Books About The Zoo · 350 titles considered

The Best The Zoo Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about the zoo? 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 The Zoo

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)

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

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,215 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

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

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Belly Up

By Stuart Gibbs · Book #1 in the FunJungle series

A hippo's suspicious death at FunJungle leads Teddy into a dangerous investigation.

294 pages· 64,074 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 17,043 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Teddy Fitzroy suspects foul play when Henry the hippo dies at FunJungle. With his daring friend Summer, he dives into a mystery filled with suspicious zoo officials and greedy owners. As they uncover secrets, Teddy faces threats that could make him the next target. Can they solve the case before more animals—or themselves—are in danger? The truth about hippo homicide might be more than they bargained for.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2011

Miss Child Has Gone Wild!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the My Weirder School series

A third-grade class goes on a field trip to the zoo, where they encounter various animals and learn about their habitats and characteristics.

112 pages· 7,288 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,019 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: A.J. and his third-grade class embark on a zoo field trip, only to encounter Miss Child, a zookeeper with peculiar beliefs. She insists animals outsmart humans and even claims elephants can paint! As the day unfolds, chaos ensues, and A.J. might just find himself face-to-face with a lion. Can the kids navigate this wild adventure and make it back to school unscathed? Dive into the hilarious escapades of Ella Mentry School's students as they tackle the unexpected and the absurd in this laugh-out-loud tale.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1959

Sammy the Seal

By Syd Hoff

A seal leaves his home at the zoo to explore the outside world and learn about what lies beyond his enclosure.

72 pages· 786 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,477 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Sammy, a curious seal, escapes the zoo for a day in the bustling city. His adventure leads him to a school where he encounters children and discovers the joy of reading. As Sammy navigates this new world, will he find his way back home, or will the allure of learning keep him in the city? Join Sammy on a delightful journey filled with discovery and fun, perfect for young readers eager to explore the magic of books.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1960

Put Me in the Zoo

By Robert Lopshire · I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Books series

A creature tries to convince the zookeepers to let it stay in the zoo by showcasing its unique abilities.

61 pages· 521 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 50,148 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Spot dreams of joining the zoo, but he's turned away. Determined to prove his worth, Spot dazzles two young friends with his incredible spot tricks—changing colors, juggling, and more. Can Spot find his special place in the world? This lively tale invites young readers to discover the magic of individuality and the joy of reading.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Baby's First Bank Heist

By Jim Whalley, Stephen Collins (Illustrator)

A baby plans a bank heist to buy a pet. Chaos ensues.

32 pages· 622 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 258 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Baby Frank is on a mission: rob a bank to afford a pet his parents refuse to buy. This adorable yet audacious plan leads to a hilarious adventure. Will Frank succeed in his fluffy quest, or will his criminal caper be foiled? Discover the mischief and mayhem as this pint-sized mastermind takes on the world of crime, proving that even the smallest among us can dream big.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ida, Always

By Caron Levis, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

40 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,775 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In a bustling city park, polar bears Gus and Ida share an unbreakable bond. When Ida falls gravely ill, Gus must confront the heartache of losing his dearest friend. As they navigate this painful journey together, Gus discovers that Ida's presence lingers in the echoes of their shared world. Inspired by a true friendship, this poignant tale explores the enduring power of love and memory, leaving readers to ponder: How do we hold onto those we've lost?

Sale price

$759

Board Book · Ages 1–4 · 1982

Dear Zoo

By Rod Campbell · Dear Zoo series

Lift the flaps to find the perfect pet from the zoo's animal surprises.

18 pages

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 27,189 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: A child writes to the zoo asking for a pet, and they send a series of animals, each hidden behind a flap. From a playful monkey to a mighty lion, each animal presents a new surprise. But none seem quite right. Will the zoo ever send the perfect pet? With vibrant illustrations and interactive flaps, this delightful journey keeps young readers guessing and engaged, making it a timeless favorite for discovering the ideal companion.

Sale price

$958

Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2009

My Heart Is Like a Zoo

By Michael Hall

Explore emotions through colorful heart-shaped animals in a playful zoo.

34 pages

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,658 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In 'My Heart Is Like a Zoo,' discover a vibrant world where hearts transform into playful animals. Young readers will explore emotions like hope and happiness through bold, graphic art. With over 300 hearts to count, this engaging book invites children to learn about feelings, numbers, and creativity. Perfect for little hands, it sparks conversations about emotions and inspires art projects at home or in the classroom. Dive into this menagerie of love and see how a simple shape can express a world of emotions.

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)

34 pages· 441 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 21,972 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

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.

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Browse by age

The Zoo Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$795

Sloth Slept on

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Kids find a mysterious creature napping in their tree. What is it, and where does it belong?

Sale price

$799

Fiona's Feelings

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A premature hippo's journey to strength and discovery inspires young readers.

Sale price

$699

The Opposite Zoo

Ages 2–5 · 2016

A monkey explores the zoo at night, discovering opposites in every corner.

Sale price

$899

1, 2, 3 to the Zoo

Ages 1–3 · 1968

Count animals as they fill a train, car by car.

Sale price

$899

Good Night, Gorilla

Ages 0–2 · 1994

Zoo animals escape at bedtime. Who's behind it all?

Sale price

$899

Fiona, It's Bedtime

Ages 0–4 · 2021

Fiona the hippo bids goodnight to zoo friends, inviting children to join her bedtime adventure.

Sale price

$499

Miffy at the Zoo

Ages 0–5 · 1963

A zoo trip reveals a special animal ride for Miffy.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

Sale price

$1099

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

Ages 2–5 · 1991

Discover the sounds of the zoo in a rhythmic, interactive adventure.

Sale price

$599

Zoo Babies

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Discover playful baby animals in this delightful zoo adventure.

Sale price

$795

Checkers and Dot at the Zoo

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Explore the zoo with Checkers and Dot, discovering animals and patterns.

Sale price

$699

Little Owl's Orange Scarf

Ages 2–5 · 2013

Little Owl hates his orange scarf. Can he find a way to stay warm without it?

Sale price

$699

Peek-A-Boo Zoo

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Lift the flaps to discover who's hiding at the zoo!

View all the zoo board books

Browse by age

The Zoo Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1999

1 Zany Zoo

Ages 3–7 · 2010

What chaos unfolds when zoo animals roam free before dawn?

Sale price

$1699

Xander's Panda Party

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A panda's party plans unravel when he realizes he's the only panda. Can he invite everyone instead?

Sale price

$1799

Penguin Cha-Cha

Ages 3–7 · 2013

A girl tries to join dancing penguins at the zoo.

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

$1999

Winnie

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A soldier's bear becomes a beloved mascot, but who will care for her when duty calls?

Sale price

$1799

Look

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Siblings explore the zoo, encountering baboons and balloons, in a playful, double-o word adventure.

Sale price

$1999

A Snow Day for Amos McGee

Ages 3–6 · 2025

A surprise snowfall invites a zookeeper's animal friends for a playful winter day.

Sale price

$1899

The Last Zookeeper

Ages 5–9 · 2024

A robot builds an ark to save zoo animals in a flooded world.

Sale price

$1799

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Zoo animals feast and play with donated pumpkins, celebrating fall's bounty.

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.

Sale price

$1899

The Moonlight Zoo

Ages 3–7 · 2020

Can Eva find her lost cat in the magical Moonlight Zoo before it vanishes at dawn?

Sale price

$395

Curious George Visits the Zoo

Ages 4–7 · 1985

A mischievous monkey's antics at the zoo lead to unexpected praise.

View all the zoo picture books

Browse by age

The Zoo Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the zoo for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1799

Trouble Finds Plum!

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Raccoons overrun the zoo. Can Plum save his home?

Sale price

$1799

The Elephant in the Room

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl, a lottery winner, and a circus elephant find hope in unexpected friendships.

Sale price

$1699

The Big Blue Book of Beginner Books

Ages 3–7 · 1994

Discover six timeless tales in one book, sparking young imaginations and a love for reading.

Sale price

$499

The Lonely Lion Cub

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A lonely lion cub needs help, but the plan involves a daring risk.

Sale price

$499

The Silky Seal Pup

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A girl must save her beloved zoo or risk losing her animal friends forever.

Sale price

$1699

The Menagerie

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A sabotaged sanctuary, escaped creatures, and a looming kraken threaten chaos. Can they save the Menagerie?

Sale price

$799

The Menagerie

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A dragon is accused of murder. Can the truth be uncovered?

Sale price

$1199

Peek Inside the Zoo

2014

Discover hidden animals in a vibrant world.

Sale price

$999

Raids and Rescues

Ages 9–12 · 2013

Friends must navigate a secret zoo's forbidden maze to save their captured allies.

Sale price

$999

Traps and Specters

Ages 9–12 · 2012

Kids face sasquatches and traps to save friends and a secret zoo.

Sale price

$999

Riddles and Danger

Ages 9–12 · 2011

Can four friends stop escaped sasquatches threatening their town?

Sale price

$999

The Final Fight

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A hidden zoo faces war as Noah battles a dark force threatening both worlds.

View all the zoo chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about adventure and adventurers Books about animal welfare Books about animals Books about belonging Books about city and town life Books about empathy Books about imagination Books about new experiences

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Zoo

Great books, picked for their age.

The Zoo Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

The Zoo Picture Books

The Zoo Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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