Kids Summertime Reading-10 Awesome Animal Books!

My 10 top picks for kids summertime reading! If your child enjoys books about animals, wildlife or pets, then make sure they check these reads out!

Summertime is a great time to introduce your kids to some new books. Whether you prefer a children’s classic story or a new author, there are a lot of great books to choose from. I have picked a selection of new and old friends who have accompanied me on my reading journey. Please add your favorite animal and wildlife books in the comments!

10 Great Picks for Kids Summertime Reading!

 

 

Stormy by Jim Kjelgaard

Age 8-12

Grade 3-7

One of my favorite authors growing up, Jim Kjelgaard writes fantastic, realistic tales of animals and the people who live and survive as hunters, trappers and woodsmen.

In this tale, 14 year old Allen Marley is on his own trying to maintain his family’s property deep in the woods while his father serves out a jail sentence for starting a fight with a neighbor. Allen survives by hunting, fishing and trapping animals for fur, all the while hoping to make enough to get through the winter by guiding hunters during the fall duck season…if his neighbor will let them through.

When Allen rescues an injured dog from a frozen lake, his life takes a turn. He discovers that the dog is wanted for killing his previous owner…but Allen doesn’t believe Stormy is a killer. Can he save his dog and his family’s land?

Similar reads: The Haunt Fox, by Jim Kjelgaard and The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

 

The Secret Horse- Marion Holland

(only available as a used book)

Age 8-12

Grade 4-6

Another favorite of mine from childhood, this is the story of two girls on their summer vacation. When Nickie and Gail discover a half-starved abandoned horse, they decide to take things into their own hands and save him. Hiding Highboy in a neglected, decrepit stable is the easy part. Can they keep him secret, or will the adults figure out what is going on and take him away?

This one is out of print, but if you can grab a used copy it is worth it!

Similar reads: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Billy and Blaze- C.W. Anderson

Age 5-8

Grade K-2

 

All Billy dreams about are horses…big horses, small horses, spotted horses and solid horses. When Billy gets a beautiful horse of his own for his birthday, his adventures with Blaze begin!

A wonderful book for beginning readers, it is illustrated with full page pencil drawings by the author. I highly recommend this series of books for your horse-crazy kids!

The Sign of the Beaver- Elizabeth George Speare

Age 10-12

Grade 5-7

Another longtime favorite of mine, this story is set in the wilderness of pre-Revolutionary War Maine. 12-year-old Matt and his father have traveled from the city to start a homestead deep in the forest, days away from the nearest English settlement.

Once the cabin is built and a small garden started, Matt’s dad leaves to guide the rest of the family back from the city, and Matt has to make it on his own while raising crops and getting the cabin ready for winter.

When Matt is robbed of his supplies and gun by an untrustworthy trapper, things look desperate. Until he catches the attention of the local Beaver tribe…and a deal is made. If Matt gives English reading lessons to the grandson of the leader, Atten, then Atten will hunt for him. The boys do not start out as friends…but over time they come to respect each other.

Once winter arrives, and Matt’s family still hasn’t arrived, Matt must make a choice: to give up on his family and leave with the Beaver tribe, or remain by himself in the cabin and hope that his family is still on the way. What will Matt decide?

Similar reads: The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter and Hatchet by Gary Paulson

Word of Mouse- James Patterson and Chris Gabenstein, illustrated by Joe Sutphin

Age 8-12

Grade 3-7

This is an adventurous story of a blue mouse named Isaiah, who escapes from a mysterious laboratory and has to survive dangerous enemies while searching for his family. Luckily, Isaiah discovers a girl who is as lonely as he is. Together, Isaiah and Hailey have some fun adventures and discover that everyone is different in their own way.

A fast-paced and funny story told with beautiful illustrations, if your kids liked ‘The Mouse and the Motorcycle’ then they will love this tale!

Similar reads: The Bruno and Boots series by Gordon Korman.

The Trumpet of the Swan- E.B. White

Age 8-12

Grade 3-7

A children’s classic book, this is the story of a boy named Sam and a wild, mute swan named Louis. When everyone discovers that Louis can’t talk like the other swans, Sam helps Louis learn to play the trumpet. Eventually Louie decides he needs to learn to read and write, and asks Sam to help him go to school. Although Louie can now communicate with humans, he is still lonely for the company of other swans. Will Louie ever find a mate who can accept his difference?

Similar reads: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Warriors Series- Erin Hunter, illustrated by Dave Stevenson

Age 10-14

Grade 6-9

A series for kids who enjoy adventure, fantasy, danger and…..cats! When an ordinary house cat named Rusty joins up with the feral ThunderClan in their territory in the forest, he has no idea what he is getting into. The ancient rules that govern the forest have been broken, and the four clans are warring with each other. Will the evil ShadowClan destroy the ThunderClan and take over the forest? What can Rusty do to save his friends? This series will keep them reading all summer!

Similar reads: The Tales of Redwall series by Brian Jacques

King of the Wind- Marguerite Henry

Age 8-12

Grade 4-6

This fantastic horse story features Sham, an Arabian horse owned by the Sultan of Morocco, and Agba, the mute stable boy who cares for him. When Sham is sent to England as a gift for the King, Agba goes along to care for him. Though terrible trials, and unable to communicate with the people around him, Agba protects Sham and the two friends struggle to survive. Will they ever find a place they can call home?

Similar reads- Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry and The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

Pax- Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen

Age 8-14

Grade 4-7

This is a beautiful story of a boy and his pet fox. When they are cruelly separated, each undertakes a journey to find his best friend. Set in a vague time and country that could be now or in the near future, this book covers friendship, devotion, loss and trauma in an age appropriate way that is deeply moving for adults and children. If you haven’t read it yet, do it. You won’t be sorry.

Similar reads: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Call of the Wild- Jack London

Age 9-12

Grade 4-7

 

The classic tale of Buck, the stolen pet-turned-sled dog, and his many adventures in the Alaskan wilderness. If you haven’t shared this one with the kids yet, why not get them reading it this summer?

Similar reads- White Fang by Jack London and pretty much anything by Jim Kjelgaard