Check out these fun picture books featuring animals! Young readers always seem to find their way to stories featuring creatures.
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day by Petr Horáček, Published by Walker Books
I love this story and it’s vibrant illustrations. Tiny Owl is curious about what happens while owls are supposed to be sleeping so sneaks out one day to discover more. Mummy warns Tiny Owl that the day is scary but Tiny Owl doesn’t believe her. Being chased by birds, cats and foxes, Tiny Owl discovers just how scary the day can be and quickly finds their way home. Hearing a final noise, Tiny Owl discovers that Mummy never left their side! Heartwarming, endearing and a testament to just what mums will do for their curious offspring. Absolutely stunning story!
Have you seen Dinosaur? By David Barrow, Published by Gecko Press
While the story is sweet, I think the illustrations are the star of this book. A boy, his elephant and dog head into the city on a dinosaur hunt, knowing they need to be “very observant” in order to find one. The reader will be spotting dinosaurs from page one while the trio in the tale miss some big clues! A joyous story that begs being read again and again, or perhaps after reading the first, “Have you Seen Elephant?” Both books are stunning to read and will provide plenty of giggles for young readers.
We went to find a Woolly Mammoth by Catherine Cawthorne and Aysha Awwad, Published by Hachette
This energetic and boldly illustrated story will provide facts about ice age animals alongside the fun hunt for a woolly mammoth. A checklist is created and the crew head out, finding clues but also finding some fascinating creatures who lived in the ice age. Will they find the woolly mammoth? Join the fun and learn about the giant ground sloth and the giant armadillo, and a few other giant creatures. It makes me rather pleased not to have been around with giant creatures and icy cold. This is a brilliant way to introduce readers to a time period in history.
Clive Penguin by Huw Lewis Jones and Ben Sanders, Published by Little Tiger
One Penguin in the midst of a huddle is not happy and his name is Clive. Clive is cold, bored and wishes to be anywhere and anyone else. On a trip outside of the huddle and perhaps on an escape journey, Clive makes a bright and bold discovery. He finds a tea cosy and figures out just how versatile it is. I love this story and the ultra serious Clive. His attitude is “bloomin” awesome and this would make a fun read aloud. The illustrations are fantastic and worth exploring page by page!
Don’t say Elephant by Stuart Heritage and Nicola Slater, Published by Puffin
If you could wish for anything, what would it be? When Pancakes and Cha-chat are given the chance to make three wishes, things take a strange turn. Pancakes tries to be sensible but elephant obsessed Cha-cha ends up shouting the word just as the wish is made…with hilarious outcomes. I think this would make for the perfect read aloud and activity around making a wish. Will at least one wish be a sensible one? The colourful and heartwarming illustrations make for a brilliant story for sharing.
Heavy Metal Badger by Duncan Beedie, Published by Little Tiger
The legend that is Duncan Beedie has created an anthem for music lovers out there, ones still searching for their band. Badger has music that wants to come out but when he joins the choir or tries the ants marching band, it doesn’t feel quite right. It takes spotting the right poster to make the pieces fall into place. The illustrations are very rock and roll and filled with fantastic details. This will inspire any young readers to find their own sound and get excited about music!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. I am Children’s Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, a job I adore!
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work I am currently Vice Chair on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups!
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My Shelves Are Full 