If there’s one thing we love just as much as books, it’s animals! These amazing creatures come in all shapes and sizes, and they make incredibly fascinating and endearing book characters. Whether you’re searching for a beautiful story about the bond between a mother tiger and her cubs, or your little reader is a budding detective on the hunt for the next great mystery to solve, this list features some of our favorite stories that are sure to excite any animal lover! Which of these great titles will you read with your little ones first?

Little Tigers

Little Tigers
Written and illustrated by Jo Weaver

As hunters approach their home in the jungle, Mother Tiger and her cubs must venture to find a new home away from danger. Together, they explore different homes, but the ones they find aren’t suited for tigers. Some are too wet, some are too dry, and some are just downright unwelcoming. But with their mother’s help, they may be able to find one that’s just right.

Jo Weaver’s gentle text and stunning monochromatic illustrations reveal the wonder of nature, the excitement of discovery, and the strength of familial bonds.

Buy Little Tigers through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Madeline Finn Shelter Dog

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog
Written and illustrated by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn asks her mother for a puppy every single day. Finally, Mom says yes, and Madeline Finn chooses Star, one of the puppies born to Mrs. Dimple’s dog Bonnie. Then Mrs. Dimple tells Madeline Finn about animal shelters―a place many other pets come from. After a visit to their local shelter, Madeline Finn has some questions. These questions lead to answers, and ideas, and soon Madeline Finn and her human and animal community discover that there are lots of ways for small people to make a big difference.

In this companion to the award-winning Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, author-illustrator Lisa Papp offers a heartwarming exploration of life in an animal shelter in this inspiring and endearing book for young readers eager to help their communities.

Buy Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Pipsqueaks Slowpokes and Stinkers

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers
Celebrating Animal Underdogs
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of “animal underdogs” and explains how characteristics that might seem like weaknesses are critical for finding food and staying safe in an eat-or-be-eaten world.

Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis’s bright, bold―and scientifically accurate―illustrations add to this fun, lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive.

Buy Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats
King & Kayla series
Written by Dori Hillestad Butler
Illustrated by Nancy Meyers

King is here to help his human girl solve mysteries in this easy-to-read and fast-paced series. Eager to solve any puzzle from some missing dog treats to a lost tooth, this lovable dog-and-human duo provides a great introduction to mysteries for young readers.

With simple, straightforward language and great verbal and visual humor, the King & Kayla series from Geisel Honor Award-winning team Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers is perfect for young animal lovers and newly independent readers.

Buy King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.