Books About Animal Care

The Best Animal Care Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about animal care? 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.

The Unicorn's Tale
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Animal Care

Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

Dragon's Fat Cat

By Dav Pilkey · Book #2 in the Dragon series

A dragon finds a cat in the snow and decides to take care of it, but he soon realizes that he doesn't know how to care for a cat, leading to a series of humorous misadventures

64 pages· 978 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,266 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dragon finds a stray cat and brings it home, but soon faces the challenges of pet care. From feeding to unexpected messes, Dragon's journey is filled with humor and heart. Can he learn the responsibilities of being a pet owner? Discover the ups and downs of this tender tale, complete with bonus content to inspire young readers.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

All About Ellie

By Callie Barkley, Marsha Riti (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the The Critter Club series

A young girl navigates her passion for performing and her responsibilities as a member of a group caring for abandoned rabbits.

128 pages· 5,509 words· Est. 43 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 761 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Ellie finally lands the lead in her school's Spring Spectacular, a dream come true. But with baby bunnies needing care at The Critter Club, her friendships are at risk. As the performance approaches, Ellie faces a tough choice: pursue her passion or support her friends. An unexpected source offers advice, reminding her that friendship is as vital as following her dreams. Will Ellie find a way to shine on stage and be there for her friends? Discover how she navigates this heartwarming dilemma in a tale perfect for young readers.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2011

The Unicorn's Tale

A young beastologist must save a unicorn while searching for his missing parents.

160 pages· 19,983 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 609 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Nathaniel Fludd, the youngest beastologist-in-training, faces a dilemma: save a mysteriously ill unicorn or continue searching for his missing parents. With his Aunt Phil, Nate must protect the unicorn from the villainous Obediah, who seeks its horn. As they navigate these challenges, a promising lead on his parents' whereabouts emerges. Can Nate balance his duty to the creatures with his personal quest? Adventure and mystery intertwine as Nate's journey unfolds.
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2011

Ponies

Discover the enchanting world of ponies from birth to gracefulness.

32 pages· 600 words· Est. 7 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 161 ratings
$4.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore the enchanting world of ponies with vibrant photos and engaging facts. Young readers will meet different breeds, learn about pony care, and witness the magic of a newborn foal's first steps. This delightful journey offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, sparking curiosity and a love for these graceful creatures. What secrets will you uncover about these charming animals?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Pup-Pup-Puppies

Discover the secrets to raising a happy, healthy puppy.

32 pages· 260 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 183 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a world of wagging tails and playful paws with this engaging guide. Perfect for young readers, it reveals the essentials of puppy care, from feeding to fun activities. Learn how to nurture your furry friend and ensure they grow into a loyal companion. What does it take to be the best puppy parent? Find out inside!
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2002

The Stuffed Bear Mystery

A rare teddy bear vanishes. Can the Aldens solve the mystery before it's too late?

128 pages· 16,112 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 441 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: During a Vermont teddy bear festival, the Aldens face an unexpected challenge: a rare bear has vanished from the toy hospital. With the festival in full swing, the children must unravel the mystery and catch the elusive thief. Will they recover the precious bear before it's lost forever? Join the Aldens on a thrilling hunt filled with twists and turns.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1999

Hoofbeats of Danger

A girl seeks justice for her poisoned pony in 1860's wild frontier.

130 pages· 27,405 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,130 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1860, young Annie faces a daunting challenge when her beloved pony is poisoned. Teaming up with Pony Express rider Billy Cody, she embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the saboteur. As danger looms at every turn, Annie's courage and determination are tested. Can she solve the mystery and save her pony before it's too late? This thrilling tale of bravery and intrigue will keep you guessing until the very end.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1995

A Pony in Trouble

By Jeanne Betancourt, Paul Bachem (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Pony Pals series

A sick pony's fate hangs in the balance before a big competition.

96 pages· 11,137 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 890 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Three friends rally to save a mysteriously ill pony before a crucial competition. As they work tirelessly, they discover that the journey and teamwork might be more rewarding than any trophy. Can they nurse the pony back to health in time, or will they find a different kind of victory?
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2013

Potbellied Pig

Discover the surprising world of potbellied pigs.

24 pages· 210 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.5/5 Goodreads · 4 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Uncover the fascinating secrets of potbellied pigs. From their unique behaviors to unexpected traits, this exploration reveals what makes these charming creatures so intriguing. What mysteries do these pigs hold?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2014

Horsenapped!

Animals vanish at camp. Can Bree solve the mystery before it's too late?

112 pages· 14,962 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 7 ratings
$39.93Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Bree, recovering from a fall, returns to Storm Cliff Stables, determined to become a vet. But when animals start disappearing, including her friend Avery's horse, Sapphire, Bree must unravel the mystery. Can she and her friends find Sapphire before it's too late, or will the summer be ruined by the vanishing animals? Dive into a tale of friendship, courage, and a race against time.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Animal Care Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about animal care for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Cats

Ages 0–7 · 2015

Discover the secrets to caring for your feline friend.

Horses on the Farm

Ages 4–8 · 2002

This book describes the roles, characteristics, and care of horses on farms and ranches.

Dogs on the Farm

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Discover the daily adventures of farm dogs.

Fancy

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Can Grace conquer her fears and win her first blue ribbon with Fancy the pony?

Katie's Vet Loves Pets

Ages 5–7 · 2020

A young girl finds a lost kitten and tries to find it a home, but it's sick and needs medical attention.

The Magic School Bus Gets Cold Feet

Ages 4–8 · 1988

The class must become reptiles to find their missing lizard.

View all animal care picture books
Browse by age

Animal Care Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about animal care for developing and independent readers.

Kitten

Ages 7–10 · 2013

Discover the secrets to keeping your kitten happy and healthy.

Gallop!

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Discover 100 fascinating horse facts, from wild ponies to racing legends.

The Pet Store Pet Show

Ages 6–8 · 2014

Can a neighborhood pet show save Mr. J's struggling store?

Fearless Freddie

Ages 6–8 · 2015

Twins face a stormy challenge: calming a howling beagle.

Maggie and the Unicorn

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A magical rescue mission is threatened by a step-brother's secret plans. Can they save the unicorn in time?

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo