Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Animal Book Classics for Children

Purple Star emoji 20 items
There are two types of classics: a book written maybe 75 or more years ago or the one instantly loved by all. This list contains both types of classic children's stories.
 
Barbara C. profile picture
I read “The Black Stallion” when I was a kid. It's a beautifully written, mesmerizing story that, in truth, is good for all ages even though rated for ages 7 to 11.
The Black Stallion
3
 
Barbara C. profile picture
This is the original 1928 version of “Bambi, and whether you choose this one or the Disney version, both are beautiful classics.
The Original Bambi: A Life in the Forest
2
 
Barbara C. profile picture
The Golden Book version of “Bambi” is the one most of us probably read as children, and so nostalgia might have you choose it. You can't go wrong.
Bambi (Disney Classic) (Little Golden Book)
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Is there anything more classic than Beatrix Potter's  books, in particular, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, her first in a series?
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
 
Barbara C. profile picture
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a classic written by a classic children's author, Roald Dahl. The story of 3 mean farmers over whom Mr. Fox triumphs. (ages 5 - 9)
Fantastic Mr Fox
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Published in 1903, Jack London's “Call of the Wild” continues to be loved. It's about Buck who's stolen for use as a sled dog, and who draws on his wild roots to survive. 12 years & up.
The Call of the Wild: 1903 Illustrated Edition
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Older than a century, Rudyard Kipling's “The Jungle Book,” a collection of stories set in India's jungle and featuring Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, is still beloved. Ages 3 to 9.
Jungle Book
 
Barbara C. profile picture
“Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame has Mole, Rat, and Badger combining forces to rescue Toad. Tense, funny, and lovable, it hasheld up for more than a century. Ages 8-12.
The Wind in the Willows: Illustrated Classic
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Based on Terhune's real-life collie, “Lad, A Dog” is a collection of short stories featuring a smart, heroic dog. Ages 8-12
Lad: A Dog
2
 
Barbara C. profile picture
A plush rabbit toy becomes real in “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Perfect for ages 1–7 and perfect for parents to read to their children.
The Velveteen Rabbit Hardcover by Charles Santore
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Ferdinand the bull would prefer sniffing pretty flowers than being a fighter. It's touch and go for a while, but he wins in the end.
The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffin Books)
placeholder
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Rey's book, "Curious George," features a monkey who tries to be good, but he does love a bit of adventure. Ages 4-7
Curious George: 75th Anniversary Edition
placeholder
 
Barbara C. profile picture
“Dr. Dolittle” was first published in 1920, and it's been enjoyed ever since. Read it aloud to younger children, but older readers up to about age 12 will do fine with it.
Doctor Dolittle
placeholder
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Published in 1952, “Charlotte's Web” quickly became a beloved children's tale. How could anyone not love Wilbur, the pig, his champion, Charlotte the spider, plus the other animals? Age 8-12 yrs.
Charlotte's Web
3
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Chester is the cricket's name. He's soon in the company of a mouse and a cat, and thus it begins. Humor, troubles, and adventure will keep ages 9-12 happily engaged.
The Cricket in Times Square
placeholder
2
 
Barbara C. profile picture
First published in 1959, it grew in popularity only to go out of print, but "The Rescuers" was itself rescued by The New York Review of Books, bless their heart. Ages 8-12 yrs.
The Rescuers
2
 
Barbara C. profile picture
I read “Runaway Bunny” to my little boy…again and again because he loved it and so did I and so have many other children and parents over the years.
The Runaway Bunny
 
Barbara C. profile picture
Mrs. Frisby must move her family or face death, but her son, Timothy, has pneumonia and can't be moved. She comes upon the rats of NIMH, very special creatures, who help to solve the dilemma. Great story for children, and fairly good for grownups too...
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
 
Barbara C. profile picture
This is a classic right out of the gate. Your young child will ask you to read it again and again, and you'll oblige happily. Beautifully illustrated, poetic, and touching, even someone as old as I am can't help but love it.
The Heart of a Whale
 
Barbara C. profile picture
“Mrs. Jane Tabby could not explain why all four of her children had wings.” Those wings allow the kittens to escape the harsh city only to learn the lessons of elsewhere. Written by world-famous Ursula LeGuin, you can be 70, not 7, and still enjoy th...
Catwings
placeholder