We love Zoos! They are fun places to see and learn about exotic animals from around the world and a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends.
To celebrate this day, we put together a list of children’s books with animals that you can find in the zoo.
189 Canaries
Written by Dieter Böge
Illustrated by Elsa Klever
Translated by Laura Watkinson
In a cozy room in northern Germany, a yellow canary sings rolling melodies to the miners and carpenters of the Harz mountains. But today a bird dealer has come, and he will take the canary far, far away from everything he knows. The journey leads onto trains and steamships, across Europe and even the Atlantic. At last the canary arrives in a room in New York where he hears a strangely familiar song…
This beautiful, poignant book introduces readers to the little-known history of a beloved songbird. Lushly illustrated in rich colors, 189 Canaries is an unforgettable story about music, migration, and the search for home.
The Bear and the Duck
Written and illustrated by May Angeli
Ages 4-8
HARDCOVER
One late winter day, a strange noise startles Bear out of his slumber. Grumpily searching for the source, he finds Duck, trapped in the thicket—but not for long. Bear frees Duck with a few scoops of his big paws, and their friendship begins. The more time the two spend swimming, exploring, and telling stories, the less Bear wants to go back to his lonely old life. As spring turns to summer, and summer turns to fall, what else will change?
Stunning woodcut engravings illustrate this gentle story about kindness, the four seasons, and the joy of an unexpected friend.
Bear With Me
Written and illustrated by Noemi Vola
What do you do with a bear who won’t leave? When a bear comes to stay, no one expects him to stay too long! But his arrival changes everything, from sleeping to shopping to hanging out with friends. If even dinosaurs and math problems can’t drive him away, what are you supposed to do?
Featuring quirky, energetic illustrations, this amusing tale suggests we can learn to live with even the most unbearable company.
The Book that Kibo Wrote
Written and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Translated by Lawrence Schimel
One night under the acacia trees, Kibo writes a story about home. His neighbor Naki reads his words, binds them into a book, and brings it to the city. There Camilo devours Kibo’s story, remembering his childhood in the savannah. The next day he shares the book and his memories with his friend Simon. Soon Simon starts writing new songs about distant lands. Where will Kibo’s book go next, and what will it spark for its next reader?
Featuring a charming cast of animal characters, The Book that Kibo Wrote showcases the power of stories to connect readers across the globe.
The Box
Written by Isabella Paglia
Illustrated by Paolo Prioetti
Translated by Laura Watkinson
A sensitive book about reaching out to a new friend, perfect for fostering social-emotional learning.
One day a mysterious box arrives in the woods. Bear, Fox, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Owl can all see that something—someone—is hiding inside. But why won’t that someone come out? Maybe the stranger is scared or having a horrible day. Maybe they’ve been hurt in the past and don’t know who to trust anymore. Who is the creature inside the box? How can the animals reassure them and introduce them to their amazing new home?
Told through playful, pastel-colored illustrations, The Box is a gentle story about meeting others where they are. Kindness, patience, and a little creativity can help us find the most wonderful friends.
The Crow and the Peacock
Written and illustrated by Jo Fernihough
Ages 4-8
HARDCOVER; Coming Soon: 4/27/2021
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5568-8
32 Pages
Trim Size, in inches: 9 x 10.4
Crow sets out on a journey to find the happiest bird alive. Could it be the lovely dove, the musical nightingale, or the elegant swan? But each bird has their own reason to not be content, even the glamorous peacock. Perhaps all of Crow’s searching will help him discover the real secret to happiness.
The Crow and the Peacock retells a classic fable with warmth, personality, and a dose of humor. Energetic prose and vibrant illustrations encourage young readers to consider the dangers of comparison and the meaning of contentment.
Fur, Fins and Feathers
Abraham Dee Bartlett and the Invention of the Modern Zoo
Cassandre Maxwell
Abraham Dee Bartlett knew from a young age that he wanted to spend his life working with animals. But in Victorian London, there weren’t many jobs that provided an opportunity to do that. Still, Abraham spent years gaining knowledge and pursuing his dream until he eventually became superintendent in the London Zoo. Driven by his compassion for the animals, Abraham dramatically improved the conditions of the zoo to ensure that the animals could be happy and healthy.
With engaging back matter and charming illustrations, Cassandre Maxwell’s book brings to life the little-known story of the man who helped to create the modern zoo.
The Gift
Written by Alain Serge Dzotap
Illustrated by Delphine Renon
When Leo opens his birthday presents, he receives an amazing gift: a pen! Inside it, Papa says, are many beautiful things. But how do you get them out? None of his friends can guess. Super-Zombo doesn’t get anywhere by blowing on it, and Coco-Tembo thinks it’s too tiny to hold anything important. Maybe Leo’s mama will know how to reveal all the wonders inside…
This warm, charming story is a perfect introduction to the joy of writing. Like Leo, young readers will discover how a simple utensil can express all the words in the world—even one’s own name.
The Last Tiger
Petr Horacek
Ages 4-8
HARDCOVER; Coming Soon: 8/25/2020
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5552-7
Price: $ 17.99
36 Pages
Trim Size, in inches: 9.5 x 10.875
When hunters invade the jungle, all the animals try to hide—except the tiger. He is strong, proud, and powerful; why should he flee like a bird or a monkey? But the humans are even more fearless than the tiger is, and he soon finds himself in a cage in the city. Will he ever see his home again?
Illustrated in glowing colors, The Last Tiger is a thoughtful fable about the dangers of pride and the value of freedom.
Leave a Message in the Sand
Poems about Giraffes, Bongos, and Other Creatures with Hooves
Written by Bibi Dumon Tak
Illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen
𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 Laura Watkinson
6 & up
What would a boar text to a pig, a camel post on a dating site, or a goat shout from the mountaintops? In this unforgettable poetry collection, even-toed ungulates take the spotlight. Ever asked a giraffe about the clouds, read an okapi’s letter to the editor, or debated which gnu would win the race across the Serengeti? Playful poems and whimsical illustrations feature hoofed creatures from all around the world, from Siberian musk deer to African dik-diks to South American vicuñas.
Weaving together humor, scientific detail, and a poignant concern for conservation, Leave a Message in the Sand introduces readers to wild creatures with even wilder things to say.
Letters from Bear
Written by Gauthier David
Illustrated by Marie Caudry
Bear can’t imagine a whole winter without her friend, so when Bird migrates south, Bear decides to follow. She’s never left the forest before, but that won’t stop her from crossing oceans and mountains—and sending letters along the way. But a surprise is waiting for Bear on the beach…
Richly told in amusing letters and lush illustrations, this adventurous story invites readers to consider just how far they’d go for their friends.
Mom, There’s A Bear at the Door
Sabine Lipan
Manuela Olten
Ages 4 to 8
HARDCOVER
A funny and imaginative read- aloud
A mother is surprised when her son tells her that there is a bear standing outside their door. How did the bear get all the way from his cave in the forest to their eleventh-floor apartment? And what is it doing here in the middle of the city?
This sweet story of a wacky chain of events will appeal to young readers who like to make up their own tall tales.
For Every Little Thing
Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day
Edited by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling
Illustrated by Helen Cann
How do you find joy in ordinary moments? How do you mark small wonders like the return of the fireflies or a friend’s helping hand?
Arranged from waking up to falling asleep, For Every Little Thing is an engaging collection of the day and its delights. This inspirational anthology gathers classic selections, modern prayers, and new poems from multiple cultures and faiths. From Emily Dickinson to Amma, from Ken Nesbitt to Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro, fifty-one voices encourage children to be present and thankful at all hours.
Accessible language and richly detailed illustrations celebrate simple pleasures like slurping noodles and splashing in puddles. Perfect for sharing around the table or at bedtime, For Every Little Thing will awaken a sense of gratitude in readers of all ages.
A Perfect Day
Jennifer Yerkes
Ages 3-7
One bright, sunny morning, the pond’s creatures prepare to perform a symphony. The birds begin with their calls; the frogs join in with their croaks; the fox barks, and the bees buzz. At last the clouds arrive with their thunderous percussion…
Acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer Yerkes presents the sights and sounds of an ecosystem in motion. Told with bold, vibrant art and playful onomatopoeia, A Perfect Day is a spectacular reminder to stop and listen to nature.
Plume
Written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler
Ages 3 to 7
n this lovely book, young readers are introduced to a variety of beautiful birds, from the familiar chicken to the exotic ibis. But lurking in the background of every page is a cat, who also seems very interested in the birds.
With its funny illustrations and engaging concepts, this clever counting book will invite readers to linger over every page.
The Second Sky
Written by Patrick Guest
Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley
Ever since he first hatched, Gilbert has wanted to fly. But with his big, clumsy feet and small, fluffy wings, learning to fly is a bigger challenge than Gilbert anticipated. His fellow penguins tell him to give up, but Gilbert is sure that if he keeps trying, he’ll be able to soar…
Young readers will fall in love with this sweet, motivating story about overcoming obstacles and discovering your hidden talents.
Sleep Like Me
Written and Illustrated by Tatia Nadareishvili
Ages 3-7
A little boy can’t fall asleep, so he asks the animals how they do it. Will he doze off if he floats on his back like an otter? If he keeps one eye open like a duck? If he hangs upside down like a bat? Nothing seems to help, but all this trying is getting tiring…
This whimsically illustrated book features the real sleeping habits of ten different animals. Whether you snooze like a whale or nod off like a giraffe, Sleep Like Me is the perfect bedtime story for restless nights.
Sweet Dreamers
Isabelle Simler
Ages 4 to 8
A gorgeous bedtime book from an award-winning creator
From the celebrated creator of Plume and The Blue Hour comes another enchanting animal book. Countless cozy animals are settling in for the night, but they all sleep in different ways. A bat dreams upside down, a hedgehog
snuggles into a pile of leaves, and a humpback whale spins in its sleep like a ballerina.
With its poetic language and lush illustrations, Sweet Dreamers will dazzle young readers as they drift off to sleep themselves.
Vote for Me!
Written by Martin Baltscheit
Illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Ages 4 to 8
HARDCOVER
The lion loves elections—he wins every time. But when the mouse decides to run for president, other animals offer up their own candidates. Each one has a cause to champion: the ant wants a busier schedule, the German shepherd wants more law and order, and the wildebeest just wants everyone to live in peace. With so many options, how can the animals ever decide?
Amusingly told through vibrantly colored illustrations, Vote for Me! introduces readers to the wild process of selecting a good leader.
A Well-Mannered Young Wolf
Jean Leroy
Matthieu Maudet
A hilarious story about why manners matter
One morning, a young wolf eagerly sets out on his first hunting trip. But before he can devour his prey, he must honor their final wishes, just as his parents taught him to do. But the wolf’s would-be meals aren’t quite as honorable as he is! Can common courtesy prove effective amidst the wild laws of nature?
Perfect for fans of Jon Klassen, this wryly humorous book demonstrates that good manners can bring unexpected results.
When a Wolf Is Hungry
Christine Naumann-Villemin
Kris Di Giacomo
A darkly humorous tale with a twist ending
Edmond Bigsnout, lone wolf that he is, loves his solitary cabin in the woods. But lately he’s been craving urban rabbit for dinner, so he travels into the city to catch one. Unfortunately, the rabbit has a lot of neighbors—who mistake Edmond for a kind and helpful resident! Perhaps Edmond can become a good neighbor, despite his bad intentions.
Readers of all ages will devour this story about a wolf who decides that if you can’t eat them, join them.
I Wish I Had . .
Written by Giovanna Zoboli
Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
With its sharp eyes, the blackbird can see every blade of grass in the meadow. The wings of the wild goose can carry it far away. And the song of the whale fills the wide ocean. Each animal has skills and beauty wholly unique to itself. And in this lyrical book, a child describes the skill and the beauty possessed by various animals.
Giovanna Zoboli’s fluid and lyrical descriptions, complemented by Simona Mulazzani’s bright and charming illustrations, will leave the reader charmed by its sense of wonder and awe.
