Books About Zookeepers

The Best Zookeepers Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about zookeepers? 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.

Miss Child Has Gone Wild!
The Shortlist

Our 8 Favorite Books About Zookeepers

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.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo?

By Steve Jenkins (Author/Illustrator), Robin Page

Discover the wild world of zookeepers and their quirky tasks.

40 pages· 918 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 230 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Explore the zoo through the eyes of dedicated zookeepers who ensure animals thrive outside their natural habitats. From cuddling kangaroos to playing soccer with rhinos, their days are full of surprises. What would you do in their shoes?
Chapter Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Night of the Zombie Zookeeper

Two friends investigate a mysterious zookeeper who may be a zombie

128 pages· 4,535 words· Est. 51 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 351 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Desmond Cole and his best friend Andres Miedoso are on a school trip to the zoo, expecting a fun day with animals safely behind bars. But when they encounter a zookeeper who's not quite alive, the duo must tackle their spookiest challenge yet. In Kersville, where ghosts and ghouls are part of the scenery, Desmond's Ghost Patrol is ready for any eerie encounter. Will they manage to outsmart the undead caretaker, or will this be the case that finally stumps them? Join the adventure and find out if they can keep the zoo—and themselves—safe.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

The Elephant Thief

A boy and an elephant race against time and foes on a perilous journey.

320 pages· 73,913 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 428 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Young pickpocket Danny's life changes when he accidentally buys an elephant. Tasked with riding Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester in a week, Danny faces a rival zookeeper's sabotage and his own shadowy past. As the nation watches, including the Queen, Danny must earn the elephant's trust and navigate treacherous challenges. Will they triumph against the odds and complete their daring journey?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

The Zoo Crew

Zoo camp toys vanish overnight. Can they solve the mystery?

96 pages· 10,332 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 530 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Nancy and her friends are thrilled to attend a zoo camp, crafting toys for the animals. But when their creations vanish overnight, suspicion falls on everyone. Can Nancy crack the case before the animals are left without fun? Dive into this wild mystery where every clue counts and nothing is as it seems.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2005

Z is for Zookeeper

Discover the hidden world of zookeepers and their bustling daily adventures.

40 pages· 3,895 words· Est. 30 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 69 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Dive into the vibrant world of the zoo, where the zookeeper tirelessly cares for a diverse animal family. From feeding to nursing, explore the unseen challenges and joys of this vital role. With Roland Smith's expertise and Henry Cole's enchanting illustrations, 'Z is for Zookeeper' offers a unique glimpse into the life behind the scenes. What secrets and surprises await in this alphabet journey through the zoo?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Endangered Operation

Rescue a stolen tiger cub from VILE in a globe-trotting adventure.

160 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: As a junior zookeeper, your rare Amur tiger cub is stolen by VILE. Team up with Carmen Sandiego to thwart their exotic animal heist. Will you succeed or fail? With twenty possible endings, every choice leads to a new adventure.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

You See a Zoo, I See...

By Michael Downs, Maureen O'Brien (Illustrator)

Zoo animals reveal surprising secrets beyond first impressions.

32 pages· 456 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 44 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Explore the zoo through a child's eyes, where every animal action has a hidden purpose. Discover why crocodiles guard fiercely and chimpanzees act playfully. Even the zookeeper holds a delightful secret. Uncover the unexpected truths behind the zoo's lively inhabitants and challenge your perceptions in this engaging tale.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo