Growing Reader

Too Cute! 13 Critter-Filled Chapter Books for Kids Who Love Animals

by Dena McMurdie

Photo credit: Cyndi Monaghan, Moment Collection/ Getty Images

There’s no question that emerging readers love books with cute, cuddly, and happy subjects. Anything furry and fuzzy that begs to be snuggled is high on the list of favorites for girls and boys this age. Thankfully, there are lots of books to fill the demands of the critter-loving kids out there. Get ready for involuntary squeals of delight, because these nine books are just oozing cuteness.

Magic Bunny Series

Magic Bunny Series

by Sue Bentley, illustrated by Angela Swan

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This cute and magical bunny will melt your heart. Seeking refuge from dangers in his kingdom, Arrow the rabbit turns to our world for help. Each book in the series features a young girl's experience with Arrow as she tries to keep him safe.

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Humphrey's Tiny Tales Series

Humphrey's Tiny Tales Series

by Betty G. Birney, illustrated by Priscilla Burris

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Kids love this furry fellow. Humphrey the hamster has his own series of chapter books that are perfect for emerging readers. Follow along with the adventures of this adorable rodent and the kids from his classroom.

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King & Kayla Series

King & Kayla Series

by Dori Hillestad Bulter, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

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Amateur sleuths will devour every title in this early chapter book series about a mystery-solving girl and her dog. Whether finding lost library books or cracking secret codes, King and Kayla do everything with humor and heart. And with ten books in this series so far, your kid will have plenty of reading material to keep them occupied.

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Drag and Rex Series

Drag and Rex Series

by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe Russo

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When you think cute and cuddly, a dragon and a dinosaur probably don’t come to mind. But this dynamic duo is too adorable to leave off this list. This book features three short chapter stories about Drag and Rex as they spend time eating breakfast, reading, and facing down monsters together. The colorful illustrations and heartwarming stories make it a good choice for kids transitioning into chapter books.

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Unicorn Academy Series

Unicorn Academy Series

by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman

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Send your young reader to the Unicorn Academy, where every girl gets paired up with a unicorn! The relatable character and slice-of-life storylines make these books ideal for kids who enjoy magical stories about friendship and adventure. Chapter book readers will find much to love in this 12-book series!

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Make Way for Fenway Series

Make Way for Fenway Series

by Victoria J. Coe, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

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Newly independent readers can’t get enough of the adorable dog Fenway! Whether he’s hiding his bone from squirrels or losing his human on a hike, Fenway tackles each challenge with giggle-worthy antics. This little dog is bursting with personality!

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Winter Journeys Series

Winter Journeys Series

by Holly Webb, illustrated by Simon Mendez and Artful Doodlers

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If your child is passionate about wild animals, they’ll enjoy this heartwarming series from Holly Webb. Each book features a standalone story about a girl who gets magically transported to a wintery place to help a needy animal. These cozy adventures are the perfect books to read during the cold winter months.

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Purrmaids Series

Purrmaids Series

by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Vivien Wu

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The only thing better than a story about mermaids is a story about purrmaids. Young readers love the charming storylines about cute kitten mermaids as they go to school, make friends, celebrate holidays, go on vacation, and more. With 15 books in the series so far, voracious and casual readers alike can read as much as they want.

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Pet Rescue Adventure Series

Pet Rescue Adventure Series

by Holly Webb, illustrated by Sophy Williams

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If your kid wants a cute animal chapter book series to get lost in, this series is an excellent choice! These feel-good stories will have young readers returning to the series again and again. And with 50+ titles available, your child can read about kids adopting adorable puppies and kittens to their heart’s content.

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Star Friends Series

Star Friends Series

by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Kim Barnes

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I purchased this entire series for my 8-year-old daughter, and she has read it on repeat ever since. It’s about a group of friends who have magical abilities and befriend some forest animals. Together, the girls tackle supernatural and real-world drama with help from their four-legged friends. This sweet and adventurous series is fantastic for kids who have a special connection with animals.

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The Aristokittens Series

The Aristokittens Series

by Jennifer Castle, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

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Cat lovers and young Disney enthusiasts will be thrilled to get their paws on this series. Join the Artistokittens as they open a cafe for animals and host events at their establishment. From rabbit races to talent shows, these kittens know how to create an inviting environment where everyone feels welcome.

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Ballet Bunnies Series

Ballet Bunnies Series

by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Binny Talib

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It doesn’t get much cuter than bunnies in tutus! This sweet chapter book series is about a little girl named Millie who discovers a host of secret dancers at her new ballet studio. Once the other dancers go home, the bunnies help Millie learn her dance steps, overcome stage fright, and locate missing slippers.

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Our Friend Hedgehog Series

Our Friend Hedgehog Series

by Lauren Castillo

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Get ready to feel all the warm and fuzzy feels! This adorable chapter book series features a super cute cast of characters and their gentle adventures. If your child loved Winnie-the-Pooh and wants a modern book with the same feel-good vibe, pick this one up!

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2024.