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Fun Children’s Books, Featuring Animals as the Main Characters

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Classic books never go out of style. If anything, they become more appreciated over time. A mix of classic and new, the books on this list all have one thing in common: they’re adventurous stories that kids will want to read and/or hear about agai...
Sections
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Cats / Kittens

Sassy. Spunky. Cute. In these books cats are the main characters.
 
Crystal Moore profile picture
I loved this book as a child. It’s about a greedy cat that eats everything in sight! Of course he learns a valuable lesson in the end. This book is great to read aloud.
The Fat Cat: A Danish Folktale
 
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This book is a classic that is very much still popular today. It’s easy for kids to read and the words rhyme which makes it fun.
The Cat in the Hat
 
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This book is a two for one! It’s a coloring book that also doubles as a story book. It tells the story of Molly the kitten. This is great for kids just learning how to read. In the book Molly meets several animals friends as she tries to find her...
Molly the Kitten's Adventure: Kids Coloring Book
 
Crystal Moore profile picture
I love this classic story of the Three Little Kittens, who lost their mittens. A classic as well!
Three Little Kittens (Folk Tale Classics)
 
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This is such a cute story. It narrates a kitten who mistakes the full moon as a bowl of milk.
Kitten's First Full Moon

Dogs / Puppies

Adventurous tales of puppies, big and small!
 
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This classic book tells the story of a family of puppies, with one being the focal point. An easy read with a lesson at the end.
The Poky Little Puppy (Little Golden Book)
 
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This book became a series but it’s great to start at the beginning. Follow the story of the adorable dog Clifford, who grows to be super big!
Clifford the Big Red Dog
 
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The story of a dog, looking to find his forever home. The premise made me sad, but it actually has a positive ending.
Can I Be Your Dog?
 
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There a few different books out there about Pig the Pug. But in this book he learns a lesson about fibbing.
Pig the Fibber (Pig the Pug)

Iguanas

Extraordinary wildlife. In these books Iguanas have the spotlight.
 
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New copies of this book are hard to come by. But it tells a great story of an Iguana who imitates all of her animal friends. In the end, she’s reminded to just be herself.
Me Too, Iguana (Sweet Pickles Series)
 
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This fun book contains science with entertainment, when a child is told to watch out for Iguana’s falling from the sky!
Watch Out for Falling Iguanas: Children's Book

Monkeys

Curiosity and fun in the cutest form.
 
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This collection of board books introduces kids to the curious and adorable little monkey, George. Great starter books.
My First Curious George 3-Book Box Set
 
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This classic story has a repetitive jingle to it. Interactive and fun, kids from all over will enjoy this one.
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Bears

Cuddly and sweet, these bears have pure heart.
 
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This classic book introduces children to animals and colors. Fun read!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear: My First Reader
 
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Follow the story of this bear family. This book collection is also a classic and features a variety of stories about everyday life.
The Berenstain Bears' Storytime Collection
 
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This board book is great for smaller kids. It’s a peekaboo story with pop-up pages throughout.
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Disney Winnie the Pooh
 
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Fun story of a bear who loses his growl!
The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

Sheep

Baaa-dd to the bone! Get it? lol
 
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Follow this adventure of a group of sheep in a jeep. Cute story. Board book.
Sheep in a Jeep (board book)
 
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Being different isn’t always a bad thing. Follow the story of this courageous little sheep.
Blah Blah Black Sheep Picture Books Ages 6-8

Elephant

An elephant finding his spark!
 
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Dumbo the elephant is a Disney classic. A cute story about a baby elephant who uses his oversized ears to his advantage.
Dumbo (Disney Classic) (Little Golden Book)

Aquatic Animals

Adventures under the sea.
 
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This book tells the story of a beautiful rainbow fish. In the end he learns a lesson about sharing.
The Rainbow Fish
 
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Interactive book for smaller kids. Allows them to sing along!
Baby Shark Sing-Alongs 10 Button Sound Book
 
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Actually based on a true story, this book tells that narrative of a small octopus who escaped from captivity and made his way into the wild. Written in rhyme this is a fun story to read.
Inky the Octopus: Official Story & Facts
 
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Follow the story of Clark the shark who overindulges in brownies!
Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats (I Can Read 1)

Alligator

Reptiles with a soft heart.
 
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This phrase hasn’t retired yet and it probably never will. Follow this fun story of an alligator saying “later” to his friends.
See You Later, Alligator

Dinosaurs

Prehistoric entertainment.
 
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The name says it all. This story is funny and entertaining.
Dinos Love Donuts (Mythical Feasts)
 
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This colorful book features stories for bedtime. Great for smaller kids.
Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Say Good Night & Rhymes

Tortoises

Slow but mighty!
 
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Classic story. Teaches a valuable lesson about perseverance.
The Hare and the Tortoise (Aesop's Fables)

Pigs

A well known popular story.
 
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Classic story as a board book.
My Favorite Fairy Tales: The Three Little Pigs
 
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A fun, unique story about a super hero pig!
Batpig: When Pigs Fly (A Batpig Book)

Farm Animals

Interactive books.
 
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A sound book for kids, featuring farm animals.
World of Eric Carle Around the Farm Sound Book

Goats

These characters may just win you over.
 
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This is a cute and touching story about family and love. It centers around a baby goat.
Once Upon a Goat
 
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This classic story features three goats who encounter a troll while trying to cross a bridge.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff (Paul Galdone)

Mouse

Fun stories of their engagements with other creatures.
 
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This story highlights what happens when a young boy gives a cookie to a mouse. The mouse then starts to ask for more things.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
 
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This book tells the story of a mouse and a bear. With a funny surprise ending.
There's a Bear on My Chair (Ross Collins)
 
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A fun rhyming story of a mouse who meets a Gruffalo in the woods. This book has nice illustrations!
The Gruffalo (Picture Books)

Horses and Unicorns

Imaginative and fun stories!
 
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A girl envisions life as a horse!
If I Was a Horse
 
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Colorful story of kids trying to capture a unicorn. Think fun and silly rhymes.
How to Catch a Unicorn

Bunnies

 
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This classic bedtime story features a little bunny saying goodnight to various objects.
Goodnight Moon

Multiple Animal Types

 
Crystal Moore profile picture
This I Spy series of books is a great way for young readers to engage. It’s more so spotting animals in the pictures, but still really fun!
I Spy Little Animals: A Book of Picture Riddles - by Jean Marzollo (Board Book)