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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will transport your 10-year-old into the wild, wonderful world of animals and nature? You're in the right spot! Our curated selection of Wildlife Books for 10-Year-Olds is packed with captivating stories that are sure to ignite a love for the great outdoors and our planet's fascinating creatures. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise adventure and awe-inspiring insights into the animal kingdom!

Fun Wildlife Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Roz the robot is washed ashore on a wild island, she must learn to survive in a hostile environment by befriending the local wildlife and adapting to nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends technology with nature, showing how adaptation and friendship can occur in the most unexpected ways. The story is engaging and filled with heartwarming lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love technology and animals, and those interested in stories about survival and friendship.

• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around the author's childhood in Saskatchewan, where he adopts two owlets named Wol and Weeps, detailing their adventures and misadventures in his home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and delightful tale that provides insight into the behavior of owls and the natural world, encouraging a love for wildlife and conservation.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy funny and true stories about animals, and those who are curious about wildlife and nature.

• Ranger Rick's Travels: National Parks! by Stacy Tornio, illustrated by John Kerschbaum
  • Genre(s): Educational, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow Ranger Rick as he takes young readers on a tour through America's National Parks, sharing fascinating facts and adventures in each park.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's informative and engaging, perfect for sparking a love for travel, nature, and conservation in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and young explorers eager to learn about America's natural landscapes and wildlife.

• Who Would Win? Killer Whale vs. Great White Shark by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Rob Bolster
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book sets up a hypothetical battle between a killer whale and a great white shark, detailing the strengths and abilities of each before determining a winner.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun facts with an engaging "versus" format that keeps readers hooked while educating them about marine biology.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are fascinated by the natural world, particularly marine life.

• National Geographic Kids Bird Guide of North America, Second Edition by Jonathan Alderfer
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: An easy-to-use guide to North American birds, this book features detailed information and vivid illustrations of over 1,000 species, helping kids learn about bird watching and identification.
  • Why we recommend this, book: It's an excellent resource for budding ornithologists and any young reader interested in birds, providing comprehensive yet accessible information.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts who are keen on bird watching and learning more about the diverse species found across North America.

Educational Wildlife Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Biography, Conservation
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Lawrence Anthony, who accepted a herd of 'rogue' wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa, forming deep bonds and learning from them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wildlife conservation, empathy, and environmental awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring and heartwarming insight into the emotional lives of elephants and the impact of human kindness on wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young conservationists interested in real-life wildlife adventures and conservation efforts.

• Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest by Peter Wohlleben
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book explores the secret life of forests, explaining how trees communicate, share resources, and support each other.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Botanical knowledge, ecological awareness, and scientific curiosity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms complex ecological concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives that captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by nature and science, especially those interested in trees and forests.

• The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Nature, Science
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book dives into the world of trees, detailing their biological processes and the ecosystems they support.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of biology, ecology, and the importance of trees in our world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually striking and filled with fascinating facts that make learning about nature enjoyable and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate nature and are eager to learn more about the environment through vibrant illustrations and engaging text.

• Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book chronicles the life and achievements of Eugenie Clark, a pioneering marine biologist who studied sharks and worked to change people's perceptions of these misunderstood creatures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, overcoming stereotypes, and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering story that showcases the importance of passion and perseverance in pursuing scientific discoveries.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and any young reader interested in marine life and groundbreaking female scientists.

• The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Environmental Science
  • Synopsis: This engaging book explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystem, detailing their life cycle, habitat, and the challenges they face.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, biology, and conservation efforts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comprehensive look into the world of bees through accessible and informative content, encouraging environmental stewardship.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and anyone interested in learning about the importance of bees and how to protect them.

Challenging Wildlife Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This captivating book provides a deep dive into the emotional and physical world of octopuses, exploring their intelligence, consciousness, and the bonds they can form with humans.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex scientific concepts of consciousness and cognition, presented through the study of an unconventional subject—octopuses.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the reader's understanding of intelligence and emotion in animals, challenging our assumptions about what makes humans unique.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in marine biology and animal psychology, and those who enjoy stories of interspecies friendships.

• The Hidden Life of Wolves by Jim and Jamie Dutcher
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Wildlife, Conservation
  • Synopsis: This book offers an intimate look at the lives of wolves, based on the authors' experiences living among a pack of wolves in the Idaho wilderness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed scientific observations alongside personal narratives, requiring readers to synthesize information from diverse sources.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the social structure and behavior of wolves, promoting understanding and conservation of this often-misunderstood species.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and budding environmentalists who are keen on understanding complex animal societies and conservation issues.

• Birdology: Adventures with a Pack of Hens, a Peck of Pigeons, Cantankerous Crows, Fierce Falcons, Hip Hop Parrots, Baby Hummingbirds, and One Murderously Big Living Dinosaur by Sy Montgomery
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the fascinating world of birds through various engaging stories about the author's experiences with different bird species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of ornithological topics, from behavior to physiology, requiring readers to engage with scientifically detailed and diverse content.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deep appreciation for birds and their complex behaviors, fostering a connection to wildlife and nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers passionate about birds and those curious about animal behavior and natural science.

• The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book explores the newly discovered brilliance of birds, detailing their remarkable abilities from navigation to problem-solving.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses cutting-edge scientific research in a way that is detailed and thought-provoking, challenging young readers to rethink what it means to be intelligent.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on bird intelligence, backed by the latest research, making it a fascinating read that challenges conventional wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring ornithologists and any young reader interested in animal intelligence and science.

• Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book offers a profound look at the lives of animals, particularly elephants, wolves, and killer whales, and discusses their capacity for thought and emotion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends scientific research with philosophical questions about the nature of consciousness and emotion in animals, providing a deep, reflective reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages empathy and a greater understanding of the emotional lives of animals, advocating for their conservation and respectful treatment.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in animal psychology, conservation, and the ethical considerations of human interactions with nature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of wildlife books, here are some fun exercises to enhance your reading experience. These activities are perfect for 10-year-olds, helping them to develop good reading habits while exploring the wild world through books.

• Create a Wildlife Glossary
  • What it is: Make a list of new words and terms found in wildlife books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of scientific terms.
  • Tips: Add a new word to your glossary after each reading session.

• Draw Your Favorite Animal
  • What it is: Sketch animals or scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Strengthens memory retention and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Use the book's descriptions to add detail to your drawings.

• Act Out a Scene
  • What it is: Perform a scene from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Pick a scene that involves interesting animal behavior.

• Discuss With Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and perspective sharing.
  • Tips: Form a small reading group to discuss books regularly.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Create a map based on the locations described in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding geography and the habitats of different wildlife.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils to differentiate between different habitats or regions.

These exercises are not just fun; they're gateways to becoming a better reader and a young wildlife expert. So, grab your favorite wildlife book, and let's get started! Happy reading and exploring!