As the school year draws to a close, you might be thinking of walks with the dog, long days spent reading with your cat, or even a horse ride. That’s why this month’s picks are all animal books for girls!
The Eagle Huntress: The True Story of the Girl Who Soared Beyond Expectations
Although eagle hunters — who use eagles to help catch small animals — date back thousands of years in Mongolia, today only a few remain. One of them is Aisholpan Nurgaiv, who became the youngest and first female to compete in the Golden Eagle Festival at age 13. Here, she tells the true story of connecting with eagles, training with her father, living as a nomad, and using her unique talents to help her community.
The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
After stealing the queen’s jewels to help her impoverished community, Chaya escapes on the back of the King’s prized elephant. Along with a friend who took the blame for the theft, Chaya and the elephant evade capture through the jungles of Sri Lanka. But if Chaya does make it back home, will anyone ever see her as anything more than a thief?
The Queen’s Secret
Anthea has finally convinced the king that horses are not the carriers of deadly diseases, but noble creatures who share their thoughts and feelings with her. But now he demands that horses and those who communicate with them do his bidding. And when a deadly plague breaks out, people begin blaming the horses once again in this sequel to The Rose Legacy.
Pounce! A How to Speak Cat Training Guide / Fetch! A How to Speak Dog Training Guide
Have you ever wished you could better communicate with your beloved cat or dog? These guides will help you train your favorite pet by understanding their body language, needs, and natural tendencies.
Ick! Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses
The animal world isn’t all cute and cuddly … some of it can be downright disgusting! If you’re not afraid to explore the more gruesome side of nature — bugs that live in poop, sharks that eat their siblings, or chipmunks who bathe in snake pee — then this is the book for you!
More Animal Books for Girls
If you’re a dog lover, check out American Dog: Poppy by Jennifer Li Shotz, about a twelve-year-old girl who takes on training a rambunctious pit bull so her elderly owner can keep her.
Rodents are often overlooked in the pet discussion, but not in the fun Hamster Princess graphic novel series by Ursula Vernon, including the most recent, Little Red Rodent Hood.
The Great Pet Heist by Emily Ecton tells a story from the pets’ perspective about a dog, cat, bird, and rat who plot a heist to support themselves when their owner is injured.
Want to add some imaginary animals to the mix? In Adam Gidwitz’s The Unicorn Rescue Society books, a team of kids teams up to rescue mythical creatures. The Madre de Aguas of Cuba — cowritten by Emma Otheguy — and The Chupacabras of the Rio Grand are the latest installments.
And in The Fallen Hero by Katie Zhao, Faryn Liu thought she was destined to be a dragon-commanding warrior …. until she finds out a goddess has been manipulating her and her brother has betrayed her.
What about you? Have you read any of the books above? What are your favorite animal books for girls? Leave a comment to let me know!
I love Animal Books, too! Another one that’s great is “The One and Only Ivan” by: Katherine Applegate! “Because of Winn Dixie” by: Kate DiCamillo is a great read as well!