7 Books for Animal-Loving Children

Children love animals, and have a natural curiosity about how they live, what they eat, and why they act the way they do. To help encourage this interest, here are some children’s picture books about animals that you can enjoy together.

My Big Animal Book

Age range: 1-4 years

This board book is a simple introduction to the world of animals. It features vivid photographs of animals, with their names printed underneath. Your child can begin to build their knowledge of animals as well as their vocabulary.

Touch and Feel: Jungle AnimalsAge range: 2-5 years

Children learn through hands-on sensory experiences, and this book can help your child understand the difference between animals such as a furry tiger, a smooth-skinned frog, and a scaly snake.

Song of the Wild: A First Book of AnimalsAge range: 3-7 years

This book covers a wide range of topics related to animals, including their homes, their babies, and their sizes. Children will enjoy this book’s colorful illustrations and engaging text.

Hear Bear Roar 30 Animal Sound Book

Age range: 3-7 years

Your child can have an interactive reading experience with this book, by following along with the stories of each animal and pressing buttons to hear the noises each one makes.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of AnimalsAge range: 4-8 years

Children will love the colorful pages and photographs of this book, as well as the basic information about each animal such as their size, where they live, and what they eat.

How to Be an ElephantAge range: 7-11 years

The story of the first two years of an elephant’s life will offer a variety of interesting ideas to your child. This book shares the life of an elephant and its herd, while showing the various elements that go into living in the wild.

National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia

Age range: 8-12 years

Animal-loving children will enjoy this comprehensive book of animals, which features over 2,500 species. This book is a more detailed look at various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish.

These informative books will teach your child compassion and empathy, while creating memories together. Start conversations with your child about these books, and help them learn more about animals.