The most recommended animal rescue books

Who picked these books? Meet our 23 experts.

23 authors created a book list connected to animal rescue, and here are their favorite animal rescue books.
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Book cover of Rescue at Lake Wild

Diana Renn Author Of Trouble at Turtle Pond

From my list on young environmentalists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I live in a town near a wildlife refuge. I frequently encounter wildlife, including turtles, in my neighborhood. Trouble at Turtle Pond was inspired by volunteer work my son and I did with a local conservation group, fostering endangered Blandingā€™s turtles. Although my previous books were mysteries set in other countries, I have become interested in the mysteries we can find in our own back yards and in other community spaces we share with nature. I love eco-fiction about kids who love animals, who are ā€œnature detectives,ā€ who have strong opinions, and who are working for the environment, recognizing that every small step makes a difference.

Diana's book list on young environmentalists

Diana Renn Why did Diana love this book?

When I was a kid, I wanted to rescue animals. I remember taking crabs home from the beach in milk cartons. Sadly, they didnā€™t make it ā€“ nor did they need rescuing in the first place. 12-year-old Madi Lewis is a savvier rescuer, an ā€œanimal whispererā€ trained by her late grandmother, an animal rehabber, to keep careful records and do basic caretaking. But Madiā€™s parents have made it clear: no more foster animals. When Madi and her friends find two orphaned beaver kits in a dam, she has to keep it a secret ā€“ hard to do as they uncover a local conspiracy to eliminate beavers at Lake Wild. This fast-paced eco-mystery teaches a lot about conservation, ethics, and, of course, beavers! I love Madi as a young Jane Goodall type, too. 

By Terry Lynn Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rescue at Lake Wild as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

In this funny and moving animals-in-peril adventure, a twelve-year-old girl and her two best friends determine to rescue two orphaned beaver kits - and soon find themselves trying to solve a local environmental crisis. Perfect for fans of Pax and A Boy Called Bat. Everyone knows that twelve-year-old Madison "Madi" Lewis is not allowed to bring home any more animals. After she's saved hairless mice, two birds, a rabbit, and a stray tom cat that ended up destroying the front porch, Madi's parents decide that if they find one more stray animal in the house, she won't be allowed toā€¦


Book cover of Jasper's Story: Saving Moon Bears

Meeg Pincus Author Of Make Way for Animals! A World of Wildlife Crossings

From my list on nonfiction on helping wildlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a lover of wildlife and have written several nonfiction picture books on the topic, including Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery, Cougar Crossing: How Hollywoodā€™s Celebrity Cougar Built a Bridge for City Wildlife, and Ocean Soup: a Recipe for You, Me, and A Cleaner Sea. Iā€™m also a humane educator, which inspires the focus of all my nonfiction picture books on ā€œsolutionariesā€ helping people, animals, and the planet. At heart, my booksā€”which have won Golden Kite Nonfiction and Eureka! Nonfiction Honors and moreā€”aim to inspire compassion, inclusivity, and positive action. 

Meeg's book list on nonfiction on helping wildlife

Meeg Pincus Why did Meeg love this book?

This emotional story of one real moon bear, written by two top wild animal experts, hits right in the heart. An important story of what happens when wild animals are caged in laboratories, and what it takes to heal them afterward, this book lingers in the mind for a long time. Jasperā€™s personality makes everyone fall in love with him, and readers will, too. Theyā€™ll also feel compelled to protect every hunted creature (I sure did!).

By Jill Robinson, Marc Bekoff, Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jasper's Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

For years Jasper, a moon bear, lived a miserable existence, held captive in a cage by bear farmers in rural China. The farmers extracted the bile from Jasper's body and sold it to be used in traditional medicines. It's a horrific practice and conducted on thousands of moon bears each year. But now Jasper has the chance to be free and live a life away from pain and torture. In 2000, Animals Asia, an animal welfare organization, rescued Jasper and other captive moon bears, taking them to its Moon Bear Rescue Centre. Here veterinarians attended to the bears' wounds, hopingā€¦


Book cover of Old Pearl

Curtis Manley Author Of The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

From my list on empathy for the worldā€™s creatures.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve always been interested in the natural world. I grew up seeing the birds, raccoons, and deer that lived in the woods near my home in Western Pennsylvania. But over the years I began watching smaller things more carefully: tiny creatures with many legsā€”or no legs at all! I learned that even though earthworms are blind they can sense light. I realized that among ā€œidenticalā€ ants, some behaved differently. I found out that if I was gentle, honeybees didnā€™t mind being petted. Even if we think theyā€™re icky, we owe these tiny creatures our understanding and compassion.

Curtis' book list on empathy for the worldā€™s creatures

Curtis Manley Why did Curtis love this book?

Perhaps the soft spot I have for this book is because itā€™s another story about rescuing a wild animal and giving it a further chance.

Every day at the park, Theo makes sure the slow bird with the raggedy wing gets some of the birdseed he throws to the younger, quicker birds. But when a dog runs at the birds, Theo learns that old Pearl, as he names her, canā€™t fly. He saves Pearl and brings her home, and he and his grandma take care of the bird. Theoā€™s heartfelt concern allows Pearl to live the rest of her life out of danger, and she and Theo become close companions. But with animal friends, there will come a time to have to say goodbye...

By Wendy Wahman,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Old Pearl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A young boy deals with the sadness of losing a pet in this gentle, sweet ode to how nothing can take away what lives in our heart.

Theo loves feeding the birds. All the birds. But he tries his hardest to aim his seeds to the old bird with the raggedy wingā€”Pearl.

Soon, they are sharing apples and peanut butter, enjoying a good breeze, and sitting heartbeat to heartbeat.

But sometimes friends have to say goodbyeā€¦


Book cover of Odder

Dee Leone Author Of Dough Knights and Dragons

From Dee's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Childrenā€™s book lover Historical fiction enthusiast Barre buff Castle aficionado Chocolate devourer

Dee's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Dee Leone Why did Dee love this book?

As a writer for young readers, I switch between adult and childrenā€™s books. I loved The One and Only Ivan, so when I saw Odder was by the same author, I knew I had to read it. The story, in beautiful verse, is told from the perspective of a young adventurous otter whose daring leads to a shark encounter.

Itā€™s based on real-life occurrences that otters encounter in the wild and during rehabilitation. It gives insight into the rescue program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The curious little marine mammal at the center of the story is absolutely charming. This sweet book is a quick read with themes of separation, loss, conservation, healing, and hope.

By Katherine Applegate,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Odder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, from Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree.

Meet Odder, the Queen of Play:
Nobody has her moves.
She doesn't just swim to the bottom,
she dive-bombs.
She doesn't just somersault,
she triple-doughnuts.
She doesn't just ride the waves,
she makes them.

Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practising her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn,ā€¦


Book cover of Teddy (the Puppy Place #28)

Kim Howard Author Of Do Mommies Ever Sleep?

From Kim's 8-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Mom Teacher Speaker Coffee enthusiast Day Dreamer

Kim's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, Kim's 6, and 8-year-old's favorite books.

Kim Howard Why did Kim's 8-year-old love this book?

My second-grader shared, ā€œI like this book because I love doggies, and this is a really interesting story of what Teddyā€™s life was like as a puppy and then growing up.ā€

She loves all the Puppy Place books and has read a ton this year. This was a stand-out favorite (so you know itā€™s good)!

By Ellen Miles,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Teddy (the Puppy Place #28) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Welcome to the Puppy Place--where every puppy finds a home!

Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home.From the first time Lizzie sees Teddy the Pomeranian, she knows that this alert little puppy has some special talents but he just won't stop barking! When all of the other members of the Peterson family lose their patience, Lizzie sticks it out by training this pup to be helpful around the house.

Book cover of Buddy Unchained

Nancy Furstinger Author Of The Duchess and Guy: A Rescue-To-Royalty Puppy Love Story

From my list on rescued dogs.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been speaking up for animals since I learned to talk, and I havenā€™t shut up yet. My goal in writing books is to enlighten and inspire young readers to have compassion for all creatures great and small while making sure that my own empathy shines through on every page. Kids are thrilled when I bring along my rescued petsā€”dogs, rabbits, and a chinchillaā€”to book events, where I spread the ā€œadopt, donā€™t shopā€ mantra. After volunteering at animal rescues for 30+ years, Iā€™m excited to see so many pets getting a second chance!

Nancy's book list on rescued dogs

Nancy Furstinger Why did Nancy love this book?

If you have a passion for compassion, this book about a chained dog who is rescued from neglect will make you want to unchain all the Buddys in the world. The illustrations vibrate with this lovable mixed-breedā€™s emotionsā€”ranging from despair to joy. From his happy new furever home, Buddy narrates his story, which will have an emotional resonance with even the youngest audiences. As Buddy says: ā€œI have my real home. Now I have everything.ā€ No matter how many times I read this book, the ending still tugs at my heartstrings.

By Daisy Bix, Joe Hyatt (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Buddy Unchained as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

2007 Winner, Humane Society of the US KIND Award, Best Children's Picture Book of the Year

2007 Winner, ASPCA HENRY BERGH AWARD, best Children's Picture Book in the Companion Animal category

ā€œBuddy Unchained is a deeply moving look at a dog abandoned and adopted. The story is simple yet of vast importance, and at the end we want nothing more than to make sure that all the Buddys of the world are loved and cared for like this patient, easy-to-please pup.ā€ā€” Janet Leimeister, Events Manager, The Capitola Book Store

ā€œBuddy Unchained is a valuable tool in teaching the message ofā€¦


Book cover of Endangered

Catherine Ryan Hyde Author Of Seven Perfect Things

From my list on animals by people who actually understand them.

Why am I passionate about this?

In addition to being the author of lots of books, I am a wrangler of lots of pets. I live with a dog, two cats, a Belgian warmblood horse who I rode in dressage for many years, and his pasture pal who is a miniature horse. Iā€™m known for writing books with animals in which the animal is a character, not a caricature. So many authors donā€™t seem to know animals deeply, and so just insert them in a scene like a placeholder. But every animal is an individual, and I try to reflect that in my work.

Catherine Ryan's book list on animals by people who actually understand them

Catherine Ryan Hyde Why did Catherine Ryan love this book?

This is my only other fiction pick. I read this many years ago, when it was new, but it stayed with me. We see a lot of relationships between people and dogs or people and horses, but this is a novel about a girl and a group of bonobos. Thatā€™s an interesting twist on the human/animal relationship, because other primates are so similar to us in their intelligence and approach to the world. They are mostly helpless against human forces, but then again so are young girls. The bonds formed in this book are worth the price of admission, and the suspense is high throughout.

By Eliot Schrefer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Endangered as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

From National Book Award Finalist Eliot Schrefer comes the compelling tale of a girl who must save a group of bonobos -- and herself -- from a violent coup.

Congo is a dangerous place, even for people who are trying to do good.When Sophie has to visit her mother at her sanctuary for bonobos, she's not thrilled to be there. Then Otto, an infant bonobo, comes into her life, and for the first time she feels responsible for another creature.But peace does not last long for Sophie and Otto. When an armed revolution breaks out in the country, the sanctuaryā€¦


Book cover of With Just One Wing

Lynne Kelly Author Of The Secret Language of Birds

From my list on books for bird-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m fascinated by our connections to animals, our similarities and differences, and how we communicate. Large mammals have always been my favorites, but like many people, I started noticing birds in my backyard during the pandemic lockdowns. As an author of middle-grade novels, my stories have been inspired by something interesting Iā€™ve learned about a particular animal. I started writing my novel after learning that whooping cranes had nested in Texas for the first time in over a century. I knew I had to give that momentous nest sighting to a bird-loving girl whoā€™d appreciate the visitation by these rare and majestic birds! 

Lynne's book list on books for bird-loving kids

Lynne Kelly Why did Lynne love this book?

This book has so many of my favorite thingsā€”laughter and tears on the same page, a character with a strong connection to an animal, and a funny, caring, resilient kid whoā€™s wrestling with a difficult decision.

I enjoy seeing characters who cause their own problems, like Coop does when he derails his basketball plans by climbing a tree to check out a bird's nest! I also love it when antagonists arenā€™t villains; Coop and his family might be at odds about what he should do with his mockingbird, but theyā€™re loving parents and grandparents.

I cheered for Coop to discover where he fits in, and he's a character Iā€™ll remember long after closing the book. 

By Brenda Woods,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked With Just One Wing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Coretta Scott King Honor winner Brenda Woods's poignant, heartfelt story of an adopted boy and the bird he rescues

Everyone expects Coop to be musical like his beloved parents, but he's not. That's one of the few things he finds awkward about being adopted-well, that and the fact that he sometimes wonders why his birth mother didn't love him enough to keep him. This summer, he's stuck at home with a broken arm after falling out of a tree trying to get a closer peek at a mockingbird nest. Later, when the eggs in the nest have hatched and theā€¦


Book cover of The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

Dyan deNapoli Author Of All about Penguins: Discover Life on Land and in the Sea

From my list on nonfiction about penguins for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a penguin expert, TED speaker, and lifelong animal lover. After getting a BS degree in Animal Science, I became a Penguin Aquarist at Bostonā€™s New England Aquarium. For 9 years, I took care of the penguins there and educated visitors during daily talks. In 2000, I helped manage the rescue of 40,000 penguins from an oil spill in South Africa. (With the help of 12,500 volunteers, we saved most of them!) I founded my educational company The Penguin Lady in 2005, and speak at schools, universities, libraries, for TED-Ed and TEDx, and on National Geographicā€™s ships in Antarctica. I love sharing my knowledge, and passion for penguins with others!

Dyan's book list on nonfiction about penguins for kids

Dyan deNapoli Why did Dyan love this book?

Iā€™m sure Iā€™m biased, but I love that this book picks up where my book with the same title (for adults) leaves off. Iā€™m very pleased that the author has highlighted the important conservation story of the African penguin (an endangered species), and the efforts to save it, including the hand-raising of African penguin chicks. The author discusses in detail the many ways that humans have impacted this species - both negatively and positively. This is definitely a book for older children, as it talks about the various threats to penguins, which could be upsetting information for younger children. But, for older children wanting to understand how a species becomes endangered, and how humans can help save those animals, this is a highly informative book. Best for ages 9-12.

By Sandra Markle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Great Penguin Rescue as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

African penguins waddle around nesting colonies in lower numbers than ever before. Despite South African government efforts to protect the penguin colonies and their ocean fish supply, young penguins still struggle to survive. Fuzzy chicks waiting for food in open nests may overheat in the sun or become prey. Others simply may not get enough food to survive on their own once their parents leave. But new conservation methods, including rescuing and hand-feeding vulnerable chicks, are giving experts hope. Can volunteers and scientists help save Africa's only penguins before it's too late?


Book cover of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow

Naila Moreira Author Of The Monarchs of Winghaven

From my list on making kids feel like mighty eco-warriors.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve loved both nature and writing since childhood. My birdwatching and prior work as a geologist have taken me to the coasts, forests, and grasslands of New England, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Brazil, and beyond. Through it all, Iā€™ve kept my pen busy writing about my adventures. A former writer-in-residence at the Shoals Marine Laboratory in Maine and beach naturalist with the Seattle Aquarium, I now teach at Smith College in Massachusetts, where I live with my family, many notebooks, and a garden full of native plants and wild birds. 

Naila's book list on making kids feel like mighty eco-warriors

Naila Moreira Why did Naila love this book?

Iā€™ve always loved animal fantasy, but this book felt unique. Instead of turning animals into mini-people, it explores and celebrates their lives in nature.

Here, ordinary critters I know from my own backyard and bird feeder take on big ecological themes of community, care, and the important place of every creatureā€“even predators. The main character, a storytelling rabbit named Buttercup, also validated my sense of the importance of stories in understanding our lives. The bookā€™s satisfying close thrilled my childhood wish to reach out and talk to nature in its own words.

By Elaine Dimopoulos, Doug Salati (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

This timeless early middle-grade adventure about friendship and community will charm animal-loving fans of The Tale of Despereaux and Clarice the Brave. Illustrated by Caldecott winner Doug Salati.

Butternut lives in the burrows of Milkweed Meadow with her nine rabbit brothers and sisters. Together they practice strategies for survival and tell stories. With disastrous scenarios blooming in her mind, Butternut embraces the lesson of her familiesā€™ stories: stick to your own rabbit-kind. But after befriending an incorrigible robin and a wounded deer, Butternut begins to question what she has been taught.

When the three friends discover other animals in crisis,ā€¦


Book cover of Rescue at Lake Wild
Book cover of Jasper's Story: Saving Moon Bears
Book cover of Old Pearl

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