers, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and appreciation.
Related: Best Mindfulness Books for Kids
Final thoughts
Each book we’ve explored, from the playful escapades of “The Wonky Donkey” to the tender goodnights in “Goodnight Moon,” offers unique opportunities for laughter, learning, and love. Whether it’s during a quiet bedtime moment or a lively afternoon storytime, these books are treasures that promise to bring joy and curiosity into the hearts of young readers.