TheRoomDad suggested my son read The Black Stallion since it was TheRoomDad’s favorite book when he was a kid. I was skeptical. I saw the movie when I was about nine years old and thought it was the most boring movie I had ever seen. Turns out, as is almost always true, the book is much better than the movie.
There are several things I like about the book, but the best part is the relationship between Alec and Black. Alec assumes complete responsibility for the horse, and while adults support Alec, ultimately, Alec is the one who has to care for Black every day even if it might be inconvenient. Alec and the horse rely on each other and develop a deep friendship. These themes of companionship, trust, responsibility, and independence can be found in many animal books and are reasons I think kids love to read books with animal characters.
Below is a list of other animal-centered chapter books that we like. As you may suspect, more than a handful of animal books also fall in the Sad but Good book category, so if you don’t see your favorite animal book here, check the other list.
Mr. Star Wars likes the more realistic animal books; I prefer the fantasy animal books. Do you enjoy animal books? If so, which style do you prefer?
Animals as Pets (realistic-ish)
Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
Julie of the Wolves series by Jean Craighead George
Kavik the Wolf Dog by Walt Morey
A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry
The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Rascal by Sterling North
Ribsy by Beverly Cleary
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Sounder by William H. Armstrong
The Yearling by Marjorie K. Rawlings
Animals with Human Qualities (fantasy)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series by C.S. Lewis
Mistmantle Chronicles by M.I. McAllister
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Mousenet by Prudence Breitrose
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
Poppy series by Avi
Stuart Little by E.B. White
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
Watership Down by Richard Adams
What the Dog Said by Randi Reisfeld
Wildwood series by Colin Meloy
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Winnie the Pooh series by A.A. Milne
As a little bonus, here are a few picture books we like too!
Picture Books
Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem
Brave Bitsy and the Bear by Angela McAllister
Bread and Jam for Frances and others by Russell Hoban
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