Books About Reptiles · 578 titles considered

The Best Reptiles Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about reptiles? 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 Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Reptiles

Flap Your Wings
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1969

Flap Your Wings

By P.D. Eastman

A boy finds an egg in the path and decides to put it in a nearby nest, leading to unexpected consequences.

48 pages· 667 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 1,882 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Bird discover a peculiar egg in their nest. When it hatches, they find themselves caring for Junior, a creature with jaws and an insatiable hunger, more akin to an alligator than a bird. As Junior grows, the nest struggles under his weight. How will he ever fly without wings? Join the Birds in this delightful tale as Junior finds an unexpected way to soar, leaving readers both surprised and amused. Perfect for young readers, this story combines humor and heart, encouraging a love for reading.
Zack's Alligator
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

Zack's Alligator

By Shirley Mozelle, James Watts (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the I Can Read series

A tiny alligator grows and causes chaos. Can Zack handle her antics?

64 pages· 528 words· Est. 9 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 931 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Zack receives a tiny alligator in the mail, but after a soak in water, Bridget becomes a full-sized, lively alligator. From wrestling garden hoses to swinging on monkey bars, Bridget's antics are endless. Can Zack manage his unexpected, mischievous pet, or will Bridget's wild side prove too much? Dive into this playful adventure where surprises lurk at every turn.
InvestiGators
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

InvestiGators

By John Patrick Green · Book #1 in the InvestiGators series

A group of alligator investigators solve a mystery involving a missing chef, a stolen scientific invention, and a triceratops escape artist.

208 pages· 8,763 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 4,297 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Mango and Brash, the alligator duo of the Special Undercover Investigation Teams, as they dive into the sewers to solve two perplexing mysteries. Armed with quirky gadgets and unconventional travel methods, these agents face off against cunning villains. Can they piece together the clues and capture the crooks, or will their slippery foes escape? With humor and unexpected twists, this adventure promises a wild ride through the underbelly of crime-fighting.
A New Friend
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2015

A New Friend

By Poppy Green, Jennifer A. Bell (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series

A young mouse befriends a snake who has just moved to her town and is struggling to fit in at school

128 pages· 4,659 words· Est. 36 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 2,050 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sophie Mouse eagerly returns to school, excited to meet a new classmate. But when Owen, a snake, slithers in, fear grips the classroom. Can Sophie overcome her own doubts and help her friends see beyond their fears? As spring blooms in Silverlake Forest, Sophie faces the challenge of bridging differences and embracing new friendships. Will she succeed in showing that appearances can be deceiving, or will fear keep them apart? Join Sophie on a heartwarming journey of courage and understanding in this delightful tale perfect for young readers.
Nim's Island
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1999

Nim's Island

By Wendy Orr, Kerry Millard (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Nim series

A young girl lives on a deserted island with her scientist father and various animal friends.

125 pages· 21,645 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 5,951 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Nim, a resourceful girl on a remote island, thrives with her animal friends while her scientist father is away. But when his calls cease, Nim must summon courage and ingenuity to face looming threats. With only a sea lion, an iguana, and a mysterious e-mail friend for support, can she navigate the challenges ahead and ensure her father's safe return? Adventure and resilience intertwine as Nim discovers the true strength of friendship and bravery.
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2017

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)

An alligator, bear, and dragon chase a cat, leading to unexpected friendship.

48 pages
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,213 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a wild chase as an alligator and bear pursue a cat, soon joined by a dragon, chicken, and egg. Through icy landscapes and dense jungles, this high-energy adventure reveals a surprising truth: friendship is the ultimate destination. Will these unlikely companions find harmony beyond the chaos? Discover the unexpected twists in this imaginative alphabet journey.
Warning: Do Not Open This Book!
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Warning: Do Not Open This Book!

By Adam Lehrhaupt, Matthew Forsythe (Illustrator) · Warning: Do Not Open This Book! series

Open this book at your own risk—chaos and laughter await inside.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2014)
40 pages
6.1/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,829 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dare to defy the warnings and open a book filled with monkeys, toucans, and unexpected hilarity. As you turn the pages, madness unfolds, challenging you to resist the wild adventure within. Will you heed the caution or embrace the chaos? This interactive journey promises endless fun and surprises, urging readers to dive into its quirky world again and again. Are you ready to take the plunge?
A Girl and Her Gator
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2006

A Girl and Her Gator

By Sean Bryan, Tom Murphy (Illustrator)

A girl finds an alligator in her hair. What will she do?

32 pages· 258 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 435 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Claire wakes up to find an alligator in her hair. Faced with this bizarre predicament, she must decide whether to panic or embrace her new scaly companion. Can she navigate her day with a gator on her head, or will it lead to unexpected adventures? As Claire grapples with her unusual situation, she learns that sometimes the strangest challenges can bring the most delightful surprises. Will she find a way to enjoy her new friend, or will chaos ensue? Discover how Claire's day unfolds in this whimsical tale of friendship and self-discovery.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Sale price
$1049
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2010

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead (Illustrator)

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Caldecott Medal (2011)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2010)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2011)
34 pages· 441 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 22,013 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Amos McGee cherishes his daily visits with his zoo friends, from racing a tortoise to comforting a shy penguin. But when Amos is too sick to visit, the animals embark on a heartwarming journey to return his kindness. Will their surprise cheer him up? Discover the power of friendship in unexpected forms.
The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit

By Susan Lowell

A desert race pits patient Tortoise against speedy Jackrabbit. Who will win?

32 pages· 587 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 152 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a desert showdown, Tortoise challenges the overconfident Jackrabbit to a race. As Tortoise steadily makes her way through the arid landscape, Jackrabbit's carefree attitude might just be his downfall. With Roadrunner, Tarantula, and Gila Monster cheering them on, the race is on. Will patience triumph over speed?
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Reptiles Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Little Green Frog
Series
Sale price
$799

Little Green Frog

Ages 0–5 · 2016

Discover pond friends with flaps that reveal surprises and build skills.

Chomp Goes the Alligator
Sale price
$1999

Chomp Goes the Alligator

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A hungry alligator chomps through a colorful counting adventure.

Back to School Tortoise
Sale price
$550

Back to School Tortoise

Ages 2–5 · 2009

Tortoise faces school fears. Will he find courage or crumble under worries?

Mouse Count
Sale price
$999

Mouse Count

Ages 0–3 · 1982

Mice count to escape a hungry snake. Can they outsmart it?

A Frog in the Bog
Sale price
$899

A Frog in the Bog

Ages 0–4 · 2003

A frog's feast leads to a surprising encounter with a hungry gator.

Snakes on a Train
Sale price
$799

Snakes on a Train

Ages 2–5 · 2019

Snakes board a train, tickets in hand. The journey begins with a hiss.

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Reptiles Picture Books

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

I Wanna Iguana
Series
Sale price
$1899

I Wanna Iguana

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A boy negotiates with his mom to get an iguana through hilarious notes.

Turtle Summer
Sale price
$1695

Turtle Summer

Ages 5–8 · 2007

A journal reveals the secrets of sea turtles and coastal life.

The Book of Turtles
Sale price
$1999

The Book of Turtles

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the surprising world of turtles and their ancient wisdom.

Follow the Moon Home
Sale price
$1699

Follow the Moon Home

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A new girl unites a community to save sea turtles.

A Mama for Owen
Sale price
$1999

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A baby hippo finds unexpected friendship after a tsunami changes everything.

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Reptiles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about reptiles for developing and independent readers.

Search for Treasure
Series
Sale price
$1799

Search for Treasure

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A hidden treasure hunt on Dewees Island reveals unexpected truths.

When Fairies Go Bad
#7 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

When Fairies Go Bad

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A dragon's mom is kidnapped by fairies. Can he rescue her from their tricky realm?

The Islanders
Series
Sale price
$1799

The Islanders

Ages 8–11 · 2021

Three kids must protect a sea turtle nest from predators on a remote island, facing personal challenges and unexpected adventures.

Battle Royale
Series
Sale price
$999

Battle Royale

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Discover which fierce animals triumph in epic battles.

Bedtime Jitters
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Bedtime Jitters

Ages 6–10 · 2021

A bird's sleepover with a friend leads to a discovery about the strange noises in the swamp.

Heist and Seek
#6 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Heist and Seek

Ages 7–10 · 2022

A group of investigators try to solve a mystery involving stolen paintings and a museum gala.

View all reptiles chapter books
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