9 Children's Picture Books About Adorable Animals

9 Children's Picture Books About Adorable Animals

5 Fun Kid's Films About Animals

Reading stories to your children is an important experience, but sometimes a tired parent just wants to sit on the couch and watch a movie with the little ones. Here are five family-friendly films starring cute animals.

1. Air Bud
2. Babe
3. Zootopia
4. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
5. Stuart Little

Cute Kids and Animals

In Depth

There is nothing more pure than the bond between children and animals. And while not every family can have a pet, there are plenty of stuffed, virtual, and fictitious furry friends who can bring joy to all children through the power of imagination. If you're looking for interesting reads for the little ones, check out these nine picture books about adorable animals, listed in no particular order.

Starting off at #1 is "Percy, Dog of Destiny," written by Alison McGhee, and illustrated by Jennifer Mann. The story starts with Percy, a small pooch full of spirit and energy. He loves to walk in the park with his owner and his ball. During his stroll, he stumbles upon three canine friends: Molly, who likes her kerchief; Oatmeal Cookie, who plays with his frisbee; and Fluffy, who is fond of biting a bone. While the quartet is having fun, a squirrel comes to mock them, causing the protagonist to drop his toy.

At #2 is "Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima. This work of fiction focuses on Kelp, a unicorn who is born deep in the ocean. He thinks he is one of the narwhals, but notices that he is different from the rest. His horn is shorter, he hates eating squid, and his swimming skills are much less impressive. One day, Kelp is carried off by a strong current and he meets some creatures who look exactly like him.

His horn is shorter, he hates eating squid, and his swimming skills are much less impressive.

Next, at #3 is "I'll Wait, Mr. Panda." Author Steve Antony teaches patience and courtesy through this tale of young animals waiting for a surprise. It begins with Mr. Panda holding a spoon and a bowl. One by one, several little creatures ask him what the surprise will be. When the Panda declines to reveal his secret, they go away because they do not want to stay and wait. All of them leave, except for a small penguin who is willing to stick around until the payoff finally comes.

At #4 is "Rescue and Jessica," written by Boston Marathon bombing survivors Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, and illustrated by Scott Magoon. It is based the real-life events Kensky went through after her tragedy. The story features a Labrador retriever named Rescue, who becomes a service dog to an 11-year-old amputee to aid her in accomplishing her daily tasks. At times when the kid is feeling down, he also provides her emotional comfort and support.

Following at #5 is "Misunderstood Shark," written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Scott Magoon. It takes place during a live underwater news report, hosted by Bob the jellyfish. He interviews a great white shark, who keeps on hilariously emphasizing that people only misunderstand his behavior. Aside from the humor, the book contains several real facts about sharks.

He interviews a great white shark, who keeps on hilariously emphasizing that people only misunderstand his behavior.

At #6 is "Baabwaa and Wooliam." Penned by David Elliott, it centers on two sheep who are living a calm life reading books and knitting sweaters. One fine day, as the pair takes a walk into the fields, they encounter an odd-looking third sheep with a long tail, whiskered snout, and pointed ears. Of course, the creature is really a wolf in disguise. He tries to catch them, but stops when the duo offers to teach him how to read and make a nice sweater for him, giving birth to their unusual friendship.

Next, at #7 is "Go-Go Gorillas" by Julia Durango. It takes readers to the Great Gorilla Villa, where King Big Daddy lives with his wife, Big Mama. He decides to send his trusty messenger rat out to summon his family, including Nephew Ike with his bike, niece Isabel with her rowboat, and Aunt Minerva with her roller skates. Durango's whimsical rhymes and Eleanor Taylor's lovely watercolor art combine to make a delightful book that young children are sure to fall in love with.

At #8 is "Finding Winnie" by Lindsay Mattick. This narrative is based on a real bear who was found by Captain Harry Colebourn in Winnipeg, Canada. The animal soon became the army unit's mascot. When the regiment was transferred to France, Colebourn brought Winnie to the London Zoo, where he eventually met A.A. Milne's young son, Christopher Robin. The companionship between the bear and the boy was the inspiration for "Winnie the Pooh."

When the regiment was transferred to France, Colebourn brought Winnie to the London Zoo, where he eventually met A.A. Milne's young son, Christopher Robin.

Finally, at #9 is "Escargot" by Dashka Slater. It revolves around a French snail named Escargot, whose objectives are to be the audience's favorite creature and to eat the salad at the end of the book. He starts talking to the readers, enumerating the different characteristics of this gastropod. As he comes closer to his goal, he points out that he hates eating carrots. But once he approaches the bowl of greens, he is dismayed to see slices of carrots in it. The snail agrees to try them, and he realizes that the orange root is indeed delicious.