Books About Reptiles · 577 titles considered

The Best Reptiles 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 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Reptiles

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,874 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.

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

4.1/5 Goodreads · 930 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.

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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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,196 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.

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

4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,010 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.

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,922 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)

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$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 · 1,211 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.

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 · 1,825 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?

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 · 434 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.

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 · 21,977 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.

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.

Series

Sale price

$799

Little Green Frog

Ages 0–5 · 2016

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

Series

Sale price

$999

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Ages 0–3 · 1965

A friendly crocodile must win over a grumpy neighbor and his cat. Can he succeed?

Sale price

$1999

Chomp Goes the Alligator

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A hungry alligator chomps through a colorful counting adventure.

Sale price

$550

Back to School Tortoise

Ages 2–5 · 2009

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

Sale price

$999

Mouse Count

Ages 0–3 · 1982

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

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.

Series

Sale price

$899

Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard

Ages 2–4 · 2018

A python's hugs are too strong. Can you teach him to be gentle?

Series

Sale price

$999

Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree

Ages 0–3 · 1991

Five monkeys learn the danger of teasing a crocodile.

Sale price

$799

Snakes on a Train

Ages 2–5 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$899

The Lady with the Alligator Purse

Ages 0–3 · 1998

Discover a song with hilarious new lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

Sale price

$699

May I Please Have a Cookie?

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Alfie craves cookies but must learn the magic words to get one.

Series

Sale price

$1299

Do Crocs Kiss?

Ages 2–5 · 2012

Lift the flaps to discover animal sounds.

View all reptiles board books

Browse by age

Reptiles Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$1899

I Wanna Iguana

Ages 4–8 · 2004

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

Sale price

$1999

Spike, the Mixed-up Monster

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A scary salamander learns fear isn't the key to friendship.

Sale price

$1999

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl who loves reptiles grows up to design a zoo's Reptile House.

Sale price

$895

The Tortoise and the Hare

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Can a slow tortoise outsmart a speedy hare in a race?

Series

Sale price

$1799

Beware of the Crocodile

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Discover the surprising lives of crocodiles beyond their fearsome teeth.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Pipsie, Nature Detective

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A nature hunt turns into a mystery when lunch goes missing.

Sale price

$1695

Turtle Summer

Ages 5–8 · 2007

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

Sale price

$1999

The Book of Turtles

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the surprising world of turtles and their ancient wisdom.

Sale price

$1999

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A sea turtle embarks on a 23,000-mile journey to return home.

Sale price

$1699

Follow the Moon Home

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A new girl unites a community to save sea turtles.

Series

Sale price

$1799

The Disappearing Caterpillar

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A caterpillar vanishes. Can a young detective and her turtle solve the mystery?

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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Browse by age

Reptiles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about reptiles for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Search for Treasure

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A hidden treasure hunt on Dewees Island reveals unexpected truths.

Series

Sale price

$699

Isadora Moon Goes on Holiday

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A holiday turns into a rescue mission when a baby turtle needs help finding its way home.

#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?

#6 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Revenge of the Horned Bunnies

Ages 8–12 · 2012

Danny's summer camp turns wild with a jackalope-napping mystery.

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.

#4 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Lair of the Bat Monster

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A dragon is kidnapped by a giant bat monster. Can his friend save him in time?

Series

Sale price

$999

Battle Royale

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Discover which fierce animals triumph in epic battles.

#7 in Series

Sale price

$1099

The Loch Ness Punster

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy inherits a mysterious castle, but secrets and family tensions loom large.

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.

#6 in Series

Sale price

$899

Tyrannosaurus Wrecks

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A dinosaur skull vanishes without a trace. Can Teddy solve the mystery?

#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.

Series

Sale price

$799

Snakes and Other Reptiles

Ages 7–9 · 2011

Uncover reptile secrets with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

View all reptiles chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about alligators and crocodiles Books about birds Books about eggs Books about empathy Books about father-daughter relationships Books about growing Books about pets Books about sea creatures

Our 10 Favorite Books About Reptiles

Great books, picked for their age.

Reptiles Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Reptiles Picture Books

Reptiles Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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