The diligent zookeeper makes rounds as morning dawns, encouraging the animals to wake up, comb their hair, and stand up straight. Soon, human visitors arrive, and the observations begin to flow.

But here’s the twist: who has the more interesting view? Is it the humans observing the animals, or could it be the other way around?

This clever twist of text, paired with bright and festive illustrations, will have children begging for a trip to the zoo.

When you're done reading this book, try out this fun giraffe puppet craft!

This picture book by Anne Rockwell celebrates the joy and wonder of a child’s first visit to the zoo. From gorillas to lions, polar bears to parrots, the boy encounters a variety of animals, each one bringing a new sense of excitement and discovery.

The simple, lyrical text and engaging illustrations make “Zoo Day” a perfect read for young children, particularly those aged 3 to 6. This book introduces children to different animals and captures the thrill and joy of new experiences.

The mischievous gorilla escapes from his cage at the zoo and secretly follows the zookeeper as he locks up for the night. The gorilla takes the keys and lets all the other animals out of their cages, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming adventure through the zoo.

The book is beautifully illustrated with minimal text, perfect for young readers and bedtime storytelling. The repetitive phrase “Good night” is woven throughout the book, creating a soothing and comforting rhythm.

The book takes young readers on a delightful journey through the zoo, where they encounter various animals. As they turn the pages, they count the animals from one to ten, making it an engaging and educational experience. The vibrant and colorful illustrations capture children's attention and encourage them to explore the world of numbers and animals.

Have kids make this easy lion craft for preschool to along with the book!

This book is about a special day at the zoo, right after Halloween, when farmers and pumpkin patch owners donate their leftover pumpkins to the zoo1. And guess what? The animals absolutely love it! They chomp, chew, play, and give hearty hoorays for their favorite squishy squash.

Pablo Pino's illustrations are vibrant and happy, and the story itself is heartwarming. It's a great reminder that sharing and celebrating the season can bring joy to everyone, even furry, feathery, and scaly friends!

This lift-the-flap book invites kids to explore the wonderful world of the zoo. As your kids flip through the pages, they will find flaps and holes that reveal the animals hiding behind them. It’s like a mini safari adventure right in their hands!

This book is also a great way to introduce kids to different animals and their habitats. It’s educational, engaging, and sure to become a favorite for young animal lovers.

The zoo comes to life with ten realistic sounds! From the mighty roars of lions to the trumpeting of elephants, from the chatter of monkeys to the calls of exotic birds, it’s like having a mini zoo right at their fingertips. It’s a whole lot of animal fun packed into one book.

The book is beautifully illustrated, making it even more engaging for little readers. Plus, it has simple text, peep-through holes, and finger trails to explore. It’s like a mini adventure every time they open the book.

A young kiddo goes to a concert with his family next to the zoo! Now, as the band starts jamming, the animals in the zoo decide they want to go in on the action. They break out of their cages and head straight for the band shell. The animals chase away the musicians, borrow their instruments and formal wear, and start playing the music they’ve been listening to!

The illustrations are as lively as the story, filled with color and humor. It’s a fantastic read for kids, and trust me, adults will get a kick out of it too. Plus, it has a CD of John Lithgow performing the song that inspired the book.

This book is about a kiddo’s day at the zoo with their grandma, but it’s no ordinary visit. The child’s imagination takes over, turning a regular zoo day into a wild adventure! It’s a fun ride from start to finish, and guess what? There’s a little friend that pops up throughout the story. Can you guess who it is?

This book is perfect for little ones aged 1 to 6, and the beautiful illustrations will captivate them. Plus, it’s written in verse with lots of rhyme and repetition, making it a great early-reader book.

“That’s Not a Hippopotamus!” is a hilarious book where a group of kids go on a field trip to Don’s Safari. They are thrilled to see all the animals, but one of them notices that the hippopotamus is missing. But in all the excitement, they overlook Liam, a quiet boy who seems to know where the hippo is hiding.

The book is full of playful language and high-energy antics. Plus, the illustrations tell a whole other story. So, if your kids want a lively and engaging read, this book is a great choice!

This famous hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Fiona, was born prematurely and weighed only 29 pounds. Everyone was worried she wouldn’t make it. Fiona is a fighter! She’s got this spunk and determination that just won’t quit. She’s smart, sassy, and fearless, and she beat the odds to become a happy, healthy hippo. Isn’t that just inspiring? This book is all about positivity, perseverance, and the power of love and support.

This book is a heartwarming tale about a kind zookeeper named Amos McGee. He has friends of all shapes, sizes, and species at the zoo. Every day, he spends time with each of his animal buddies. He races with the tortoise (who isn’t as slow as you might think!), keeps the shy penguin company, and even reads bedtime stories to the owl.

This charming story, written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead, won the 2011 Caldecott Medal. It’s not just a story about friendship but also reciprocity and kindness.

If your little ones want more elephant ideas, make this elephant name craft!

This book is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s all about a young boy named Gerald McGrew with a BIG imagination. He dreams of running his own zoo, and oh boy, it’s not just any ordinary zoo.

The rhymes are catchy, the illustrations are vibrant, and the imagination is just off the charts!

In this story, the Gingerbread Man and his classmates are off on a class trip to the zoo. They’re on a WILD scavenger hunt, solving riddles and meeting all sorts of animals along the way, from giraffes to monkeys and even a fox. He says, “I’ll be a detective. I know that I can! I’ll solve all these clues. I’m the Gingerbread Man!”

This book is a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and a dash of suspense. It’s a great read for kids who love animals and enjoy a good mystery.

The story is told from the perspective of a young girl who discovers a whole new world where animals live as freely as they would in the wild. It’s like taking a mini world tour, from a lush tropical rainforest to a deep, mysterious canyon and then to the wide-open African plains, all in one day!

The book also shares fascinating facts about their lives. Ever wondered what elephants like to roll around in after their baths? Or which bird might laugh at your jokes? Well, this book has the answers!

The story starts with a kid who writes to the zoo asking for a pet. Being the zoo, the zoo starts sending over all sorts of wild animals! These animals are all sent back because they’re not quite right as pets. They’re too big, small, scary, or much for a kid to handle.

This classic book has been delighting children for over 30 years. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about animals, adjectives, and problem-solving. Plus, the flaps make it a fun, interactive experience that keeps them engaged from start to finish.

This book takes us on a fun-filled journey through a zoo’s preparations for the much-anticipated “Zoo Day.” But things aren’t exactly going as planned… The llamas have taken up spitting as their new hobby, the giraffes can’t stop drooling, and the zebras are having a bit of a stripe crisis. It’s a wild day at the zoo!

Will “Zoo Day” go off without a hitch? Or will it be a total zoo catastrophe?

The book also includes a “For Creative Minds” educational section that sparks your imagination with activities like “Imagine You’re a Zookeeper” and “An Animal Adaptation Matching Activity.” So, not only is it a fun read, but it’s also a great way to learn more about animals and their unique behaviors.

As they journey through the zoo, they encounter many amazing animals. Each page introduces a new creature and a new fun fact to learn.

Tom Paxton, a renowned folk singer, penned this book, and you can almost hear the melody in every line.

And the illustrations? R. W. Alley brings the zoo to life with vibrant colors and adorable animal characters.

After a long day of fun at the zoo, Pop and Sam are all tuckered out and decide to nap on a bench. But they sleep right through closing time! As the curious critter, Monkey gets his hands on Pop’s cell phone and starts snapping pictures left, right, and center. But oops! He drops it on the Giraffe’s head!

This charming book will have kids giggling and parents smiling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures happen when we’re not looking.

Related: Handprint Zebra Craft

Sue, being the animal lover she is, decides to take matters into her own hands. She listens to the animals’ demands and promises to help. The story unfolds as Sue tries to negotiate between the zookeepers and the animals. Will she be able to bring peace back to the zoo?

This book is fun and engaging, teaching kids about empathy, problem-solving, and the importance of listening to others.

The main girl, Julia, is a super observant kiddo who notices something fishy at the zoo. The penguins? They’re dancing.. These sneaky little penguins are not just dancing in their enclosure, oh no! They’re swiping the zookeeper’s keys and cha-cha-ing their way around the zoo. 

This book is a whirlwind of fun, feathers, and dance moves. It’s a charming reminder of the joy of dance and the power of determination. 

This torn paper penguin craft is a fun activity to do after reading this book!

The zoo is in total chaos! Someone’s been causing a ruckus and the animals are not happy. They've slept in Elephant’s haystack, drank from Lion’s bowl, and even went potty in Ostrich’s sandbox. They have scratched Giraffe’s favorite tree and tried to snack on Goldie, the zoo’s resident goldfish.

This book is a hilarious and gentle mystery that’s perfect for our youngest readers. It’s got a trail of clues on every page that will keep your kiddos engaged and guessing.

This panda is the king of chill, the master of nap time, the sultan of sleep. When he wakes up, all Pandamonia breaks loose! Lions roar, kangaroos hop—it’s like a wild party, and everyone’s invited.

So, if your kids are looking for a book that’s a little bit different, a little bit wild, and a lot of fun, “Pandamonia” is the one for you!

Try making this cute panda headband craft too!

George spots a baby rhino who seems a bit down in the dumps. With his big heart, George can’t resist the chance to make a new friend and bring a smile to the baby rhino’s face. And guess what? It’s just in time for her special birthday party!

Through colorful illustrations and a heartwarming storyline, "Curious George Goes to the Zoo" teaches valuable lessons about curiosity, friendship, and the importance of following the rules (most of the time!).

This book is a delightful peek behind the scenes at the zoo. It’s not just about the animals we all love to see. It’s also about the incredible people who work there, the zookeepers.

The book invites readers of all ages to appreciate the magic of zoos and the incredible work done by the unsung heroes behind the scenes.