Books About Animal Shelters · 64 titles considered

The Best Animal Shelters Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Animal Rescue Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about animal shelters? 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 Animal Shelters

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Gaby, Lost and Found

By Angela Cervantes · Wish series

A young girl seeks a forever home while her family falls apart.

224 pages· 41,106 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,500 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Gaby, a sixth grader, finds solace volunteering at an animal shelter while her life unravels. With her mother deported and her father distant, Gaby dreams of reuniting with her mom to adopt her favorite cat. But when the cat's owners reappear, Gaby's hopes for a perfect family are threatened. Can she find a place to truly belong?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2024

Millie

By McCall Hoyle, Kevin Keele (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Best Friends Dog Tales series

A street dog and a girl face abandonment. Can they find trust and a home together?

208 pages· 48,447 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 408 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Millie, a streetwise terrier, and Tori, a struggling reader, both know fear and abandonment. When Millie is placed in Tori's care, they must navigate trust and belonging. As old habits threaten their bond, will they find a forever home together, or will Millie return to the streets? Discover a tale of resilience and the quest for a true home.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Sit, Stay, Love

Wish series

A girl must save a pug from a life of showbiz while confronting unexpected feelings.

256 pages· 40,289 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,209 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Cecilia Murray's dream dog, a pug named Potato, is adopted by Eric Chung, a school rival aiming for show-dog fame. Determined to save Potato from a glitzy life, Cecilia plots against Eric. Yet, as she spends time with them, her views on dog shows and Eric begin to shift. Can she rescue Potato and follow her heart?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

Harry the Homeless Puppy

By Holly Webb, Sophy Williams (Illustrator) · Pet Rescue Adventures series

A girl and her favorite shelter puppy are separated by adoption. Can they find their way back to each other?

128 pages· 11,814 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 598 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Grace adores her time at the animal rescue, especially with Harry, the playful puppy. But when Harry is adopted, Grace faces a bittersweet reality. She should be happy for Harry's new home, yet her heart aches with his absence. Meanwhile, Harry is confused, missing Grace's familiar presence. As they navigate their new lives apart, will their bond endure, or is this the end of their friendship? Discover the heartwarming journey of love, loss, and unexpected reunions.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Dogtown

By Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko, Wallace West (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Dogtown series

A real dog and a robot dog seek forever homes from a unique shelter.

352 pages· 26,008 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,068 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In a shelter for stray and robot dogs, Chance, a real dog, and Metal Head, a robot dog, yearn for a true home. Joined by a clever mouse, they embark on a daring quest filled with unexpected dangers and kindness. Will they find the homes they dream of, or will their journey lead them to something even more profound? Discover the heartwarming adventure that challenges what it means to belong.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2011

Bella

By Ellen Miles · Book #22 in the The Puppy Place series

A young girl helps care for a newborn puppy whose mother is too sick to care for her.

96 pages· 11,412 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 457 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Lizzie Peterson faces a heartwarming challenge: saving Bella, a fragile newborn cocker spaniel. As she bottle-feeds the tiny pup around the clock, Lizzie's mission is clear—find Bella the perfect forever home. But with Bella's future uncertain, who will step up to give this sweet dog the love she deserves? Discover the journey of hope and determination at the Puppy Place.

Sale price

$674

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2015

Amy Is a Little Bit Chicken

By Callie Barkley, Tracy Bishop (Illustrator) · Book #13 in the The Critter Club series

Can Amy overcome stage fright to help her team win the Quiz Bowl?

128 pages· 4,535 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 209 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Amy dreads the spotlight, but her friends need her for the Santa Vista Quiz Bowl. As the event looms, her nerves grow, mirroring the chickens they're caring for. Can Amy conquer her fears and lead her team to victory, or will stage fright get the best of her? Dive into this charming tale of friendship, courage, and a few feathered friends.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2013

Marion Takes a Break

By Callie Barkley, Marsha Riti (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the The Critter Club series

A young girl named Marion struggles to cope with a sprained ankle that prevents her from participating in the horse show and other activities she loves.

128 pages· 4,989 words· Est. 39 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 556 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Marion's packed schedule of violin lessons and horse training leaves her overwhelmed. An unexpected injury halts her plans, but with the support of her Critter Club friends, she finds joy in unexpected places. As her ankle heals, Marion uncovers a hidden talent and learns that success isn't just about winning. Will she embrace this new perspective and find balance in her life?

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Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2012

Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess

By Rachel Renée Russell · Book #4 in the Dork Diaries series

Nikki must save an animal shelter, but rival MacKenzie complicates her plans.

368 pages· 28,669 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 36,060 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Nikki Maxwell is on a mission to save a local animal shelter from closing. With her crush Brandon already volunteering there, Nikki, along with her friends Chloe and Zoey, enters an ice-skating competition to raise funds. But when rival MacKenzie interferes, Nikki must outsmart her to ensure the shelter's survival. Can Nikki's creativity and determination overcome the obstacles and keep the shelter open?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2014

Amy's Very Merry Christmas

By Callie Barkley, Marsha Riti (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the The Critter Club series

Can Amy bring holiday cheer to a lonely friend and find homes for guinea pigs?

128 pages· 4,491 words· Est. 50 min read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 365 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In Santa Vista, Amy is thrilled for Christmas, but she notices Ms. Sullivan's loneliness. As she juggles family visits and adorable guinea pigs needing homes, Amy devises a plan to brighten Ms. Sullivan's holiday. With Christmas approaching, will Amy's efforts bring joy and companionship to her friend? Discover the heartwarming surprises that await in this festive tale.

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Animal Shelters Picture Books

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

#5 in Series

Sale price

$799

Amy Meets Her Stepsister

Ages 5–7 · 2013

New stepsister Chloe isn't as nice as she seems. Can Amy find a way to get along?

Series

Sale price

$1795

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A young girl discovers how small acts can make a big difference for shelter dogs.

#10 in Series

Sale price

$699

Ellie and the Good-Luck Pig

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A young girl's life is affected by the arrival and departure of a pig at an animal shelter she helps run with her friends

#3 in Series

Sale price

$799

Liz Learns a Lesson

Ages 5–9 · 2013

Summer plans are at risk when Liz faces unexpected summer school. Can she balance fun and learning?

#12 in Series

Sale price

$599

Marion Takes Charge

Ages 5–9 · 2015

A young girl takes on the responsibility of babysitting her little sister and helping her friends at the animal rescue shelter

#2 in Series

Sale price

$799

All About Ellie

Ages 5–9 · 2012

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

Sale price

$1899

Negative Cat

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young boy gets a cat and learns to care for it.

Series

Sale price

$599

The Berenstain Bears' Pet Rescue

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A group of bear cubs visit an animal shelter and learn about rescue pets, leading one of them to adopt a shy dog and help her find confidence in her new home.