Books About Alligators

The Best Alligators Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about alligators? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Alligators

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Secret of the Staircase

By Steven K. Smith · Book #4 in the The Virginia Mysteries series

Brothers must solve a mystery or face lurking dangers beneath a historic hotel.

158 pages· 25,773 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 470 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Brothers Sam and Derek face a mystery at Richmond's historic Jefferson Hotel. When wedding rings vanish and Sam is accused, they must uncover the truth. Are the hotel's eerie sounds and shadows linked to its past, or is something more sinister at play? As they navigate secret passageways, the boys must solve the mystery before becoming prey to the hotel's unusual guests. Can they clear Sam's name and save the wedding in time?

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Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Unlikely Friends

By Norm Feuti · Book #1 in the Beak & Ally series

A bird and an alligator become unlikely friends in the swamp.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor (2022)

64 pages· 1,069 words· Est. 16 min read

4.2 Goodreads · 623 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Ally, a solitary alligator, finds her world turned upside down when Beak, a lively bird, lands on her snout. Beak is determined to befriend Ally, envisioning adventures and mystery-solving escapades. But when a party crasher disrupts Beak's celebration, Ally steps up, revealing the power of standing up for what's right. Can this odd pair navigate the ups and downs of friendship? Dive into a tale where unexpected bonds lead to heartwarming discoveries.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Claude

By Emma Bland Smith, Jennifer M. Potter (Illustrator)

An albino alligator finds acceptance and friendship in an unexpected place.

32 pages· 832 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 376 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Claude, an albino alligator, stands out from his peers, making him vulnerable and isolated. After a long journey to the California Academy of Sciences, he hopes for companionship with Bonnie, another alligator. But when Bonnie rejects him, Claude discovers unexpected friends in the snapping turtles who share his swamp. As visitors flock to see him, Claude learns that his uniqueness is his strength. Will he find the acceptance he's been searching for?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

Miles and Miles of Reptiles

By Tish Rabe, Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator), Joe Mathieu (Illustrator) · The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library series

Join a whimsical journey to uncover the secrets of reptiles with the Cat in the Hat.

48 pages· 1,069 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 341 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on a rhyming adventure with the Cat in the Hat as he travels in his crocodile car to explore the fascinating world of reptiles. Discover how snakes use their tongues to smell, why chameleons change colors, and the difference between turtles and tortoises. With each page, young readers will encounter remarkable creatures like komodo dragons and frilled lizards, learning quirky facts and essential characteristics. This delightful journey promises to entertain and educate, sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2015

If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!

By Elise Parsley · Magnolia Says DON'T! series

A kid's show-and-tell goes awry with an unexpected alligator guest.

40 pages· 479 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 1,846 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Magnolia's show-and-tell takes a wild turn when she brings an alligator to class. Determined to impress, she soon faces chaos as her scaly companion causes trouble. Can Magnolia find a way to send the alligator home before things get out of hand? Discover the hilarity and unexpected solutions in this charming tale of ambition and mischief.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

Alligators and Crocodiles

By Gail Gibbons

This book explores the lives, habitats, and behaviors of alligators and crocodiles, comparing their physical traits, survival strategies, and roles in the ecosystem.

32 pages· 1,471 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

3.8 Goodreads · 148 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

Deadly Waters

By Alane Ferguson · Book #3 in the Mysteries in Our National Park series

A family races to solve a mystery of dying manatees and a stolen camera in the Everglades.

160 pages· 29,872 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 220 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of the Everglades, the Landon family faces a perilous mystery. Jack, Ashley, and Bridger must uncover the truth behind a mysterious illness affecting manatees. As they navigate treacherous waters, a stranger in a speedboat complicates their quest by stealing Jack's camera. With a seven-foot shark lurking and an injured manatee in need, the stakes are high. Can they unravel the secrets hidden in the mangrove maze before it's too late? Dive into this thrilling adventure where every clue could be their last hope.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2015

Aaron Has a Lazy Day

By P.D. Eastman

Aaron's lazy day turns wild after a lemon mishap.

32 pages· 137 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.6 Goodreads · 160 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Aaron the Alligator is hot, tired, and hungry. A juicy lemon seems tempting, but it's a sour surprise! Follow Aaron as his lazy day spirals into unexpected chaos. Will he find a better snack? Young readers will laugh and learn with simple words and playful rhymes as Aaron's misadventures unfold.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Chez Bob

By Bob Shea

An alligator's plan to eat birds turns into an unexpected friendship.

40 pages· 787 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,826 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Bob the alligator opens a restaurant on his nose to lure birds for a feast. As birds flock to Chez Bob, he anticipates a delicious meal. But as they linger, Bob faces a surprising dilemma: will he choose friendship over his appetite? This whimsical tale explores how even the most cunning plans can lead to unexpected bonds and a change of heart. Dive into Bob's world and discover if he can transform from a predator to a pal in this delightful story of friendship and self-discovery.

Sale price

$2845

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

American Alligator vs. Wild Boar

By Nathan Sommer · Animal Battles series

A powerful swamp predator meets a tough, tusked hog. Which one would win?

24 pages· 694 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

3.3 Goodreads · 12 ratings

$29.95Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: American alligators are fierce predators, but wild boars are no easy prey. What would happen if these two animals crossed paths? This high-interest, light-text title compares their weapons, attack moves, size, range and habitat, then pits them against each other in an imagined battle, with bold photographs throughout.

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