From fables to full-length novels, almost all cultures have stories featuring animals as their central themes and characters. And it’s not a coincidence that most of these are meant for children.
There are books focused on teaching kids about how certain animals live. Some feature animals as stand-ins for people, teaching critical lessons about humanity. And still, others are written from the animal’s point of view, providing a different perspective from which children can view the world.
Best Animal Children’s Books
Below are some of the most memorable children’s books with animal characters. Though they’re meant for children, there’s no reason that adults can’t enjoy them too!
1. Harold and the Poopy Little Puppy by Ellie Crowe
Harold the golden retriever tries hard to be the best dog ever. But it’s hard when he gets blamed for the new puppy’s doggy-doos.
Dad says that Prince, the puppy, is smart and brave but Harold doesn’t think so. How’s he going to live with this new golden boy of the house?
2. Stop Snoring, Bernard! by Zachariah Ohora
Bernard absolutely loves to sleep! But there’s one small problem. The other otters can’t sleep at naptime because he snores—very loudly too!
And so Bernard has to find a napping place away from all the others. All he wants is a nap, but everywhere he goes, someone always complains.
3. Stuart Little by E.B. White
Stuart Little is normal in every way except that he looks exactly like a mouse. He lives in New York City, adapting to human life while only being barely two inches high.
Then his best friend, a songbird named Margalo, disappears. For the first time in his life, he ventures away from home determined to find her.
4. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
A jet-black colt, Black Beauty spends his childhood running carefree on a farm with his mother. Then he changes masters, finding himself yoked to heavy cabs and pulling them all across London.
In the course of his life, he finds himself under different owners, with some more gentle than others. But despite the hardships and cruelties, he perseveres and grows into a mature, though worn old horse.
5. A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry
Swift is a young wolf cub living in the mountains with his family. With them, he learns how to hunt, competes for his place in the pack, and watches over the new cubs. Then a rival pack attacks and he is separated from the pack.
Alone and scared, Swift must find himself a new home. But a wolf without a pack faces danger. In his search for a safe place, he must win against other predators, forest fires, humans, and hunger.
6. Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins
Jed, TsTs, and Chai are inseparable. Then a hawk swoops down and takes Jed away. And though he manages to escape, Jed finds himself lost and alone in an unfamiliar place.
TsTs and Chai saw him drop. Their friend might still be alive and they’re determined to rescue him. But on the way, they’ll have to avoid dangers, discover new places, and uncover the mysteries of the world beyond theirs.
7. Escape from Baxters’ Barn by Rebecca Bond
Burdock the cat only wants a nice, warm place to nap at. But while behind the kitchen stove, he overhears a plot to burn down the farm for its insurance money.
With everyone in danger, the animalswork together to come up with a plan to escape. But even if they break out, where will they go?
8. Captain Pug by Laura James
Lady Miranda owns an adorable little pug. They’re off to a boating adventure but Captain Pug would rather eat some tasty jam tarts. Also, he’s very much afraid of water.
Then Captain Pug gets lost during their escapade. To find his way back to Lady Miranda’s arms, he might just have to conquer his greatest fear.
9. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Fed up with spring cleaning, Mole flees to the river and encounters Ratty. The two go on adventures up and down the river, encountering Toad and Badger in the process.
Learning about Toad’s excesses, the remaining trio make it their mission to teach him restraint and humility. But Toad’s has no intention of changing his ways—at least, not yet.
10. Varjak Paw by S.F. Said
Varjak Paw, a Mesopotamian blue cat, has never been outside. He and his family have always been content living within the lone house atop the hill.
But danger comes in the form of a gentleman and his two fearsome cats. Now Varjak must venture outside for the first time to seek assistance and perhaps learn more about himself.
11. The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
A cat, soon to have kittens, is abandoned on the side of the road. Hearing a lonely howl, she finds a hound, Ranger, chained to a house by a dangerous man called Garface. The two become friends—and soon an unlikely family.
The two curl up underneath the house, raising kittens covertly. Because if Garface ever finds them, they’ll be taken away as gator bait. But kittens are notoriously hard to keep to keep secret…
12. Appleblossom the Possum by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Mama Possum has done her best. She’s trained all of her babies in the ways of their breed. They’re avoid humans, cars, and dogs while staying unseen, especially during the day. Now it’s up to them to make their own way in the world.
But Appleblossom the possum decides to spy on a human family anyways. When she accidentally falls down their chimney, it’s up to her siblings to save her.
Why Do Children’s Books Have Animals?
Children’s books often use animals as characters to make it easier to convey certain ideas, themes, and lessons. This makes it easier for authors to educate and entertain kids, who usually have short attention spans and find it hard to internalize complex subjects.
In these stories, animals are simplified stand-ins for people. Lions are brave, dogs are loyal, foxes are cunning, wolves are evil, and so on. This makes it easier to portray which character’s actions kids should follow, and which ones they should avoid.
Sometimes its also about practicality. Calling every character by their animal type saves the author from assigning names and the kids from memorizing them. When paired with visual cues, children will be able to keep track of the characters and follow the story better.
What’s you favorite children’s book with animals as characters? Share them in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 15 Iconic Animals In Literature
- 12 Books About Animals That Will Bring You Closer to Nature
- 15 Best Children’s Books to Read Next: Inspiring Reads for Little Ones
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
