The Greatest "Animals" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Animals

The "Animals" category for books encompasses a wide range of literature that focuses on the animal kingdom. This includes books about domesticated pets, wildlife, endangered species, animal behavior, and animal rights. The category may also include fictional stories featuring anthropomorphic animals or non-fiction books about animal science and biology. Overall, the "Animals" category celebrates the diversity and wonder of the animal world and encourages readers to learn more about the creatures that share our planet.

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  1. 26. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

    This novel tells the story of a young boy living in the Ozark Mountains who dreams of owning a pair of Redbone Coonhounds for hunting. After working hard to save up enough money, he buys two pups and trains them to be champion hunters. The book explores themes of determination, love, and loss as the boy experiences the joys and heartbreak of owning and training his beloved dogs.

  2. 27. The Twits by Roald Dahl

    "The Twits" is a humorous children's book that follows the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a repulsive and mean-spirited couple who delight in playing nasty tricks on each other. With their hairy faces and twisted minds, they make life miserable for everyone around them. However, their wickedness eventually catches up with them when a group of mischievous monkeys decide to teach them a lesson they will never forget.

  3. 28. A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines

    Set in a small mining town in England, the novel follows the life of a young boy who, despite his bleak surroundings and abusive family, finds solace and a sense of purpose in training a kestrel. He learns about falconry from a book he steals from his school library. His connection with the bird offers a brief respite from his harsh reality, but tragedy strikes when his brother kills the bird out of spite. The story ends with the boy forced to return to his grim reality, with his only source of happiness gone.

  4. 29. The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

    A devastating horse riding accident leaves a young girl, Grace, and her horse, Pilgrim, physically and emotionally traumatized. In a desperate attempt to heal them both, Grace's mother seeks out a man with a unique gift for communicating with horses. As he works to heal Pilgrim, the horse whisperer also helps Grace and her mother confront their own pain and begin to rebuild their shattered lives.

  5. 30. The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

    The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle follows the eccentric Doctor, who has the unique ability to communicate with animals in their own languages. Accompanied by his young apprentice Tommy Stubbins, the Doctor embarks on a thrilling journey around the world, encountering a host of exciting adventures and interesting creatures. From a giant pink sea-snail to a floating island and a mysterious sea monster, the Doctor uses his special skills to help animals in need and solve mysteries along the way.

  6. 31. Fables of La Fontaine by Jean de La Fontaine

    "Fables of La Fontaine" is a collection of moralistic tales, often involving animals and inanimate objects with human characteristics. These stories, written in verse, offer valuable life lessons and social commentaries. They are acclaimed for their wit, wisdom, and the skill with which they are told, making them enduring classics in the world of literature.

  7. 32. Lad: a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

    "Lad: a Dog" is a collection of twelve short stories centered around a rough collie named Lad, who lives with his owners, referred to as the Master and Mistress, at a place called the Place. The stories depict Lad's adventures, his loyalty and courage, and his interactions with other animals and humans. Throughout the stories, Lad proves himself to be an extraordinary dog, exhibiting intelligence, bravery and an unwavering loyalty to his owners.

  8. 33. In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall

    This book provides a fascinating and detailed account of the author's groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees in Africa. The author offers insights into the complex social structure, behavior, and personalities of these primates, challenging the then-prevailing scientific belief that only humans were capable of having personalities and emotions. Through her studies, the author revolutionized our understanding of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, and she also discusses the threats to their survival and the many challenges they face due to human activities.

  9. 34. The Mouse And His Child by Russell Hoban

    "The Mouse and His Child" is a heartwarming tale about a wind-up mouse and his child who embark on a journey to find their place in the world. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a group of tramp-like animals and a malicious rat. Through their trials and adventures, the mouse and his child learn about the importance of family, friendship, and perseverance, ultimately discovering their true purpose in life.

  10. 35. Calila e Dimna by Anonymous

    "Calila e Dimna" is a collection of animal fables originally written in Sanskrit and later translated into Arabic and Spanish. The book is composed of moral tales that utilize animals to depict human behavior and teach lessons about life, leadership, and ethics. The stories are told through two jackals, Calila and Dimna, who serve as the king's advisers, and the narratives often revolve around political intrigue, power struggles, and the complexities of court life.

  11. 36. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia by C. S. Lewis

    In this fantasy novel, four siblings are magically transported back to the realm of Narnia, where they find that centuries have passed and the land is ruled by a tyrannical king. They join forces with the rightful heir to the throne, a young prince, and an assortment of mystical creatures to restore peace and justice to the kingdom. The story is filled with battles, adventures, and lessons about courage, friendship, and faith.

  12. 37. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

    In this classic children's book, a young boy named Harold embarks on a whimsical adventure using nothing but his imagination and a purple crayon. With the crayon in hand, Harold draws his own world, creating landscapes, obstacles, and companions as he goes. His journey is a testament to creativity and the power of the mind, as he learns to problem-solve and navigate through the various scenarios he conjures up. The simple yet profound narrative, accompanied by distinctive purple-lined illustrations, celebrates the boundless possibilities of a child's imagination.

  13. 38. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

    This children's book tells the story of a clever mouse who uses his wits to avoid being eaten by various predators in the woods. The mouse invents a monster, the Gruffalo, to scare away a fox, an owl, and a snake, only to discover that the creature actually exists. Using his quick thinking, the mouse manages to convince the Gruffalo that he is the most feared creature in the forest, thus avoiding becoming the Gruffalo's meal.

  14. 39. The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy

    "The Crossing" is a novel set in the late 1930s and early 1940s that follows a young man named Billy Parham and his brother Boyd. The story primarily revolves around their adventures in the United States and Mexico, including their encounters with a wolf, horse traders, and a Mexican outlaw. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the harsh realities of life, set against the backdrop of the American West and the Mexican wilderness.

  15. 40. Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man by Siegfried Sassoon

    This semi-autobiographical novel follows the life of a young man growing up in the English countryside in the early 20th century. He's enamored with the sport of fox hunting, and through his experiences and interactions with the rural community and the natural world, he develops a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of life. However, the advent of World War I shatters his peaceful existence, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of life and the brutality of war.

  16. 41. The Tootinameh; Or, Tales of a Parrot by India, Iran

    "The Tootinameh; Or, Tales of a Parrot" is a collection of traditional stories from India and Iran, told from the perspective of a parrot. The parrot tells tales to a young woman to keep her from straying while her husband is away, weaving narratives of love, honor, and morality. The book is a rich tapestry of cultural and historical insights, showcasing the storytelling traditions of India and Iran.

  17. 42. Ernest And Celestine by Gabrielle Vincent

    "Ernest And Celestine" is a heartwarming children's book about an unlikely friendship between a bear named Ernest and a young mouse named Celestine. Despite societal expectations and prejudices, the two form a deep bond and defy the norms of their respective worlds. Through their adventures and challenges, they teach readers the importance of acceptance, friendship, and the power of love.

  18. 43. Reynard the Fox by Unknown

    "Reynard the Fox" is a medieval European fable and folklore that follows the adventures of a crafty and mischievous fox named Reynard. Known for his cunning and deceitful ways, Reynard often finds himself in trouble with the King of the animal kingdom, Noble the Lion, but manages to outsmart his adversaries each time. Through a series of satirical and humorous tales, the story offers commentary on the hypocrisy of the nobility and the church, and explores themes of morality and justice.

  19. 44. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

    This wordless picture book tells the classic Aesop's fable of a tiny mouse and a mighty lion. When the mouse accidentally disturbs the lion, the lion spares the mouse's life. Later, when the lion is caught in a hunter's trap, the grateful mouse gnaws through the ropes to free him. The story is a beautiful depiction of kindness and reciprocity, showing how even the smallest creature can help someone much bigger and stronger.

  20. 45. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

    The book follows the journey of a devoted dog who is reincarnated into several lives, each time with a different purpose. Through his various lives, he experiences life as a stray puppy, a golden retriever, a German shepherd, and a Labrador, among others. Each life teaches him something new and brings him closer to understanding his true purpose, which is to bring joy and comfort to the humans he loves. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the deep bond between humans and their pets.

  21. 46. The Darling by Russell Banks

    The novel explores the life of a politically radical American woman who, after becoming involved with various revolutionary movements in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, flees to Liberia to escape the FBI. In Liberia, she marries a government official and becomes embroiled in the country's own political turmoil, witnessing and participating in the complex interplay of power, colonialism, and personal relationships. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist grapples with her role in the political landscape, her identity, and the consequences of her actions, both in her personal life and in the broader context of the African nation's violent history.

  22. 47. The World Without Us by Alan Weisman

    This book is a thought-provoking exploration of what would happen to the natural and artificial world if humans suddenly disappeared. It delves into how our massive infrastructure would decay and how, over time, the Earth would heal from human impact, erasing all traces of our civilization. The author uses this premise to illustrate the lasting impact of humanity on the planet, providing a unique perspective on issues like climate change, pollution, and deforestation.

  23. 48. The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

    "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is a coming-of-age tale about a mute boy, Edgar, who communicates with his family and dogs through sign language. He lives on a farm in Wisconsin with his parents, where they breed a fictional type of dog. After his father's mysterious death, Edgar suspects his uncle, who has recently returned to the farm, is responsible. The boy flees into the wilderness with three of his dogs, where he must learn to survive on his own. When he eventually returns home, he faces a dramatic confrontation with his uncle, leading to a tragic, yet transformative end.

  24. 49. We are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

    The novel follows the story of a woman named Rosemary who grew up in an unusual family, with her parents being behavioral scientists and her sister being a chimpanzee, part of an experiment her parents were conducting. As she grows older, Rosemary grapples with the loss of her sister, who was sent away when she was five, and her brother, who left the family due to the emotional turmoil caused by the experiment. The book explores themes of memory, family, and the ethical treatment of animals.

  25. 50. Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

    This gripping tale follows a 12-year-old boy and his wolf cub companion as they embark on a perilous journey in the prehistoric wilderness. Their mission is to fulfill a promise to his dying father by finding and destroying a demon-possessed bear that threatens their world. Along the way, they must navigate treacherous terrains, confront supernatural forces, and learn to trust each other in order to survive. The story is a compelling blend of adventure, survival, and the bond between human and animal.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download