10+ Best Animal Books for 9-10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect animal books for 9-10-year-olds? Whether your young reader is fascinated by furry friends, wild creatures, or mythical beasts, finding the right book can spark a lifelong love of reading. Dive into our curated lists of captivating animal books designed to delight any 9 to 10-year-old. Keep reading to discover your child’s next favorite read!

Fun Animal Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This beloved novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that teaches about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, all presented in a gentle manner that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children learning about friendship and compassion.

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this story follows Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, as he struggles with memories of his past and begins to hope for a better future when he meets a baby elephant named Ruby.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and thought-provoking story that encourages empathy and awareness about animal welfare and captivity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories told from an animal's perspective and those interested in animal rights.

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who loves music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It explores his adventures as he navigates a world filled with darkness and danger to save his beloved princess.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines classic fairy tale elements with a unique hero, promoting themes of bravery, love, and forgiveness.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and anyone who loves fairy tales with a twist.

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Family, Friendship
  • Synopsis: The story centers around ten-year-old Opal who adopts a stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The bond they form helps Opal make new friends and reconnect with her father.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how animals can bring people together and help them find a sense of belonging.
  • Perfect for: Children dealing with new environments or those looking to understand the impact of friendships.

• Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Mr. Popper, a house painter fascinated by the Antarctic, unexpectedly receives a package containing a penguin. His life becomes even more chaotic when the penguin multiplies into a dozen penguins, turning his house into a winter wonderland.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a whimsical and hilarious adventure that sparks imagination and teaches about the responsibilities of pet care.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals and zany, comedic scenarios.

Educational Animal Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Family, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story recounts the adventures of two owls, Wol and Weeps, adopted by a boy in Saskatchewan. The narrative explores their antics and the unique challenges of living with wild owls as pets.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wildlife, empathy towards animals, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet insightful look into the lives of owls and the impact of nature on family life.
  • Perfect for: Animal enthusiasts and families interested in stories about unusual pets.

• The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172 Other Wild Pets by Jean Craighead George
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This book is a collection of true stories about the author's experiences with various wild pets she has owned, from tarantulas to owls.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of diverse animals, responsibility in pet care, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers fascinating insights into the natural behaviors and care of wild animals, encouraging respect and understanding of nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids curious about wildlife and the responsibilities involved in caring for animals.

• Me... Jane by Patrick McDonnell
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book tells the story of young Jane Goodall and her early fascination with animals, which led her to a lifelong journey of animal study and conservation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, biography comprehension, inspiration for conservation
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the formative years of a renowned conservationist, inspiring young readers to dream big and make a difference.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and conservationists.

• What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fascinating ways different animals use their ears, eyes, mouths, tails, and more to survive in the wild.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Animal biology, observation skills, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It engages children's curiosity about animal adaptations and survival techniques through interactive questions and striking visuals.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers eager to learn about animal biology and the functions of different body parts.

• The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Environmental
  • Synopsis: In the lush green world of the Amazon Rain Forest, a man begins to chop down a great kapok tree. Exhausted from his work, he sleeps at its base, and the creatures who inhabit the tree each whisper in his ear about the importance of their home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, ecosystem interconnectivity, persuasive reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of conservation and the impact of human actions on ecosystems in a vivid, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and any child interested in learning about rainforest ecosystems.

Challenging Animal Books for 9-10-Year-Olds

• Watership Down by Richard Adams
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a group of rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren and seek a safe place to establish a new home, encountering various dangers along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of survival, leadership, and freedom, interwoven with sophisticated language and political allegory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thrilling adventure and deep reflections on human society through the lens of rabbit characters, offering both excitement and intellectual engagement.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories and animal adventures.

• The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story details the harrowing journey of three pets—a Labrador retriever, a bull terrier, and a Siamese cat—as they traverse 300 miles through the Canadian wilderness to return to their home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses rich, descriptive language and presents an emotionally gripping survival tale that explores themes of loyalty and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping tale of endurance and friendship that also beautifully depicts the landscapes of Canada.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young adventurers who appreciate stories of resilience and loyalty.

• The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban, illustrated by David Small
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the existential journey of a wind-up mouse and his child who face dangers and existential questions in their quest to become self-winding.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as identity, purpose, and existentialism, wrapped in a narrative that demands thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young readers to think deeply about life, purpose, and the nature of being, all through a unique and captivating storyline.
  • Perfect for: Philosophically minded young readers who enjoy deep stories told through whimsical adventures.

• The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, illustrated by Fred Marcellino
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers on Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice, who overcomes his disability by learning to play a trumpet to express himself and win the love of his life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends a rich narrative with themes of overcoming adversity, self-expression, and the pursuit of dreams, requiring readers to engage with both the text and its underlying messages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an inspiring tale that combines humor, adventure, and emotional depth, encouraging readers to find their own ways to shine.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories of triumph and self-discovery.

• Poppy by Avi, illustrated by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Poppy, a brave deer mouse, challenges the tyrannical owl ruler of Dimwood Forest to save her family and friends, embarking on a daring quest of courage and leadership.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex narrative that includes themes of tyranny, courage, and social dynamics within a detailed setting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an engaging adventure that promotes bravery and leadership, all while exploring the natural world through the eyes of its tiny inhabitants.
  • Perfect for: Young leaders and nature enthusiasts who love rooting for the underdog.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of animal books for 9-10-year-olds, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books fun and engaging, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to develop good reading habits. Here are some exercises that can help young readers get the most out of their reading experience.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and makes completing a book less daunting.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Reading Corner
  • What it is: Designate a special place at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make it cozy with a comfy chair or pillows, good lighting, and maybe even a small shelf for favorite books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it or are reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, and can offer new insights into the story.
  • Tips: Try to discuss what you read soon after your reading session to keep details fresh.

• Use a Vocabulary Notebook
  • What it is: Keep a notebook for new and interesting words found in the books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the language used in the books.
  • Tips: Write down the meaning of the words and try to use them in sentences during your discussions.

• Draw Scenes from the Book
  • What it is: Sketch or color scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps visualize the story better.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on how you interpret the scenes creatively.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after a reading session.
  • How it helps: Keeps you engaged and thinking critically about the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many were right as you progress.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Take turns reading aloud if reading with someone, or try reading aloud to yourself.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and can make reading more dynamic and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun and engaging.

Wrapping it up, incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can significantly enhance your experience with animal books and beyond. Not only will they help improve your reading skills, but they'll also make your journey through each book more interactive and enjoyable. Happy reading!