13 Adorable Animal Picture Books For Kids

Reading is a necessary skill for children that is made easier the younger they start. Children can start flipping through books before they know how to read or even have learned the alphabet. There are picture books made for younger children that are incredibly entertaining for them and help them develop reading skills.

These picture books have a wide range of themes, from picture books about animals to color picture books and just about anything else you can think of. Animal picture books are a great way to entertain and stimulate children with vibrant colors and goofy, loveable animals.

Additionally, these books teach kids about different animals, their colors, the sounds they make, and even what they feel like with textured additions in some books. Animals are already appealing to children, so picture books about animals are a fantastic way to introduce them to reading. Below, you will find many excellent picture books with animals and very little or simple words that your little one will love.

A heartwarming book by Tim Warnes that focuses on how parents show love for their children. The sun rises, and a bear and cub begin their day together. They splash in the water, climb mountains, and watch the shimmering sky. They show their love by touching noses, playing chase, and of course, hugging. A sweet, gentle rhyme, perfect for sharing storytime with your child.

One of Dr. Suess’s best-selling books, “Fox in Socks” is full of fun rhyming tongue-twisters that are entertaining for adults and kids alike. 

Bird Hugs is a heartwarming book by Ged Adamson centered around a bird – Bernard. Bernard is different from the other birds. His wings are much longer than average and prevent him from flying. But he learns that his differences make him unique and give him a great purpose. This picture book is recommended for kids ages two to six.

This fun story written by Michale Engler tells the story of a little boy with a big imagination. The boy – well, tiger – speaks about his daily life, from how he wakes up in his tiger den to what he eats for breakfast to his tiger cub adventures. This adorable story has warm illustrations and fun text that any kid between the ages of two and six will love!

Mommy Snuggles is the perfect bedtime story, written by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, with colorful illustrations and a comfortable message. This story features various animals and is centered on the care of animal mothers for their babies. A great way to teach your child about different animals and show how much mothers care for their babies. This picture book is suitable for children ages three and younger.

An adorable book illustrated by Jane Ormes is perfect for learning about different jungle animals and their families. This picture book will keep your little one between ages zero to three entertained and stimulated with vibrant colors and interactive flaps to lift up to see the baby animals.

This is another picture book with interactive flaps to lift and engage your babies and toddlers. Written by Petr Horacek, this board book introduces kids to sleeping animals in their habitats, including bears, frogs, fish, and more.

Who’s Hungry is another interactive picture book with flaps to lift to see what each animal wants to eat. This book by Dean Hacohen and Sherry Scharschmidt is excellent for kids three and under learning about animals. Vibrant colors and simple text make this a great book for young children.

Authored by Jonathan Stutzman, this story is recommended for kids ages three to five and teaches a valuable lesson. The T. Rex in this book has a problem. His short arms prevent him from hugging his friend. This heartwarming and funny story teaches the importance of kindness and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

Eric Carle’s iconic picture book has entertained and taught generations of babies and toddlers. Teach your child how to count and learn the days of the week with this interactive picture book with rhyming text and vibrant colors.

Yet another classic book by Eric Carle and Bill Martin Jr. that has remained a favorite for generations. Perfect for teaching children between the ages of one and three about different animals and colors with bold illustrations and singsong text that your little one will love.

Goodnight Moon is another beloved classic. This story was written by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, who created the perfect bedtime story for babies and toddlers through poetic lines and soft illustrations. Say goodnight to various cute critters and tuck in your little one with this staple picture book.

Another longtime favorite, this book is written by Don Freeman and has been a staple story for over 50 years. This adorable book follows the story of a beloved teddy bear named Corduroy that struggles to find a home until a little girl buys him from the store with the money from her piggy bank. This book is another heartwarming tale that will engage young minds between ages one and four.

There is an endless list of animal picture books available that will entertain and develop valuable skills in young minds but these just mentioned are a great place to start. Picking out books for kids of any age is challenging because you want the best for your kid. At Book and Bear, we have simplified this challenge with our monthly Subscription Box that provides you and your child with a new book every month.

Choose the plan that best suits your needs and your child’s reading level, whether they are younger and prefer animal picture books or are older and enjoy chapter books. Our boxes for ages 3 and up come with a stuffed animal building kit that matches the included picture book about animals. This exciting building kit comes with everything you need to help your child build their own new plush reading buddy (no sewing required). Also included in the box is an extra surprise activity or game you and your child can do together.