Our staff have been busy reading and reviewing this year's picture books. Here are a few of their favorites featuring animals to teach kids about, well, animals—but also some other important life lessons. 

Cockatoo, Too by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Jungle birds in tutus dancing the can-can.

 

 

 

Some Birds by Matt Spink

A rhyming book about birds of all kinds.

 

 

Hop by Jorey Hurley

A day in the life of a bunny family.

 

 

 

Chimpanzees for Tea by Jo Empson

A silly take on the game “telephone.”

 

 

 

There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith

A young boy meets many animals on a jungle adventure.

 

 

Clara: The Mostly True Story of the Rhinoceros who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone by Emily Arnold McCully

A true story about an 18^th century Rhino who toured Europe.

 

 

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield

A bear finds a piano in the woods and sets off on a career as a performing artist.

 

 

 

 

Alan’s Big Scary Teeth by Jarvis

Alan is very proud of his ferociousness, but at the end of the day, he has to be honest with himself.

 

 

The White Cat and the Monk by Ellen Jo Bogart

A cat leads a monk to the truth he has been seeking. A retelling of an anonymous Irish poem.

 

 

 

 

Horrible Bear! by Ame Dyckman

A young girl learns a valuable lesson about making mistakes and apologizing.