Best Children's Zoology Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Children's Zoology Books are a fantastic way to introduce young readers to the wonderful world of animals. With engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand language, these books provide a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. From learning about different animal habitats to discovering fascinating facts about their behaviors, there is something for everyone in these books. Whether your child is a budding zoologist or simply has a love for animals, Children's Zoology Books are sure to ignite their curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly Cover #TOP 1
National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly
ftb score rating icon 9.8
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) Cover #TOP 2
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities (Let's Learn About Bugs and Animals) Cover #TOP 3
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities (Let's Learn About Bugs and Animals)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Children's Zoology Books

#TOP 1

National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly

Marsh, Laura
National Geographic Kids
Apr 10, 2012
National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly Cover
National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly

National Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to Butterfly is a Level 1 Reader that takes children on a journey to witness the incredible transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. With stunning images and bonus information about different types of butterflies and poisonous caterpillars, this book is a one-of-a-kind educational resource for children. The interactive feature at the back of the paperback edition reinforces the learning content. Written by experienced children's book author Laura Marsh, this book is part of the National Geographic Kids brand, which provides high-interest, educationally vetted series of beginning readers. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to children's beginner reader books.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)

Hughes, Catherine D.
National Geographic Kids
Oct 11, 2011
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books) Cover
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)

The National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs is a perfect book for children aged 4 to 8 who are fascinated with dinosaurs. The book includes amazing illustrations by Franco Tempesta, who also illustrated National Geographic Kids The Ultimate Dinopedia. The book is filled with fun facts and age-appropriate information about different types of dinosaurs, making it interactive and engaging for young readers. Parents will also appreciate the tips included to help children extend their learning beyond the book. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any child’s collection of dinosaur books.

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities (Let's Learn About Bugs and Animals)

Davidson, Lauren
Rockridge Press
Sep 24, 2019
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities (Let's Learn About Bugs and Animals) Cover
The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: Storybook, Insect Facts, and Activities (Let's Learn About Bugs and Animals)

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on a colorful photographic journey into the fascinating world of insects. From ladybugs to grasshoppers, dragonflies, and more, this book is packed with cool facts about familiar insects. It also includes exciting activities that continue the learning experience. The book is scientifically accurate, making it an excellent educational resource for parents and teachers. Lauren Davidson does an excellent job of exploring the amazing world of insects through the curious eyes of a child while teaching essential scientific facts. The Backyard Bug Book for Kids is a must-have for anyone interested in bug books for kids.

Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids)

Murawski, Darlyne A.
Honovich, Nancy
National Geographic Kids
Oct 22, 2013
Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids) Cover
Ultimate Bugopedia: The Most Complete Bug Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids)

The Ultimate Bugopedia is a fully photographic book that profiles bugs, beetles, wasps, bees, ants, caterpillars, butterflies, dragonflies, spiders, flies, crickets, grasshoppers, centipedes, and millipedes. The profiles come with Did You Know? facts and fast facts including scientific name, size, diet, and habitat. Moreover, the book includes How to Use spread and thematic spreads covering topics from prehistoric insects to bugs around the world. This book is a must-have for children who love bugs and want to learn more about them.

Pallotta, Jerry
Bolster, Rob
Scholastic Inc.
Oct 15, 2019
Who Would Win?: Ultimate Showdown Cover
Who Would Win?: Ultimate Showdown

Who Would Win?: Ultimate Showdown is a five-book bind-up of the popular Who Would Win? series, featuring exciting matchups between dangerous animals. Kids will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more, before comparing and contrasting the battling pairs and discovering the winner. This nonfiction collection is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans. The author, Jerry Pallotta, combines interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations to mesmerize countless children across the United States. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for children who love animals and enjoy learning about their behaviors and anatomy.

Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever

Wilsdon, Christina
National Geographic Kids
Oct 13, 2015
Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever Cover
Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever

National Geographic Kids presents Ultimate Reptileopedia, the ultimate reference book on reptiles for kids. This encyclopedia is filled with colorful photographs and fun facts on snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodilians, and tuatara. The book includes Did You Know? details and fast facts, making it an easy-to-use tool for kids to learn about the most popular reptiles on Earth. Written by Christina Wilsdon, a natural history and biology writer for children, this book is a must-have for young readers interested in the weird and wacky world of reptiles.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

Burnie, David
Smithsonian Institution
DK Children
Aug 19, 2013
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures) Cover
The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth is a comprehensive guide for young readers that showcases over 1,500 species with stunning pictures and accessible information. From giant predators to microscopic life, this book covers a jaw-dropping spectrum of animal types. The book also includes amazing galleries, animal habitats, and fact boxes that provide an engaging learning experience for children. Written by David Burnie, a fellow of the Zoological Society of London, this book is a great resource for budding naturalists or anyone interested in completing a school project. Overall, The Animal Book is an excellent reference guide for children with a passion for animals.

Who Would Win?: Battle Royale

Pallotta, Jerry
Bolster, Rob
Scholastic Inc.
Feb 27, 2018
Who Would Win?: Battle Royale Cover
Who Would Win?: Battle Royale

This book is a collection of five of the most popular books in the Who Would Win? series, featuring a range of mammals, sea creatures, reptiles, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans. Kids will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more alongside photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts. The book is written by award-winning author Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by Rob Bolster. Overall, the book is an exciting and educational read for children who love animals and enjoy imagining animal battles. The unique combination of interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations make this book stand out from others in the genre.

Pallotta, Jerry
Bolster, Rob
Scholastic Inc.
Sep 6, 2022
Who Would Win?: Fiercest Feuds Cover
Who Would Win?: Fiercest Feuds

Who Would Win?: Fiercest Feuds is an exciting bind-up of five books in the popular Who Would Win? series. The action-packed animal series features ten fierce animals battling it out, including Falcon vs. Hawk, Hyena vs. Honey Badger, Komodo Dragon vs. King Cobra, Tarantula vs. Scorpion, and Whale vs. Giant Squid. The collection features a range of mammals, sea creatures, reptiles, and birds to satisfy all kinds of animal fans. The book is filled with amazing facts, illustrations, photos, and charts, and kids will learn about each animal's anatomy and behavior. Overall, this book is a great read for animal lovers and an excellent addition to any children's book collection.

An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK Children's Anthologies)

DK
DK Children
Oct 2, 2018
An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK Children's Anthologies) Cover
An Anthology of Intriguing Animals (DK Children's Anthologies)

An Anthology of Intriguing Animals, by DK Children, is a fascinating animal encyclopedia for kids aged 7-9. The book features over 100 animals, each with captivating information and stunning images, making it the ideal first reference book for curious minds. Children can delve into the world of animals and learn about their stories, myths, and facts. The engaging storybook-style descriptions and simple text make it easy to understand and explore for hours on end. This book is a fantastic blend of informative text and out-of-this-world illustrations, making it a perfect addition to any child's bookshelf.

Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our children's zoology book research, we found 1,000+ children's zoology book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 115,896 customer reviews through our big data system to write the children's zoology books list. We found that most customers choose children's zoology books with an average price of $5.64.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.