Books About Animal Life Cycles

The Best Animal Life Cycles Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about animal life cycles? 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.

Series

Series

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Animal Life Cycles

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Picture Book

Caterpillars and Butterflies

By Stephanie Turnbull · Usborne Beginners series

How does a tiny crawling caterpillar turn into a butterfly on the wing?

1,021 words

4.2 Goodreads · 159 ratings

Paperback

Summary: A beginner's guide to caterpillars and butterflies: how they hatch from eggs, eat and grow, change inside a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies, told in short text with photos for young readers.

Sale price

$1416

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Manatees

By Laura Marsh, National Geographic Kids

Dive into the world of manatees and uncover their survival challenges.

32 pages· 809 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 131 ratings

$14.90Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Journey into the underwater realm of manatees, the gentle 'sea cows' of the ocean. Discover how these endearing creatures nurture their young and navigate the dangers threatening their marshy homes. With captivating photos and engaging text, young readers will be enchanted by the mysteries of manatee life and the environmental challenges they face. Will these gentle giants overcome the perils of their habitat?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Spiders

By Nic Bishop (Author/Photographer)

Discover the fascinating world of spiders through stunning, up-close photography.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2008)

48 pages· 314 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 669 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into the mesmerizing world of spiders with breathtaking, larger-than-life photographs. Witness the beauty and strangeness of these creatures as you learn intriguing facts. See a spider leap twenty times its body length and uncover the secrets of their extraordinary lives. Perfect for young explorers eager to see the world from a new perspective.

Sale price

$3386

Picture Book · 2019

Bees

By Katie Lajiness · Awesome Animal Powers series

How do tiny insects share news about the best flowers with the whole hive?

32 pages· 917 words

$35.64Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Bees have an awesome animal power: they are expert communicators, sharing news with the rest of their hive. This introduction to bees also covers their life cycle, range, diet, predators and threats, with a table of contents, a body diagram, a map, fun facts, a glossary and an index.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 1992

Foal

By Mary Ling (Author/Editor) · See How They Grow series

Close-up photos follow a newborn horse as it grows from wobbly legs to running.

24 pages

3.5 Goodreads · 13 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Part of DK's See How They Grow series, this photo book follows a foal from its first wobbly steps after birth through the weeks it spends growing stronger beside its mother, in simple text and close-up photographs for young children.

Sale price

$3115

Picture Book · Ages 0–7 · 2017

Whale Sharks

By Leo Statts · Zoom In on Sharks series

Dive into the world of whale sharks and uncover their secrets.

24 pages· 195 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 5 ratings

$32.79Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Explore the majestic world of whale sharks through engaging text and vivid photos. Discover the mysteries of these gentle giants as young readers are invited to dive deeper with quick stats and glossary terms. What secrets do these ocean behemoths hold?

Sale price

$2845

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

Milkweed Bugs

By Patrick Perish · Insects Up Close series

Discover the secret defense of the milkweed bug against predators.

24 pages· 156 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 5 ratings

$29.95Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Explore the fascinating world of the milkweed bug, a creature with a unique defense that keeps predators at bay. With vivid photos and simple text, young readers will uncover how these bugs use their striking colors to survive. What makes them so unappetizing to predators? Dive into this engaging journey and find out!

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2003

The Life Cycle of a Snake

By John Crossingham, Bobbie Kalman

Discover the secrets of snake survival from birth to adulthood.

32 pages· 4,037 words· Est. 45 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 4 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the fascinating journey of snakes from hatching to maturity. Uncover why they hibernate, how they hunt, and the distinctions between venomous and harmless species. What challenges do these reptiles face in diverse habitats worldwide?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · 2003

From Egg to Chicken

By Robin Nelson · Start to Finish series

Witness the transformation from egg to chicken.

24 pages· 268 words

3.6 Goodreads · 7 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the fascinating journey of a chick's life cycle, from its humble beginnings as an egg to a fully grown chicken. With vivid photographs and simple sentences, young readers will uncover the wonders of nature and the science behind everyday life. What challenges does a chick face as it grows? How does it adapt to its environment? This engaging exploration supports key science education standards, making it a perfect introduction to the marvels of life science and technology.

Sale price

$2025

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

The Life Cycle of a Dog

By Lisa Trumbauer · Life Cycles series

Uncover the life cycle of a dog.

24 pages· 124 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud

4.8 Goodreads · 4 ratings

$21.32Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Discover the fascinating journey of a dog, from its playful puppy days to becoming a loyal companion. Uncover the secrets of their habits and development stages, and see the world through their eyes. What makes them such cherished friends?

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