Fur, Feathers, and Fins: 11 Picture Books About Endangered Animals for Kids
by Dena McMurdie
My six-year-old daughter is obsessed with animals. She plans to have a farm and raise wild animals when she grows up. And her favorite thing to do is visit the zoo where she can see endangered animals like red wolves, elephants, and gorillas.
Of course, having an animal-crazy kid means we read our fair share of picture books about endangered species. Books allow us to learn about and appreciate these animals. They also offer hope and ideas on how to help with conservation efforts. Here are some of our favorites.
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Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains
Available from:Take a trip to the Himalayan Mountains to search for the elusive snow leopard. The big cat’s spotted fur gives it the perfect camouflage, and it’s so rare to see one that the locals call it the “gray ghost.” This nonfiction picture book is jam-packed with facts, info, and gorgeous illustrations that will have kids talking non-stop about snow leopards!
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Don't Let Them Disappear
Available from:Any child interested in endangered animal species should read this book from the author of the bestselling She Persisted series. Readers will learn about several animals, threats to their habitats, and what we can do to help them. Whether your child loves whales or pandas, this book has you covered.
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I'm Getting a Shark!
Available from:Learning about sharks has never been this fun! Pick up this picture book for a hearty laugh and a valuable lesson about endangered animals. A little girl believes she is getting a shark as a birthday gift. When the big day arrives, the girl can’t contain her disappointment when she gets a shark—but not as a pet.
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Red Alert! Endangered Animals Around the World
Available from:Geography plays a significant role in this picture book about endangered animals. It highlights 15 species from six continents, offering exciting facts and conservation ideas. Children will pore over the vibrant illustrations and informative text.
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Can We Save Them?
Available from:This educational picture book focuses on endangered animals in North America. From overhunting to habitat loss, many factors have contributed to the threat against wildlife. Young readers will love learning about the colorful and incredible animals that need our help.
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Interrupted Journey
Available from:You might know Kathryn Lasky from her popular middle grade series, Guardians of Ga’Hoole, but she has also written several books for younger readers. This book shares the true story of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle who washed up on a beach in Cape Cod. With hard work and a hefty helping of luck, a specialized team revives the turtle and returns it to its home in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Give Bees a Chance
Available from:The more we learn about bees, the more we understand how essential they are to the Earth and humans. And with bees joining the ranks of endangered species, it’s more important than ever to preserve them. Bethany Barton uses bright colors and humor to teach young readers everything they need to know about these incredible insects.
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Little Turtle and the Changing Sea
Available from:Pollution from plastic waste is a significant obstacle for marine wildlife. This picture book shows readers the recent changes to the ocean and what they mean for animals that live there. Readers will learn how our actions affect the Earth, for good or ill. It’s an excellent book for personal and classroom libraries.
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Sea Turtles (New & Updated Edition)
Available from:Learn all about sea turtles and their incredible lives with this modern nonfiction classic. Readers will learn how to tell sea turtle species apart, what challenges they face, and what we can do to help them. If you enjoy this book, check out the author’s other books about wildlife and nature.
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The Spirit of Springer
Available from:Shark Week fans will get hooked on this true story about a young killer whale trapped in Puget Sound. Conservationists captured and transported her to Canada, where they released her back into the wild. Plenty of information about orcas and efforts to preserve them makes this a must-read for anyone who loves ocean wildlife.
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Pandas and Other Endangered Species
Available from:This is the only chapter book on this list, but it’s an excellent choice for older picture book readers as they move towards independent reading. With help from Jack and Annie, readers will learn about pandas and their habitat through photos, facts, and illustrations.
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