Whether it’s a clever cat, a brave swan, or a mysterious moth, I feel like animals in the titles give me a hint that I will love them – they usually end up that way! Today, I bring you thirteen favorites—across genres and ages—that mention animals in the title but offer so much more, and sometimes maybe not really about the creatures themselves, the ones with tails, whiskers, or wings, I mean!
It comes your way because I have done fictional pets already, which is kind of the theme for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, and also goes towards Thursday 13 this week, because…
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13 Books with Animals in the Title
🐦 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (Nonfiction/Writing, Adult)
Of course you already know that this is not actually about birds, but a wise and witty take on writing—and life—one small step at a time. And one I dip into anytime I feel like I want some advice or inspiration!
🌿 Cicada by Shaun Tan (Picture Book, 12 years and up)
A surreal, moving tale of an overlooked office worker insect—quietly devastating, beautifully drawn. Like all Shaun Tan fables, this one is minimalist, powerful, and haunting
🎻 The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (Chapter Book, Ages 7–10)
A musical cricket, a cat with opinions, and a rat with flair—yes, this one chirps with charm. A book I read with my son when he was in elementary school
🦢 Don’t Shoot the White Swans by Boris Vasilyev (Fiction, Teen to Adult)
As I wrote in an earlier post, this one is a collection of brilliant short stories that strike a chord unfailingly each and every time
🐶 Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (Poetry, Middle Grade)
A boy, a dog, and the slow, sweet magic of finding your voice—one poem at a time. And I totally love this book!
🦋 Margaret and the Moth Tree by Brit Trogen & Kari Trogen (Fantasy, Middle Grade)
Orphanages, moths, and a marvelously odd heroine who finds light in the shadows.
🐀 Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien (Fantasy/Chapter Book, Ages 8–12)
Courage, science, and a community of genius rodents—Mrs. Frisby is no ordinary mouse. I don’t think I ever reviewed this one or wrote about it on my blog, but I recall that this read sent me on a roller-coaster of emotions!
😼 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot (Poetry, All Ages)
Felines with flair, rhythm, and rhymes that inspired a Broadway musical and a whole lot of cat-itude. I realized that this one can count for two animals 🙂 Anyhow, this is an absolute delight!
🎶 Song for Papa Crow by Marit Menzin (Picture Book, Ages 4–8)
A sweet, vibrant tale of a little crow who learns that his own voice has a place in the forest choir. And this one also will make a great addition to any gift this Father’s Day!
🎺 The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White (Classic/Middle Grade)
A mute swan finds his voice—and a trumpet—in this gentle tale of determination and music. Another book I haven’t mentioned but that I cherished reading together with each of my kids when they were assigned this in elementary school.
🦅 Where Eagles Dare by Alistair MacLean (Thriller, Adult)
High-altitude espionage with action, danger, and daring double agents—this eagle-of-a-read soars with suspense! MacLean was among my favorite authors ages ago (still do enjoy his books, though haven’t read all of them yet).
🐅 The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (Fiction, Adult)
Sharp, dark, and satirical—this tiger prowls through class, corruption, and ambition in modern India. And here is my son’s review of the book (since this was another I missed reviewing when I first read it)
🧙♀️ The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (Historical Fiction, YA & up)
This one is a timeless story of courage, friendship, kindness, and finding where you belong. Another of my reads with my kids for their school
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, which of these books have you read or would pick first? Your thoughts on the ones you have read? And what books would I find on your list of books with animals in the titles? Do let me know.
Song for Papa Crow looks fun.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
I need to read Margaret and the Moth Tree.
I’ve always been curious about Old Possum!
I’m familiar with a few of those.
The Witch at Blackbird Pond was a read when I was in school, I think. I remember the title, anyway. Great list.
I only read Bird by Bird here. I’m thinking Why the Caged Bird Sings and Cat in the Hat!
What a delightful list! I love discovering books with animals in the title—they always seem to have a touch of charm and adventure.
I’ve read several of these! Fun list!!
These all sound like very interesting books. Not heard of these will look out for them
I love animal books! I need to get some of these for sure. They sound fantastic.
I don’t know that E.B White wrote ; Trumpet of the Swan.
So many books that I need to check out. The Tiger one is first on my list.
I always love books with animals. These can be some really good books. I already see a couple that I might be interested in reading.
I haven’t read any of these books. As a cat owner, I would like to read the Old Possum’s Practical Book of Cats. it sounds intriguing.
What a fun and thoughtful list! I love how you’ve highlighted such a variety of books with animals in the title—definitely adding a few of these to my reading list!
The swan title reminds me that I like short stories sometimes. Gives me the chance to read a little but without taking up too much time.
The Cricket in Times Square and The Trumpet of the Swan bring back sweet memories from our bedtime reading sessions. I’m definitely bookmarking this for our next library trip!
I am familiar with some of these. Great list! I am an animal lover and I think I would enjoy most of these.
ive always meant to read Bird by Bird.
Nice list of animals! I have only read the swan and the tiger