animals

Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan

Tales from the Forest carries on the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh in a style that faithfully echoes the original. Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan, ...
Read More

The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Large font, vivid illustrations on every page, and a simple plot make The Miniature World of Marvin and James a good fit for new readers ...
Read More

Spiders: A Book List for Young Arachnophiles

A few weeks ago I was trying to address the cobwebs on the walls and corners above my desk (possibly some procrasti-cleaning due to a ...
Read More

*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

Whooo goes there? It's Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano ...
Read More

Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy

Vividly illustrated, Neighborhood Sharks brings readers up close and personal with one of nature's most fearsome apex predators. Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites ...
Read More

New Chapter Book Series: Bibsy Cross and Detective Sweet Pea

Bibsy Cross, an irrepressible third-grader, and Sweet Pea, a hound with a nose for mystery, are the loveable protagonists of two new series for early ...
Read More

*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo

What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
Read More

Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo

Orris and Timble are the title characters of a new chapter-book series by Kate DiCamillo about a rat, an owl, and their unlikely friendship. *Orris ...
Read More

Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers

The Kentucky Derby runs every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner this year? Will an underdog horse come from nowhere ...
Read More

Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp

The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...
Read More

Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary Edition

Those who love dragons and long for more lore will find this field guide an excellent companion. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary ...
Read More

While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie

While Everyone Is Sleeping is a sweet bedtime book, perfect for cozy nights. While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. ...
Read More

Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson

A sweet story about a mother duck whose unusual nesting spot provided a welcome diversion from from the war, both in local news and beyond. ...
Read More
cover of mrs frisby and the rats of nimh

*Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

A glorious story of heroism in which a mother's deep love for her children shines brightly. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert ...
Read More

Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure is a realistic but heartwarming animal tale of loyalty and friendship. Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan ...
Read More

Are Cozy Animal Stories Cozying up to Gay Ideology?

One of our readers alerted us to Katherine Applegate’s latest book, as it seemed to her to feature a lesbian relationship. Odder, picturing a beyond-cute ...
Read More

Wildoak by C. C. Harrington

Wildoak is a gentle story about a girl finding a voice and a cause in the natural world. Wildoak by C. C. Harrigan. Scholastic, 2022, ...
Read More
watership down

*Watership Down by Richard Adams

Richard Adams' classic tale employs noble themes of vision, courage, and sacrifice among some of the most humble and ordinary of animals in their quest ...
Read More

The Elk King by Jenn Discher

Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The ...
Read More

Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood

Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human's farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton ...
Read More

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies

Rannoch is marked from birth, a deer who faces his destiny in this Watership Down read alike for teens. Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. Firebird, ...
Read More

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...
Read More

Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields

Wombat Walkabout features six furry siblings outwitting a hungry dingo. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Dutton Children's Books, 2009, 32 ...
Read More

2021 Newbery Buzz #3: Skunk and Badger

We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #3 for 2021. (We have already discussed Chirp and King and the Dragonflies earlier this ...
Read More

Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt

Little Bird, a young crow, embarks on a quest that will expand her world and reward her curious mind. Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Illustrated ...
Read More

Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming

Cubs in the Tub is a warm-hearted true story that will be irresistible to baby animal lovers. Cubs in the Tub: the True Story of ...
Read More

Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
Read More

Three Picture Books illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans

Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin ...
Read More

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...
Read More

Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin

Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys features well-known migration patterns as well as surprising facts, in a readable picture-book format. Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin, ...
Read More

Fenway and Hattie by Victoria Coe

The Fenway and Hattie series pits an excitable Jack Russell terrier against delivery men and treacherous flooring. Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe. Putnam, ...
Read More

A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...
Read More

Stay by Bobbie Pyron

Stay, a heart-tugging dog story. also introduces young readers (in a limited way) to the plight of the homeless. Stay by Bobbie Pyron, Katherine Tegan/Harper ...
Read More

*Sparky & Spike by Barbara Lowell

Sparky & Spike is about a boy and his dog and the genesis of the world's best-loved comic strip. *Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and ...
Read More

*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley

The Church Mice series recaptures a very British way of life through a band of adventurous mice and their loyal protector cat. The Church Mice ...
Read More

Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord

Home-schooled Emma learns a lot about classrooms and friendship "Because of the Rabbit." Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord.  Scholastic, 2019, 183 pages. Reading ...
Read More

*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell

In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...
Read More

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Nine-year-old Louie volunteers to save Winslow, a newborn mini-donkey, in this gentle story about loss and change. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech.  HarperCollins, 2018, 165 ...
Read More

Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight

A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight.  ...
Read More

Science Picture-Book Roundup

Four new science picture books entertain while informing young readers about microbes, sparrows, hawks, and deep-sea exploration.  Ages 6-10 The Bacteria Book: the BIG World ...
Read More

50 Wacky Things Animals Do by Tricia Wagner

“Wacky facts” about 50 animals introduce young readers to the amazing variety of creation. Ages 6-10 50 Wacky Things Animals Do: Weird and Amazing Animal ...
Read More

The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery

The Hyena Scientist takes readers on safari to observe a misunderstood species.  Ages 8-14 The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photography by Nic Bishop.  Houghton ...
Read More

*New Shoes by Sara Varon

A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
Read More

Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters.  Ages 8-12 ...
Read More

Strongheart by Candace Fleming

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale.  Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
Read More

Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
Read More

The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...
Read More

Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity

Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) "Miss Wanda," I stage-whispered to the children's librarian across from me, "I need to know. Does the ...
Read More

Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick.  Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...
Read More

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...
Read More

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...
Read More

*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins

Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...
Read More

What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein

Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein.  ...
Read More

Charley Harper’s Book of Colors by Zoe Burke and Charley Harper

Charley Harper’s Book of Colors by Zoe Burke, illustrated by Charley Harper. Pomegranate Kids, 2015. 24 pages. Reading Level: Board books Recommended for: Ages 0-4 ...
Read More

Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail and Danger in Ancient Rome by Kate Messner. Scholastic, 2015. About 125 pages, plus author note. Reading ...
Read More

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...
Read More

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Vibrant, colorful ...
Read More
tortoise and hare by jerry pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Slow and ...
Read More

Woof by Spencer Quinn

Woof (a Bowser and Birdie Novel) by Spencer Quinn. Scholastic, 2015. 293 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 9-13 Bottom Line: ...
Read More

Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book 5) by Brian Jacques

This review is brought to us by Malachi Stade, who just finished a semester internship with Redeemed Reader.  Thank you, Malachi!   Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book ...
Read More
cover of If You Plant a Seed

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson. Blazer + Bray, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended For: Ages 0-8 If you plant a ...
Read More
cover of mr. squirrel and the moon

*Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon is a delight for the ears and the eyes. This picture book is highly recommended! *Mr. Squirrel and the Moon ...
Read More

Ellie’s Story by W. Bruce Cameron

Ellie’s Story: a Dog’s Purpose Novel by W. Bruce Cameron. Tom Doherty Associates, 2014. 205 pages, including notes and classroom discussion guide Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville. Knopf,2015. 389 pages Reading Level: Young adult,ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up (especially girls) Bottom ...
Read More

Owl Boy by Brian Schatell

Owl Boy by Brian Schatell. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Al is an owl fanatic. ...
Read More
cover of *Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Co., 2014. 91 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 ...
Read More
cover of The Spider

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel. Tundra Books, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Children are fascinated by ...
Read More

A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson

A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson. Random House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8   Once upon a time a king ...
Read More
cover of Finding Spring

Finding Spring by Carin Berger

Finding Spring by Carin Berger. Greenwillow, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Maurice the bear just wants to find ...
Read More
cover of Click, Clack, Peep

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-4) Recommended for: Ages ...
Read More

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Some Bugs is a fun, ...
Read More
cover of The Secret Life of Squirrels

The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose

The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose. Little, Brown, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Squirrels are ubiquitous; ...
Read More
cover of The Queen's Shadow

The Queen’s Shadow by Cybele Young

The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybele Young. Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended ...
Read More

*Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg

Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Paul Howard. Candlewick Press, 1998. 24 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 0-4 Bottom Line:  Young children will love ...
Read More
cover of Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest by Astrid Sheckels

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest (Hector and Friends) by Astrid Sheckels. FastPencil Premiere, 2014. 32 pages .  Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended For: ages 0-8 ...
Read More

*Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier

Noah's Ark, Peter Spier’s classic wordless picture book, takes a Bible story that's often given too cute a portrayal and adds imagination, depth, and reverence. ...
Read More

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. Feiwel & Friends, 2014. 223 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 8-10 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...
Read More

Wazdot? by Michael Slack

Wazdot? by Michael Slack. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-4Recommended For: Ages 0-4 Wazdot? is a simple, visually humorous farm-themed book with ...
Read More

The Orphan and the Mouse by Martha Freeman

The Orphan and the Mouse by Martha Freeman, drawings by David McPhail. Holiday House, 2014, 220 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: ...
Read More

*A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Library Book for Bear by ...
Read More

*On the Wing by David Elliot

*On the Wing by David Elliot, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Candlewick, 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Maturity level: 2 (ages 4-8) ...
Read More

*Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Frosty and cool, Flora and the Penguin is a strong follow up to Flora and the Flamingo. *Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle. Chronicle ...
Read More

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...
Read More

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

The Chicken Squad includes 4 intrepid sleuths who are on a quest in this funny early chapter book. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...
Read More

*A Light for my Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman, illustrated by Alice Ratterree

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Light for My ...
Read More
cover of Waiting is Not Easy

*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. ...
Read More
cover of Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ...
Read More
cover of Lulu and the Cat in the Bag

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2013. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter ...
Read More
cover of Lulu and the Dog from the Sea

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in ...
Read More
cover of Lulu and the Duck in the Park

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the ...
Read More

Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.

Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 2003. 172 pages. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12, Young Adult, ages 12-18, ...
Read More

Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann

Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann. NorthSouth, 2014. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Chapter Books, ages 4-10Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8), ...
Read More

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8Recommended for: Ages ...
Read More

Zoobots by Helaine Becker

Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Alex Ries. Kids Can Press, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ...
Read More

The Carnival of the Animals by Jack Prelutsky

The Carnival of the Animals, by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. Knopf, 2010, 32 pages (CD included). Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Maturity ...
Read More

Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer ...
Read More

Vigilante Poets

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...
Read More

I Can Read / Made By God

    I Can Read! Made by God series, edited by Mary Hassinger. Zonderkidz, 2010-2011, 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, Ages 4-8Maturity Level: Level ...
Read More

Flight School

Flight School by Lita Judge. Atheneum, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: picture books, Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8 An ambitious penguin ...
Read More