Animals & Nature | Children's Books

Decorate your tree with a holiday classic, and experience the original Rudolph every year in this fun miniature replica of the beloved book!

In 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter working at Chicago's Montgomery Ward & Co., wrote a holiday story at the request of his employer. Almost two and a half million copies of the little tale about a reindeer with a shiny red nose were given away to all the children who visited Montgomery Ward stores that year. The rest is history. Seventy-five years later, the beloved classic is once again available in a faithful facsimile of the 1939 Rudolph, with original text and original Denver Gillen illustrations, in both large hardback and miniature book ornament editions.

Down in a southern swamp, a family of crawfish face a big problem. Their three sons have grown too large and their nice, cozy den is now uncomfortably crowded. Poppa and Mama decide it's time for their sons to leave home and build their own dens. In this twist on a classic tale, Poppa warns the three little crawfish that they must be careful of the sly, ole 'coon. That raccoon has a big appetite for juicy crawfish! Charming illustrations and humorous rhymes create a delightful adventure for beginning readers in this bedtime favorite.

Get ready to stomp and chomp to that mambo beat! When carnival time rolls into New Orleans, these hip dinosaurs want to boogie on down. Iguanodon wiggles to the music of a marching band, while Zigongosaurus dances zydeco and Pterodactyal swoops into the crowd. From singing tunes and tossing beads, these big beasts sure know how to party. Laissez les bon temps rugir!

Playful limericks about friendly animal characters in Nantucket, with colorful cut-paper illustrations.

Clap your hands and tap your toe! This vibrant story by beloved New Orleans children’s author and illustrator Shannon Kelley Atwater captures the imagination while celebrating the Cajun tradition of the fais do-do dance party. Do a little two-step just in time for bed!

Shannon Kelley Atwater was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and came to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where she received a degree in visual arts. After selling her art on the fences of Jackson Square and opening a gallery space in the French Quarter, she now stays busy raising her three spirited children and taking on various commissioned projects. She is the author and illustrator of Alligators Don’t Like Flowers, Five Little Termites, and Goodnight Pothole and the illustrator of Rainbow Rodney, all published by Pelican.

It’s the town’s big celebration and Little Laveau is lost in the woods! Luckily, her musical new friend has just the magical cure she needs. Join Little Laveau in her second adventure as she journeys around the Louisiana Bayou, providing a little encouragement for friends and animals wherever she goes. Watercolor illustrations that capture the mystery of the bayou accompany this tale perfect for beginning readers―whether they live in Louisiana or not!

A wacky safari that is sure to strike a chord with kids! For each letter of the alphabet, this clever book of rhymes presents a cross between an animal and a musical instrument. From newtubas and mandolions to drumonkeys and pigolos, kids will have a blast during this musical safari. Zany illustrations accompany each creation.

Embark on a magical journey through Florida’s diverse landscapes.

Join our young protagonist aboard the Panhandle Pullman for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and exciting discoveries. From the emerald waters of St. George Island to the historic streets of St. Augustine, each stop offers new wonders to explore. Taste the Tupelo honey, and marvel at the wildlife of the Florida Keys. Encounter manatees and sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles. Blast off at a NASA rocket launch! All Aboard, Florida! celebrates the beauty, history, and wonders of Florida in a captivating tale for children of all ages. Climb aboard and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

Saddle up and learn about the animals living in the wilderness of the Western US in this children’s singsong tale of adventure.

An assortment of friendly desert animals greets a young cowgirl as she heads out West on her pony. Along the way, she says “Howdy!” to a scampering jackrabbit, a howling coyote, and a charging buffalo as she trots farther down the trail. Readers are introduced to these regional critters of the West before arriving at the surprise—and endearing—ending.

Renowned author Jan Peck and award-winning illustrator Herb Leonhard come together for this Western-inspired children’s book. Written in rhythmic verse and filled with vibrant illustrations, this educational tale is sure to enlighten readers while capturing their imaginations.

Praise for Way Out West on My Little Pony 

“For each [animal], there’s a happy singsong greeting that kids will love to chant. . . . Illustrator Leonhard shows us Western landscapes and animals, and a jaunty rider and pony with a pleasing blend of magic and realism.” —Foreword Reviews

“The rich mixture of imagination, real animals, and exuberant rhyming make this a solid choice for story time or anytime.” —Jeanette Larson, children’s literature consultant

“Jan Peck brings the West to life for children with rhythmic and enchanting lyrics about horny toads, prairie dogs, armadillos, jackrabbits, roadrunners, longhorns, and buffalo.” —Glenn Dromgoole, author of Good Night Cowboy and Good Night Cowgirl

 “The prose is charming and sparkling with animation. It will ignite children's imaginations.” —Debbie Raindl, children’s services, John Ed Keeter Public Library, Saginaw, Texas

In this charming rhyming board book for ages 0–5, young readers join Michael the Wildlife Detective as he peers out his bedroom window and discovers the wonders of the wild world just beyond his home.

Surrounded by his favorite animal toys, Michael’s imagination comes alive as he observes real animals outside — from playful raccoons and busy bees to chirping birds and beautiful trees.

Each page delights with gentle rhymes, vivid imagery, and an invitation for little ones to explore nature with curiosity and care. Michael the Wildlife Detective's Nature Adventure introduces children to wildlife through the eyes of a young explorer, showing that every great detective starts with wonder, imagination, and a love for the world around them.

Based on the true story of a crustacean who became a livestream sensation!

As seen on social media! Follow Blue the Crawfish—a little blue crawfish who used what made him unique to change his fate. He became a resident on Madison’s kitchen shelf, making frequent appearances on her livestreams, where he was loved by millions around the world. Blue’s story encourages readers to leverage their gifts and differences and to never give up. This story is based on real events and features sing-along songs!

When a determined pelican named Jean-Jacques is handed a very important delivery—one baby rhinoceros—he must rely on creativity, courage, and a few unlikely friends to find his way. This heartwarming adventure celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the joy of helping others. With lyrical text and charming hand-drawn illustrations, Are You a Rhinoceros? is a perfect read-aloud for classrooms and cozy laps alike.

Michael the Wildlife Detective is back with a third adventure for young readers.

First, there are small bones all over the mansion's patio. Then, strange screeching noises at night. And now, glowing eyes? There has to be an explanation. Michael follows the clues, closes the case, and gets the job done!

There’s a mystery at Washington Middle School that only Michael the wildlife detective can solve. Secretive guests have moved into the school gymnasium and Principal Green doesn’t know what to do. But not to worry! Using math, music, science, and physical evidence, Michael uncovers the identities of the mysterious intruders who have decided to make the school their new home.

           As Michael reveals clue after clue, young readers will enjoy guessing the identities of the critters putting the school into an uproar. Throughout his stakeout, Michael offers a lesson on the gymnasium’s new residents and how to safely and humanely encourage them to move along.

           Author Michael Birt, a wildlife biologist, shares with readers the importance of treating wild animals and nature with respect and kindness—even when they end up in unnatural spaces and cause inconvenience for their human neighbors. He highlights the importance of finding compassionate solutions to pesky problems and explains why the school’s mystery guests are so special.

Recommended by Autism Speaks.

Oliver is upset—very upset—and nothing his mother says makes him feel better. When she tries to give him a comforting hug, he rolls up into a tight ball like an armadillo and won’t let his mother near. She tries to coax him out of his huddle but then his claws come out. Oliver pretends to be one ferocious animal after another—none of them very good at giving hugs. But it is hard work saying no to a mother’s love. Through creativity, patience, and affection (as well as a healthy dose of humor), Oliver’s mother finds a way to get through his imaginative defenses and give him the best hug ever.

Author Kena Sosa captures the delicate dance between mother and child in this fun story about love and the power of hugs. The charming and humorous illustrations of Alexis Braud bring to life the imagination of a child and touchingly depict how hugs can soothe even the most savage beast.

This baby mosquito is in for the meal of his life!

Swept away by a hurricane shortly after his birth, Boudreaux the mosquito has one biting question that needs to be answered: what are mosquitos supposed to eat?  Across the swamps of Louisiana he goes, determined to find a breakfast fit for a pest. Unfortunately for Boudreaux, not a single animal is able to help: The alligator tells him to ask the wolf, who tells him to ask the bear, who tells him to ask the wild hog. Before he knows it, Boudreaux has exhausted his wings buzzing from one ear to the next, and he’s still no closer to finding his first meal! He finally receives a very intriguing answer . . . but what will become of Boudreaux when he tests this theory?

How much can a tall Texan eat?

In this humorous retelling of the classic tale, a tall Texan devours a toad, a rattlesnake, a bat, a bull, and more to get rid of the flea he accidentally ate. The Texan gets bigger and bigger as he eats more and more-all to get rid of a silly old flea! Whoo-ee!