Into the Wild: 11 Picture Books Starring Wild Animals with Big Lessons
From mighty lions to mischievous monkeys, wild animals have long inspired children’s imaginations - picture book creators are using them to teach some of life’s most valuable lessons. Whether it’s courage, kindness, friendship, or finding your voice, you’ll find these stories packed with heart, humor, and vibrant illustrations.
This roundup features wild animal books written by talented authors from around the globe, paired with illustrators who bring lush jungles, busy bathrooms, and magical rivers to life. Some books are fun and silly, others are thought-provoking or interactive - but they all share one thing: an invitation to explore the animal kingdom while learning something new about ourselves.
Here are 10 wild and wonderful picture books featuring lions, elephants, crocodiles, giraffes, and more.
There’s an Elephant in the Bathroom
By Effie Davis, illustrated by Monika Marzec
What if you woke up to strange thumping, splashing, and banging sounds... and were sure an elephant had taken over your bathroom? That’s exactly what one young boy believes in this playful and imaginative picture book, There’s an Elephant in the Bathroom.
Written by Effie Davis and illustrated by me (which I really enjoyed a lot!) this rhyming story takes readers on a humorous guessing game fueled by a child’s wild imagination. As the boy investigates the chaos he hears and discovers - sudsy spills, booming noises, and a very big mess in the kitchen - his mind leaps to the most outrageous conclusion: it must be an elephant! But in the end, the surprising reveal is much closer to home… and just as funny.
As the illustrator, I had such a great time visualizing this blend of real and imagined chaos. Effie’s rhymes were full of rhythm and fun, and I loved hinting at the boy’s exaggerated ideas through expressive visuals, while building toward the twist that brings everything back to reality. The art captures the contrast between what the boy thinks is happening and what’s really going on - making it a joy for kids to read and discover the truth right alongside him.
This book is perfect for encouraging creativity and showing how everyday sounds (carefully and cleverly planted in a book as onomatopoeia - which the books also explains very well) can spark imaginative stories. It's also a fun reminder that things aren’t always what they seem (especially before your morning coffee!).
Ideal for:
Ages 3–7, imaginative readers, fans of silly mysteries and rhyming read-alouds, and anyone who’s ever suspected something very strange was happening in the bathroom.
Highlights:
A humorous case of mistaken impression
Bouncy rhyming text that’s fun to read aloud
Playful illustrations that balance fantasy and reality
Celebrates imagination, curiosity, and creative thinking
Even Lions Get Scared
By Marcelle Moore, illustrated by Monika Marzec
Courage doesn’t mean never feeling afraid but understanding our fears and finding ways to move through them. That’s the heart of Even Lions Get Scared, a touching and reassuring story written by Marcelle Moore and illustrated by me, Monika Marzec.
This gentle picture book is a warm hug for anxious hearts. It follows a proud, brave lion who seems fearless on the outside but inside, he sometimes feels nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure - just like anyone else. Through lyrical storytelling and relatable imagery, Marcelle Moore reminds children that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that fear doesn’t make us weak - it makes us human (or lion, in this case).
When I first read the manuscript, I immediately felt the emotional depth behind the words. I wanted the illustrations to reflect both strength and softness - to show a lion who’s mighty but also deeply relatable. I used warm, earthy tones and soft textures to create a cozy, safe world around him and stronger colors to reflect the overwhelming lion’s emotions. His expressive face shifts subtly across pages: sometimes worried, sometimes brave, and often comforted by the kindness of others. It was especially important to me to capture the emotional nuance, so that children can see their own feelings reflected in his journey.
The art in this book works hand-in-hand with the text to create a sense of calm and emotional validation. Whether a child is facing a new challenge, feeling anxious about school, or simply needs reassurance that they’re not alone in their feelings, Even Lions Get Scared offers comfort and connection.
Ideal for:
Ages 3–8, bedtime reading, emotional literacy, helping kids name and normalize big feelings.
Highlights:
A brave lion who learns it’s okay to feel scared
Gentle, reassuring storytelling with heart
Warm, expressive illustrations designed to support emotional connection
A great tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to talk about fear, empathy, and resilience
Jungle Trouble – Rory’s Rescue Plan
By Sofia Haq & Bibi Y Haq
In Jungle Trouble – Rory’s Rescue Plan, young readers are introduced to Rory, a lion who isn’t just brave but also thoughtful, resourceful, and determined to help his jungle friends when unexpected chaos strikes. From the very first page, the story invites children into a lush jungle setting filled with vibrant animal characters and a growing problem that needs a genuine hero full of heart and clever thinking.
What makes this story stand out is its gentle subversion of the typical lion-as-king trope. Rory is not a boastful or dominant leader; instead, he listens, observes, and collaborates with others to come up with a creative solution. His leadership is rooted in empathy and smarts, making him a refreshing and relatable character for kids navigating their own social environments.
Sofia and Bibi Y Haq contained in one book essential early childhood themes: teamwork, thinking outside the box, and the courage to step up even when you’re unsure. The pacing is engaging and accessible for early readers or read-aloud sessions, with just enough tension and excitement to hold young attention without overwhelming.
The illustrations (noted for their energy and expressiveness) complement the narrative beautifully, creating an immersive experience that enhances the adventurous tone of the book. Children will delight in the details of jungle life while learning that being a leader sometimes means being the one who listens and thinks carefully before roaring into action.
Ideal for:
Readers aged 4–8, classroom storytime, social-emotional learning discussions, or animal-themed reading corners.
Highlights:
Jungle setting full of color and character
A lion hero who solves problems with smarts and heart
Lessons in empathy, teamwork, and creative leadership
A feel-good, empowering message for early readers
The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant
By Nocola Williams, illustrated by Henry Ezeokeke
In this delightfully imaginative picture book, Nocola Williams introduces readers to a very unusual elephant - a gentle giant who sleepwalks... and snacks! The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant takes a classic folk tale approach and adds a humorous twist, resulting in a story that feels both timeless and fresh.
Inspired by African storytelling traditions, the book blends community-centered values, a playful narrative voice, and vivid imagery to tell the tale of how one village faces a nightly mystery. The townspeople are puzzled and also a little annoyed by the disappearing cabbages that they keep discovering in the morning. But instead of turning to blame or fear, the story celebrates collaboration and clever thinking to uncover the culprit.
The resolution is both funny and satisfying, with a warm message about understanding and working together. Readers will enjoy the mix of meaningful themes, especially as the story gently touches on ideas like accepting differences, helping others, and solving problems as a team.
Henry Ezeokeke’s illustrations bring vibrant life to the page. With bold colors, expressive characters, and a rich sense of place, the art beautifully complements the story’s cultural roots and playful tone.
What makes this book stand out is its balance: it’s lighthearted enough to make kids giggle, yet rooted in traditions that honor the power of oral storytelling and community values.
Ideal for:
Children ages 4–8, multicultural book collections, classroom discussions about diversity, bedtime stories with a twist.
Highlights:
Folklore-inspired tale rooted in African traditions
A lovable, sleep-eating elephant with a big appetite
Focus on community, understanding, and creative solutions
Rich, colorful illustrations that reflect cultural heritage
Crosby the Not So Snappy Crocodile
By Joanne Moore, illustrated by Michelle Gemmel
What if you’re a crocodile who just doesn’t feel like snapping? In a world that expects toughness and teeth, Crosby quietly reminds us that softness is a strength.
Crosby the Not So Snappy Crocodile is an uplifting tale of self-discovery and gentle rebellion against stereotypes. Written by Joanne Moore and illustrated by Michelle Gemmel, this story is part of The Bit Different Collection, which celebrates characters who embrace their uniqueness instead of conforming.
Crosby doesn’t roar, snap, or scowl like the other crocodiles. He’s kind, curious, and... well, a bit different. And that difference makes him stand out. This doesn’t make him feel wrong, but in a way that helps him discover his voice, value and new friends. The narrative champions the idea that we don’t all have to act the same to be strong. Sometimes, real courage lies in staying true to yourself.
Michelle Gemmel’s colorful illustrations capture the emotional range of Crosby’s world - from scenes of him feeling unsure to moments of joy when he accepts his true nature. The art adds softness and approachability to a traditionally “scary” animal, making Crosby incredibly lovable and easy for children to connect with.
This book offers an empowering message for kids who may feel different, gentle, or out of sync with expectations. It’s a beautiful invitation to be exactly who you are.
Ideal for:
Ages 3–8, kids learning about self-acceptance, SEL (social-emotional learning) classrooms, gentle readers who feel a bit different.
Highlights:
A crocodile who challenges expectations
Themes of individuality, empathy, and quiet courage
Vibrant, expressive illustrations by Michelle Gemmel
Part of The Bit Different Collection, designed to empower and affirm unique children
The Giraffe That Went Knots
By Michael B. Bastholm
What happens when a giraffe finds herself all twisted up in a knot? You get a delightfully knotty adventure filled with songs, silliness, and a whole lot of imagination!
The Giraffe That Went Knots is a wonderfully quirky and interactive picture book that invites young readers to sing, giggle, and wiggle their way through a giraffe’s tangled journey. Written by Michael B. Bastholm, the story balances whimsical chaos with clever problem-solving, encouraging kids to think outside the box while having loads of fun.
From the very first page, the tone is playful and musical. The story practically begs to be read aloud - preferably with sound effects and lots of dramatic voices! The giraffe’s literal and metaphorical knots become a clever metaphor for the kinds of tricky situations kids might face in their own lives, showing that patience, persistence, and creativity can help us unwind even the biggest tangles.
Bastholm’s energetic pacing and rhythmic text are paired with bright, dynamic illustrations (noted for being part of the DOTDOT series), giving the story a distinct visual flair. Whether the giraffe is looping, twisting, or untangling with a laugh, every page invites participation. It’s a perfect read for classrooms, storytime, or one-on-one fun with a grown-up.
Ideal for:
Ages 3–7, fans of sing-along books, interactive read-alouds, and stories that encourage movement and creativity.
Highlights:
A lovable giraffe in a tangled mess
Musical rhythm and singing prompts
Colorful, lively illustrations that pop off the page
Blends imagination, problem-solving, and humor
Gertie Braves the River
By Louis Papadakis
Some journeys are small steps - and some take all the courage a little giraffe can muster. Gertie Braves the River is a beautifully written and illustrated story that follows a young giraffe who faces a daunting challenge: crossing a wild, rushing river alone.
Written by Louis Papadakis, this picture book is both gentle and powerful, capturing the fear, determination, and quiet strength that come with facing the unknown. Gertie’s journey becomes a metaphor for emotional resilience, making the book a meaningful read for small children navigating their own tough moments.
The prose flows with poetic elegance, carrying readers along with Gertie’s thoughts and feelings. The book doesn’t shy away from emotions but instead embraces them, showing that being scared is okay and that hope can shine through even the darkest moments. It’s a perfect story for bedtime cuddles or thoughtful classroom conversations about emotions, separation, and inner strength.
The illustrations by the author complement the tone beautifully, using vibrant but soft colors and expressive characters to highlight both the intensity of the river and the warmth of Gertie’s determination. The final scenes, filled with a sense of accomplishment and victory, feel earned and celebrational.
Ideal for:
Ages 4–8, bedtime reading, social-emotional learning discussions, young readers who need gentle encouragement to face fears or transitions.
Highlights:
A young giraffe on a courageous journey
Powerful metaphor for emotional resilience
Themes of bravery, determination and cleverness
Poetic storytelling that soothes and inspires
More Cheese Please: Zoe the Zebra and Henry the Horse
By Lisette Starr, illustrated by Gustyawan
Ever met a zebra with an obsession for cheese? If not, it’s time to meet Zoe—and her hilarious supporting friend, Henry the Horse!
More Cheese Please is a giggle-filled romp from the Red Beetle series that brings back beloved characters Zoe the Zebra and Henry the Horse for another round of rhyming fun. Written by Lisette Starr and illustrated with bold, cartoon-style flair by Gustyawan, this story dives straight into the absurd and delightful world of magical cheesy accidents, friendship, and a bit of chaos.
The text bounces with energy, thanks to Starr’s signature rhyming rhythm. Young readers will love the silly premise (cheese sandwiches hiccup!) and the way the characters’ personalities leap off the page. Zoe is determined and dramatic, while Henry tries to keep things under control, but is clearly along for the ride.
Gustyawan’s illustrations match the high-energy tone, filling the pages with expressive animal antics, colorful scenes, and dynamic action. Every page offers something to point at or laugh about, making it a great read-aloud option for classrooms or bedtime.
Though light and funny on the surface, the story also weaves in gentle lessons about finding solutions, sharing, understanding friends with different ideas, and the occasional importance of saying, “Just one more.”
Ideal for:
Ages 3–7, fans of rhyming picture books, silly humor, and animal characters with BIG personalities.
Highlights:
Ridiculously fun cheese-obsessed storyline
Familiar characters from the Red Beetle series
Silly, rhyming text that’s perfect for reading aloud
Bright, expressive illustrations full of character
Monkey-House Mouse Makes a (totally NOT scary) Book
By Terri Tatchell, illustrated by Tina Perko
What happens when a mouse wants to write a book? You get Monkey-House Mouse Makes a (Totally NOT Scary) Book, a clever and hilarious meta-story that turns the act of storytelling itself into an adventure.
Written by Terri Tatchell (Oscar-nominated screenwriter of District 9) and illustrated by Tina Perko, this book is an absolute delight for young readers, especially those with big imaginations and a budding love for writing. Monkey-House Mouse is both the author and the main character, and their mission is simple: create a book that’s 100% fun and 0% scary. But what does “scary” even mean? And can you make a good story without a little suspense?
The result is a smart, laugh-out-loud tale that gently explores the elements of story structure - characters, conflict, emotions, and resolution - through the lens of one very determined mouse. As the pages unfold, readers are pulled into the creative process, watching how ideas evolve and how even the best plans sometimes go hilariously sideways.
Tina Perko’s illustrations are expressive, colorful, full of personality, perfectly complementing the tongue-in-cheek narrative and a perfect artwork. They make the book not only pleasant to read, but also something to admire visually. The humor caught on illustrations adds another layer to the story, making it extra fun for repeated readings.
Perfect for aspiring storytellers, reluctant readers, and kids who love books, Monkey-House Mouse Makes a (Totally NOT Scary) Book is more than just funny - it’s a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and facing fears in your own unique way.
Ideal for:
Ages 4–8, fans of funny animal stories, classroom discussions about writing, budding young authors
Highlights:
A book about making a book (meta-storytelling!)
Humor that appeals to kids and grown-ups alike
A brave and creative mouse protagonist
Playful, vibrant illustrations that enhance the comedy
Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café
By James Williamson
What would zoo animals eat if they could order from a menu? At the PB&J Café, lunchtime becomes a hilarious feast of imagination as animals dream up their wildest peanut butter creations. Mealtime at the Zoo is a delightful story that blends humor, rhythm, and foodie fun with a cast of animal diners you won’t forget.
Written by James Williamson, this playful picture book explores an outlandish question: What kind of sandwich would a beetle prefer? Or a lion? Or a crocodile? Each animal brings their own quirky preferences to the café—some delicious, some bizarre, all hilarious.
Children will love the imaginative combinations, from extra-sticky spreads to outrageous toppings, and teachers will appreciate the rhythmic, read-aloud style that makes it ideal for classroom fun. The book invites kids to think creatively while sneaking in subtle lessons about choice, individuality, and even manners (not all animals have great table etiquette!).
The illustrations are vivid and engaging, perfectly capturing the silly tone of the text. Each animal has personality and flair, making this book as visually entertaining as it is funny.
Perfect for food lovers, animal fans, and silly story seekers, Mealtime at the Zoo is a sure hit for storytime or lunchtime.
Ideal for:
Ages 3–7, classroom read-alouds, kids who love animals and food-themed stories
Highlights:
Whimsical food combinations
Silly zoo animal personalities
Rhythmic, engaging text
Lots of laugh-out-loud moments
The Flamingo & The Giraffe
By H.T. Qazi
This colorful and expressive picture book delivers a heartfelt lesson wrapped in bright feathers and tall spots. The Flamingo & The Giraffe follows two proud and stylish best friends who believe they’re the most beautiful animals in the forest. But as their teasing turns to bullying, their journey soon teaches them that true beauty shines from kindness, not just good looks.
H.T. Qazi’s storytelling blends humor and heart in a way that gently opens up conversations about empathy, pride, and friendship. The hand-drawn illustrations bring each character’s personality to life. This story doesn’t just show the impact of unkind words; it also models growth, apology, and genuine change.
Perfect for classroom discussions or bedtime talks about kindness, The Flamingo & The Giraffe invites children to think about how we treat others—and how we can be better friends.
Highlights:
Strong friendship dynamic
Anti-bullying message
Hand-drawn traditional artwork
Conversation starter on kindness and empathy
Final Thoughts
These wild animal stories don’t just take kids on exciting adventures - they also help them face fears, celebrate differences, solve problems, and find their voice. Behind each book are passionate authors and illustrators who bring jungle magic, bathroom surprises, and cheese-loving zebras to life in new and imaginative ways.
Whether your child loves roaring lions or knot-tying giraffes, there’s a story here that will delight and inspire.
Have you read any of these books? Which one’s your child’s favorite wild animal character? Let me know in the comments!
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