Books About Extinction

The Best Extinction Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Conservation Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about extinction? 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 Extinction

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Hello, Mr. Dodo!

By Nicholas John Frith

A girl befriends a doughnut-loving dodo. Can she keep him secret?

32 pages· 525 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 241 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Martha, a bird enthusiast, discovers a dodo in the woods behind her house. This doughnut-loving bird becomes her secret friend. But as word spreads, Martha faces the challenge of keeping Mr. Dodo safe from the curious town. Can she protect her rare friend, or will she have to say goodbye? Dive into a tale of friendship, secrecy, and the lengths one will go to preserve a special bond.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Stalactite & Stalagmite

By Drew Beckmeyer

Two cave formations witness history, growing closer over eons. What happens when they finally touch?

Caldecott Honor (2026)

40 pages· 1,178 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,183 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a cave, two rock formations, Stalactite and Stalagmite, observe the world evolve over eons. As creatures come and go, their friendship grows. But as they inch closer, what awaits when they finally meet?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

If Sharks Disappeared

By Lily Williams · If Animals Disappeared series

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

40 pages· 411 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,077 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore a world without sharks and the chaos that ensues. As overfishing threatens their existence, the balance of ocean life hangs by a thread. What happens when these apex predators disappear? Dive into a vivid exploration of the ripple effects on marine life and beyond, revealing the crucial role sharks play in maintaining a healthy planet. This thought-provoking journey challenges us to consider the consequences of losing these vital creatures and the urgent need to protect them. Will the oceans survive without their guardians?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 5–10 · 2017

Animals of a Bygone Era

By Maja Säfström

Discover the bizarre world of extinct creatures through whimsical illustrations.

112 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 475 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore a whimsical collection of extinct creatures, from giant sea scorpions to tiny horses. Each page reveals surprising and funny facts about these fascinating animals that once roamed the earth. Dive into a world where enormous sloths and fierce 'terror birds' come to life through captivating illustrations. What other strange beings await discovery in this enchanting journey through the past?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The First

By Katherine Applegate, Max Kostenko (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Endling series

A lone creature's quest uncovers a hidden colony and ignites a rebellion against looming war.

416 pages· 69,119 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,375 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Byx, possibly the last of her kind, embarks on a perilous journey to find a hidden dairne colony in Dreyland's icy mountains. As war threatens, she and her friends uncover a dangerous plot involving powerful species. With extinction looming, they become unexpected leaders in a rebellion that could change everything. Can Byx, the endling, become the first to lead a revolution?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

If Polar Bears Disappeared

By Lily Williams · If Animals Disappeared series

What if polar bears vanished? Discover the global impact of their extinction.

40 pages· 739 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 463 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the chilling possibility of a world without polar bears. As climate change melts their icy habitat, these majestic creatures face extinction. What ripple effects would their disappearance have on ecosystems worldwide? This captivating picture book delves into the consequences, inviting readers to imagine a future without these iconic animals. Can we prevent this looming crisis?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

Music for Tigers

By Michelle Kadarusman

A young violinist must save the last Tasmanian tiger from extinction.

192 pages· 38,634 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 643 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Louisa, a passionate violinist, spends her summer with eccentric relatives in the Tasmanian rainforest. She uncovers a family secret: a sanctuary for the last Tasmanian tiger, threatened by mining. As she bonds with the forest and a quirky boy named Colin, Louisa discovers her music might be the key to saving the elusive creature. Can she earn the tiger's trust and protect it from disappearing forever?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

If Elephants Disappeared

By Lily Williams · If Animals Disappeared series

What if elephants vanished? Discover the impact on our world.

40 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 213 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the heart of the Congolese forest, elephants are more than just giants; they're vital to the ecosystem. As poachers threaten their existence for ivory, the balance of nature teeters on the brink. What happens to the forest—and the world—if these majestic creatures disappear? Explore the profound consequences of a world without elephants and the urgent need for conservation.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2021

If Bees Disappeared

By Lily Williams · If Animals Disappeared series

What if bees vanished? Discover the global impact in this thought-provoking tale.

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 279 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the lush landscapes of Kent, England, bees face a dire threat. With over 250,000 species at risk from disease and habitat loss, their disappearance could unravel ecosystems worldwide. This captivating story explores the profound consequences of a world without bees, urging us to consider the vital role these tiny creatures play in our environment. Will humanity act before it's too late?

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

Extinct

By Lucas Riera

Discover extinct animals and learn how to protect future species from the same fate.

48 pages

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 56 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the stories of vanished animals like the California grizzly and Persian tiger through stunning illustrations. This book empowers children with knowledge and tools to aid conservation and sustainability, inspiring them to protect our planet's future species.

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Browse by age

Extinction Picture Books

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

Series

Sale price

$499

Dinosaur Time

Ages 4–8 · 1974

Discover dinosaurs and learn their names in this engaging early reader.

Series

Sale price

$499

The Day the Dinosaurs Died

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Discover how a colossal asteroid ended the reign of dinosaurs.

Sale price

$1999

Me Want Pet!

Ages 4–8 · 2012

Cave Boy seeks the perfect pet despite family objections.

#3 in Series

Sale price

$399

Endangered Animals

Ages 5–8 · 1996

Discover the plight of endangered animals and their vanishing habitats.

Series

Sale price

$2865

Ankylosaurus

Ages 4–7 · 2014

Discover the secrets of the armored Ankylosaurus from the Cretaceous era.

Series

Sale price

$3065

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex hunts through the Cretaceous forests.

Series

Sale price

$1993

Carnotaurus

Ages 5–9 · 1997

Uncover the mysteries of the fierce Carnotaurus from the Cretaceous period.

Sale price

$1799

Dodos Are Not Extinct

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Extinct animals in disguise—can you spot them?

Series

Sale price

$1799

Elephants!

Ages 6–10 · 2021

Discover the secrets of elephants and their survival in the wild.

View all extinction picture books

Browse by age

Extinction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about extinction for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

What Buttosaur Is That?

Ages 8–12 · 2007

Discover prehistoric buttosaurs and their stinky secrets.

Sale price

$1799

Camp Panda

Ages 10–12 · 2018

Can humans teach pandas to survive in the wild and avert extinction?

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Under Their Skin

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Twins uncover hidden family secrets that could change everything.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1899

In Over Their Heads

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Twins race to save humanity without losing their newfound family.

Series

Sale price

$695

Fossils

Ages 8–10 · 2002

Scientists study fossils to uncover evidence about Earth's ancient life, from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs and early humans.

Series

Sale price

$2995

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A T. rex hunts through the forest. Who will be its next prey?

Series

Sale price

$2695

Ankylosaurus

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover the armored ankylosaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur with a powerful tail defense.

#36 in Series

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Cave of Stars

Ages 7–9 · 2023

A missing skeleton in New Zealand leads to a thrilling mystery.

Sale price

$1699

Save the People!

Ages 10–13 · 2022

Can humanity outsmart extinction, or are we destined to become fossils too?

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2499

Quest for the Unicorn Horn

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Genetically enhanced animals race to retrieve a unicorn horn before a mysterious enemy thwarts them.

Series

Sale price

$599

Dinosaurs, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths

Ages 6–10 · 2018

Discover bizarre dinosaur facts with A.J. and Andrea. Uncover the truth about prehistoric giants and fossilized surprises.

View all extinction chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about arctic and antarctic Books about climate change Books about conservation Books about environmental science and ecosystems Books about music Books about polar bears Books about science and nature

Our 10 Favorite Books About Extinction

Great books, picked for their age.

Extinction Picture Books

Extinction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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