“What are the best books about Animals?” We looked at 233 of the top Animal books, aggregating and ranking them so we could answer that very question!

The top 12 titles, all appearing on 2 or more “Best Animal” book lists, are ranked below by how many lists they appear on. The remaining 200+ titles, as well as the lists we used are in alphabetical order at the bottom of the page.

Happy Scrolling!

Top 12 Kids Books About Animals

12 .) Amazing Animal Journeys written by Chris Packham

Lists It Appears On:

• Families Online
• Families Online

Every year billions of animals migrate from one part of our planet to another. Travel around the world to meet some of the masters of migration as they take you with them on some incredible journeys.

11 .) Animalium written by Jenny Broom

Lists It Appears On:

• Families Online
• Natural Beach Living

Welcome to Animalium. This museum is open all hours. It houses an astonishing collection of more than 160 animals for visitors of all ages. Learn how animals have evolved, see inside the dissection laboratory, and discover the amazing variety of habitats on Earth.

10 .) Dog’s Colorful Day written by Emma Dodd

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Pre Kinders

Dog starts the day with just one black spot on his ear. But wherever he goes, he runs into different things, all of which leave their mark. By the time he finally arrives home, Dog has ten spots. Then it’s bath time.

9 .) Harry the Dirty Dog written by Gene Zion

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Pre Kinders

When a white dog with black spots runs away from home, he gets so dirty his family doesn’t recognize him on his return as a black dog with white spots.

8 .) Let’s Get a Pup! Said Kate written by Bob Graham

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Read Brightly

When Kate and her parents visit the animal shelter, an adorable puppy charms them, but it is very hard to leave an older dog behind.

7 .) Oh, Theodore! written by Susan Katz

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Read Brightly

A young boy acquires his first pet, a guinea pig named Theodore, and learns what Theodore likes to eat, what things scare him, the sounds he makes, how he likes to play, and where he likes to hide.

6 .) Pete the Cat written by James Dean

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Pre Kinders

With 8 colorful tabs, this sturdy board book will introduce the littlest Pete the Cat fans to Pete and his super-cool group of friends, including Callie, Grumpy Toad, Gus, and more. This fun new format is perfect for even the tiniest paws!

5 .) Tails are Not for Pulling written by Elizabeth Verdick

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Read Brightly

Simple text and illustrations encourage careful handling and awareness of pets.

4 .) The Pigeon Wants a Puppy written by Mo Willems

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Pre Kinders

The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives the pigeon changes its mind.

3 .) The Story of Ferdinand written by Munro Leaf

Lists It Appears On:

• Goodreads
• One Green Planet

Ferdinand likes to sit quietly and smell the flowers, but one day he gets stung by a bee and his snorting and stomping convince everyone that he is the fiercest of bulls.

2 .) What Pet Should I Get? written by Dr. Seuss

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Read Brightly

A boy wants all of the pets in a pet store but he and his sister can choose only one. End notes discuss Dr. Seuss’s pets, his creative process, and the discovery of the manuscript and illustrations for “What Pet Should I Get?”

1 .) May I Pet Your Dog? written by Stephanie Calmenson

Lists It Appears On:

• Fantastic Fun And Learning
• Pre Kinders
• Read Brightly

Harry the dog explains how to safely meet him and his friends.

The 200+ Additional Best Children’s Animal Books

13 Best Kids Animal Book Sources/Lists