So many picture books feature animals as main characters! They help our young readers to identify with the characters and situations in different ways. These are all books with animals as main characters and I highly recommend them!
Tiger’s Last Roar by Harriet Howe and Katie Cottle, Published by Templar Books
This is a beautiful book celebrating the wondrous relationship between Mae and her beloved cat Tiger! They love exploring, racing, reading and napping together until the inevitable happens. Losing a pet is a very real and often devastating time for young children and this book expertly helps them to use their emotions, take time and learn to deal with the grief. The illustrations are immersive and really highlight the world Mae lives in with her family and Tiger.
Fraidy Dog by Kate Sheehy, Published by O’Brien
Any pet loving children will understand the dog in this book! Fraidy is afraid of everything, from vacuums and thunderstorms to the cat! As Fraidy runs from everything, the cat loves playing and having fun. Over time, the dog begins to see that the cat isn’t quite a scary as originally thought. So the pair have fun playing together, that is until the vacuum comes out again and both run away! It’s an adorable story filled with lovely illustrations, ideal for younger readers who may sometimes feel afraid too!
My Brother is a Tiger by Joaquín Camp, Published by Little Tiger
This is a story that celebrates sibling rivalry and the small and large ways that brothers and sisters can annoy each other. Thomas and Teresa love each other but sometimes they can annoy each other. When Thomas becomes a tiger, he causes all sorts of noise and chaos, until he disappears and Teresa gets worried. The ending is hilarious and this entire book is sure to resonate with siblings and families! Brilliant illustrations throughout!
Hangry by Kathryn Wanless and Fred Blunt, Published by Templar Books
I think we all understand the emotion “hangry” but this book expertly shows us just how strong it is. Evangeline wakes up hangry and her inner monster emerges until breakfast, and this happens throughout the day! A snack certainly helps appease the beast but what happens when dinner isn’t ready? Who is the monster then? Absolutely cracking story for those children constantly hungry! Feed them before they get hangry!
A Book for Pio by Susie Oh, Published by Tiny Tree
An absolutely joyous first trip to the library awaits Pio, the super sweet pig in this tale. Pio wants to explore the books and find just the right one so spends some time browsing until help comes in the form of a librarian and a little girl. Both help Pio begin his reading journey and life within the library. What a perfect story and so lovingly illustrated with black and white drawings with pops of yellow on each page. It’s just perfect!
Snow White and the Seven Bears by Michael Rosen and David Melling, Published by HarperCollins
A fantastic story romp with familiar characters will absolutely delight readers. I loved this tale and its wonderful illustrations. It could be because I love fairytales and the tropes that follow them- like the magical mirror, seven bears and one lovely Snow White. It rhymes and has adorable bears- what more do you need? Will Snow White find her missing teddy bear or will she just accumulate real bears? Find out in this super story!
The Hunt for the Fog Town Moose by Stefania Alyana Trujillo, Published by Kumusha Books (HarperCollins)
This is one of those brilliant books where the reader can see more of what is happening than those in the story! When a boy and his dad go on an adventure to photograph a moose, they don’t seem to be having much luck! The illustrations are fantastic and readers will love spotting the details as the boy discovers what is hidden in plain sight. A lovely story and one sure to delight young readers. It felt like home with the snow and moose!
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 