Books About Animal Welfare · 182 titles considered

The Best Animal Welfare Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Animal Books, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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

#1 in Series

Series

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Animal Welfare

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

Newbery Medal (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,609 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1877

Black Beauty

By Anna Sewell

A horse's journey through kindness and cruelty reveals life's harsh truths.

288 pages· 59,755 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 303,091 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Victorian England, Black Beauty, a gentle horse, narrates his life from a nurturing home to harsh treatment under various masters. As he endures cruelty and neglect, Beauty's tale explores the impact of human kindness and cruelty. Will he find peace and compassion in a world that often overlooks the voiceless? This timeless story invites readers to see the world through the eyes of a horse, challenging us to reflect on our treatment of animals.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Chicks!

By Sandra Horning, Jon Goodell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Step into Reading series

A family raises chickens from chicks.

32 pages· 132 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 109 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A family brings home baby chicks from a farm, embarking on a journey to nurture them into healthy adult chickens. With guidance from their parents, the children learn to provide food, warmth, and shelter. As the chicks grow, young readers will delight in the transformation and the promise of future eggs. Will the family succeed in their feathered adventure?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

Snow Leopard

By Justin Anderson, Patrick Benson (Illustrator)

Follow tracks in the snow to uncover the elusive snow leopard's hidden world.

32 pages· 1,227 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 125 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the Himalayan peaks, a zoologist embarks on a quest to find the elusive snow leopard, known as the gray ghost. With its camouflaged coat, this majestic creature is nearly invisible among the boulders. Will he catch a glimpse of this rare beauty, or will it remain a legend? Discover the secrets of the mountains and the breathtaking animal that calls it home. This journey promises unforgettable sights and fascinating insights into the life of a creature few have ever seen.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2017

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

By Julia Finley Mosca, Daniel Rieley (Illustrator) · Amazing Scientists series

A young girl's journey with autism shapes her life and inspires her to help others.

40 pages· 847 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,179 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Temple Grandin, a visual thinker who turned her autism diagnosis into a strength. Her extraordinary connection with animals led to revolutionary changes in farming. How did she overcome the odds to become a scientific pioneer? Explore her inspiring journey in this captivating tale of innovation and resilience.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Don't Let Them Disappear

By Chelsea Clinton, Gianna Marino (Illustrator)

Discover endangered animals and learn how to help save them from extinction.

40 pages· 2,366 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 448 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey through a day with endangered animals like rhinos and tigers. Discover their unique traits and the threats they face. Can we prevent their disappearance? Find out how you can help.

Sale price

$1416

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Manatees

By Laura Marsh, National Geographic Kids · National Geographic Readers series

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

32 pages· 736 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 130 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?

Picture Book · 2010

Whales

By Laura Marsh · National Geographic Kids series

Discover the secret life of sperm whales.

48 pages· 1,753 words

4.2/5 Goodreads · 155 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Dive into the world of sperm whales, exploring their unique anatomy, social groups, and nurturing behaviors. What mysteries lie beneath the ocean's surface as these giants roam the deep? Uncover their fascinating lives and survival secrets.

Sale price

$2279

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2022

The Wolves of Yellowstone

By Catherine Barr

Can wolves save Yellowstone's dying ecosystem?

48 pages· 4,285 words· Est. 33 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 336 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the 1930s, wolves vanished from Yellowstone, leading to ecological chaos. Elk thrived unchecked, bears starved, and rivers changed course. By 1995, experts dared to ask: could reintroducing wolves restore balance? Follow the gripping journey of fourteen wolves relocated from Canada, and discover how their return transformed the park. This tale of nature's resilience reveals the intricate connections within ecosystems and the power of a single species to heal a landscape. Will the wolves succeed in reviving Yellowstone's lost harmony?

Sale price

$2370

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia

By Lucy Spelman

Discover the secrets of 2,500 animals with stunning photos and fascinating facts.

304 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 492 ratings

$24.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom with the National Geographic Kids Animal Encyclopedia. Dive into the lives of 2,500 species, from the fastest to the smallest, through vivid photographs and intriguing facts. Explore animal habitats, communication, and survival strategies. Special features include in-depth animal profiles and exclusive explorer stories. Organized by taxonomy, this encyclopedia is a treasure trove of knowledge, perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the natural world. Navigate easily with color-coded sections and discover conservation statuses, making it an essential resource for young animal enthusiasts.

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Animal Welfare Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about animal welfare for the youngest readers and listeners.

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Series

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$1099

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Ages 0–3 · 2003

Discover endangered animals through vibrant rhymes and illustrations.

Sale price

$795

I Howl, I Growl

Ages 1–5 · 2003

Desert animals race and howl in a lively adventure.

Series

Sale price

$899

Look After Us

Ages 1–4 · 2021

Lift flaps to discover endangered animals and learn about conservation.

Series

Sale price

$999

Who's Hiding in the Rain Forest?

Ages 2–5 · 2020

Discover hidden rain forest animals and their secrets.

Sale price

$1095

Big Whales, Small World

Ages 1–2 · 2020

Explore the vast oceans and meet whales of all sizes in a rhyming adventure.

Sale price

$795

Picky Eaters

Ages 3–7 · 2017

Discover what picky animals eat and learn to try new foods.

Series

Sale price

$799

Fiona's Friends

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A premature hippo's survival inspires hope for endangered species.

Series

Sale price

$695

Hello, Bumblebee Bat

Ages 0–3 · 2007

Discover the secret life of the world's tiniest bat.

View all animal welfare board books

Browse by age

Animal Welfare Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1795

Counting Birds

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Discover how counting birds can save species and inspire young conservationists.

Sale price

$1999

Make Way for Animals!

Ages 5–9 · 2022

Can wildlife crossings save animals from deadly roads?

Sale price

$1799

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo?

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Discover the wild world of zookeepers and their quirky tasks.

Series

Sale price

$999

Water Dance

Ages 4–7 · 1997

Follow water's journey through our world.

Series

Sale price

$599

The Penguin Problem

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Freddy's penny jar is missing. Can he still save the penguins?

Sale price

$1899

The Elephants Come Home

Ages 5–7 · 2021

A herd of elephants finds a new home, but will they stay?

Sale price

$1899

Crossings

Ages 3–8 · 2020

Discover how wildlife crossings save animals from human-made obstacles.

Sale price

$1799

A Boy and a Jaguar

Ages 4–7 · 2014

A boy finds his voice with animals, overcoming a stutter to champion their cause.

Series

Sale price

$1999

If Sharks Disappeared

Ages 5–8 · 2017

What if sharks vanished? Discover the ocean's fate.

Sale price

$2499

The Not BAD Animals

Ages 5–10 · 2020

Misunderstood creatures fight back against their bad reputations.

Series

Sale price

$1999

Ivan

Ages 4–7 · 2014

A gorilla's journey from captivity to freedom sparks a movement for animal welfare.

Kitten Lady's Big Book of Little Kittens

Series

Sale price

$1899

Kitten Lady's Big Book of Little Kittens

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the journey of foster kittens from birth to adoption.

View all animal welfare picture books

Browse by age

Animal Welfare Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about animal welfare for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Strays Like Us

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl must choose between following rules and rescuing a dog, risking newfound friendships.

Series

Sale price

$699

Pandas and Other Endangered Species

Ages 7–9 · 2012

The book explores the lives of endangered species, including giant pandas, and the efforts of conservationists to protect them.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$999

Aquicorn Cove

Ages 7–12 · 2018

A girl must protect magical creatures from a looming storm.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

The Aquanaut

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl and sea creatures uncover dark secrets in a marine park.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Is Temple Grandin?

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Autism fuels her journey from outsider to pioneering scientist.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$899

Big Game

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A twelve-year-old boy investigates the attempted assassination of a pregnant rhinoceros at a Texas theme park.

Sale price

$2995

The Wolves Are Back

Ages 6–9

Wolves once near extinction now thrive, reshaping ecosystems.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$599

Unicorns and Germs

Ages 7–9 · 2018

A young girl helps a giant unicorn with a hurt leg by using her science skills and the help of her mom and cat.

Series

Sale price

$799

Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things

Ages 9–12 · 2007

Campers face danger as poachers hunt endangered condors.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$899

Lion Down

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A lion is framed for a dog's death. Can Teddy uncover the truth?

Sale price

$1795

Beautiful Joe (Paperback)

Ages 9–12 · 1893

A mistreated dog finds hope with a kind family.

Series

Sale price

$899

Dark Sunshine

Ages 8–12 · 2002

A girl rescues a troubled mare, but can she earn its trust and find it a home?

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Keep exploring

Books about baby animals Books about farm life and ranch life Books about horses Books about survival stories Books about the zoo

Our 10 Favorite Books About Animal Welfare

Great books, picked for their age.

Animal Welfare Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Animal Welfare Picture Books

Animal Welfare Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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