17 Wildly Fun Animal Books For Kids

Are you looking for a fun and educational way to engage your kids? Animal books for kids are the perfect solution!

These books are a fantastic way to combine the joy of reading with the excitement of discovering the animal kingdom. It’s a journey of learning and fun that helps children learn about different species, habitats, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

The engaging stories and vibrant illustrations keep kids hooked, making reading fun. Check out our top picks of fun read aloud books below and watch your child’s love for reading and animals grow!

Children’s Books About Animals

purple background with animal background and the words 17 fun & educational animal books for kids

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The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids

Explore a world of wild wonders with 500 jaw-dropping animal facts! From the quirky antics of golden hamsters to the sneaky tricks of ant-mimicking spiders, this book has fascinating tidbits that will keep your kids entertained for hours.

Did they know some mantis shrimp can punch hard enough to break glass? Or that macaroni penguins hop instead of waddle? This book is a treasure trove of animal awesomeness!

Don't forget to explore the zoo animal worksheets, which offer educational and entertaining activities to help with letter recognition, patterns, and more. These worksheets are designed to reinforce the knowledge gained from the books in a fun and interactive way.

National Geographic Kids Animal Encyclopedia 2nd edition

Get ready to explore the animal kingdom like never before! This encyclopedia is a visual feast featuring 2,500 species with stunning photos and fun facts. Whether your kids are curious about the tallest, longest-living, or the smelliest animals, this book has it all.

There are fantastic “From the Field” reports from National Geographic explorers, which provide firsthand accounts of their experiences studying and observing these animals in the wild. It is perfect for young animal lovers and budding scientists alike!

Related: Panda Handprint Craft

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth

This visual encyclopedia is a must-have if your kids are wild about animals! With over 1,500 species showcased in spectacular style, they’ll meet creatures big and small, from ants to zebras.

The detailed diagrams and stunning photos bring the animal kingdom to life, making it an ideal guide for budding zoologists.

Whether they’re doing homework or satisfying their curiosity, this book is a thrilling journey through the wonders of life on Earth.

If your kids love zebras, try making a zebra paper bag puppet craft for imaginative play and storytelling practice.

5,000 Awesome Facts About Animals

Have you ever wondered if a grizzly bear’s bite can crush a bowling ball? Or if there’s a dog that yodels instead of barking? This book is a treasure trove of mind-blowing animal facts!

From cube-shaped wombat poop to the happy sounds of a rhino, it’s packed with 5,000 fascinating tidbits that will leave your kids amazed and entertained. It’s a colorful journey through the wild world of animals.

Related: Toilet Paper Roll Bear Craft

My First 100 Animals And Birds

This board book perfectly introduces the animal kingdom for toddlers and babies. With 100 vibrant photos and simple word labels, it helps little ones build their vocabulary and observational skills.

The soft padded cover makes it easy for tiny hands to hold, and the age-appropriate content ensures a fun and educational experience.

It’s a fantastic way to spark young readers' love for animals and birds.

To keep the animal-themed fun going, add this torn paper penguin craft to their activities. It helps boost their color awareness and their ability to focus.

The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals

This book is a visual feast, showcasing stunning portraits of creatures from around the globe. The photographer’s mission? To capture the beauty and diversity of our planet’s wildlife, especially those on the brink of extinction.

Each page reminds us of the incredible variety of life we share our world with and the importance of preserving it.

Get ready to be amazed, inspired, and maybe even teary-eyed as kids flip through these breathtaking images.

Related: Handprint Zebra

Animal!

Have you ever wondered what makes a zebra’s stripes unique or how a chameleon changes color? This encyclopedia is packed with mind-blowing facts and jaw-dropping CGI images that bring the animal kingdom to life like never before, as it covers everything from the tiniest insects to the mightiest mammals.

With detailed cross-sections and vibrant visuals, it’s like having a mini zoo right in kids’ hands. Get ready for a wild adventure through the animal world!

An Anthology of Intriguing Animals

This collection is like a treasure chest of animal wonders! Each page introduces kids to a new creature with fascinating facts and captivating stories. From the slow-motion sloth to the mysterious pangolin, they may discover the secrets and myths behind some of the most intriguing animals on Earth.

The beautiful illustrations and engaging descriptions make it a joy to read, whether kids are curious or just young at heart.

It’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment, sure to spark a lifelong love of wildlife.

Related: Giraffe Handprint Craft

Weird But True Animals

How about discovering some of the most bizarre and fascinating animal facts with your kids? This book is packed with surprises, like slugs with green blood and a pig that loves to paint.

With 300 incredible facts and stunning photos, it’s a perfect way to ignite their curiosity and love for animals and nature while having fun!

Add a dog paper bag puppet craft to their activities to make the animal theme even more fun. It's a great way to spark creativity and keep the festive spirit alive.

Butt or Face?

Are you ready for a hilarious guessing game? This book will have your kids in stitches as they try to figure out if they’re looking at an animal’s face or butt.

Featuring close-up photos and quirky facts, they may learn about creatures like the Mary River turtle that breathes through its butt and the Cuyaba dwarf frog whose backside looks like a pair of eyes.

It’s a cheeky, educational, and endlessly entertaining read that combines giggles with learning!

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals

Get ready for a wild adventure! This book is packed with fascinating facts and stunning photos of animals from all over the world. Your kids will meet dolphins, tigers, butterflies, and more, learning about their habitats and how they grow up.

It’s like having a mini zoo right at home, perfect for sparking curiosity and love for wildlife in your little explorers.

To keep your kids occupied, print a butterfly toilet paper roll craft; it helps develop creativity and hand-eye coordination.

What If You Had Animal Teeth?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your kids had teeth like a beaver or a great white shark? This book takes them on a wild and imaginative journey, exploring the unique teeth of various animals. Each page pairs a photo of the animal with a hilarious illustration of a child sporting those animal teeth.

Related: Clark the Shark Craft

Hello, World! Arctic Animals

Bundle up and head to the Arctic! This delightful board book introduces your kids to the chilly world of Arctic animals. They will discover how polar bears, Arctic foxes, and other creatures survive in the cold.

With bright illustrations and simple, engaging text, it’s a fun way to learn about the unique animals that call the Arctic home, and it's perfect for cozy reading sessions!

If your kids are still fascinated by arctic foxes, try out this handprint arctic fox craft!

Indestructibles: Baby Animals

Imagine a book that can withstand all the love your little ones can give! This delightful read introduces your kids to adorable baby animals like elephants, monkeys, and birds. It’s chew-proof, drool-proof, and even washable, making it perfect for those tiny hands and curious mouths.

The vibrant illustrations and simple text make it a fun and engaging way to start story time with your babies.

After reading this story, make this lion paper cup craft . It is perfect for imaginative play and enhancing storytelling skills.

Safari, So Good! All About African Wildlife

The Cat in the Hat takes your kids on an exciting African safari! They will learn fascinating facts about lions, hippos, and elephants, all told in the beloved rhyming style. Discover why zebras sleep standing up and how baboons groom each other.

It’s a wild adventure with fun and learning, perfect for sparking curiosity about the animal kingdom.

Desert Night Desert Day

Are your kids ready for an adventure? This book whisks your kids away to the Sonoran Desert, where they’ll meet amazing animals that come out day and night. Your kids will have a blast spotting the hidden quail on each page while discovering the desert’s unique inhabitants.

It's a delightful read with lively verses and a fun seek-and-find game.

For more fun, add in this quail handprint craft!

5-Minute Baby Animal Stories

This collection of true stories about baby animals is perfect for bedtime or any time your kids need a quick, heartwarming tale. Each story has adorable photos and fun facts, from baby manatees to panda cubs.

It’s a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the wonders of the animal kingdom in just five minutes.

To keep your kids busy, print panda handprint craft to develop their fine motor skills and creativity while learning about this fantastic creature.

More Fun Books Ideas

25 Fun Zoo Books For Preschoolers
15 Elephant Books For Kids Perfect For A Zoo Theme
17 Fun Bear Books for Preschoolers

Sam

Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.