Everybody loves animals, especially children. Whether they are on TV, on the internet, in books, in cartoons or right in front of them, they always seem entertaining. They are interesting to look at and watch and to play with, if permitted. Books especially bring the best out of animals. Books anthropomorphize (made human like) animals and make them behave like humans and sound more interesting.
Below is a list of 7 Animal Story Books which will entertain both children and adults:-
1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Ages 9 and up
192 pages
When Fern finds out that her father is about to kill one of the newly born piglets just because he was too small, she begs him to stop and he eventually gives up. She gets to keep the pig and she raises him. She names him Wilbur and they get really close. But as time goes by Wilbur gets really big and Fern gets forced to sell him to her uncle.
Her Uncle instead of keeping him as a pet decides to fatten him, so that he can kill him. This worries both Fern and Wilbur. So Wilbur goes around asking all the other farm animals if they can save his life. The other animals want to help him, but they don’t know how to. Then he eventually meets Charlotte a spider who has an amazing idea to save Wilbur’s life.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is one of the best books ever. It’s not surprising that the book has sold more than 45 million copies. E.B. White makes you fall in love with Wilbur and the other farm animals. The book is both entertaining and educative. The book teaches you how important friendship is and no matter how different you are a good friend will always be there to help you.
2. White Fang by Jack London
Ages 10 and up
Pages 271
White Fang is a 3/4th wolf and 1/4th dog. Initially he’s born in the forest and he grows up there with his mother, who teaches him how to hunt and survive in the forest. After that he’s found by humans. First he seems to like it, but then he’s sold to a mean and cruel owner and his hardships begin. But eventually, he finds one of the best and friendliest owners in the world.
Another great book by Jack London, many people debate whether this book or Jack London’s book “The Call of The Wild” is better. Jack London uses his unique style of writing in this book too. This book shows a wolf dog trying to fit into a human society, from the point of view of the wolf dog. It also shows us that human beings can be both mean and cruel. You should read this.
3. Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Ages 9 and up
164 pages
Mole decides to give up on cleaning his house and goes exploring into the woods for the first time in his life. Everything in the woods is new to him as he’s never been there. He then comes across a river and this is the first time he’s seen one and is taken by its beauty. He’s then invited to the water rat’s boat and he makes friends with him and from there on he makes friends with Badger and Toad. All the four characters Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad are unique characters with different personalities that get along well together.
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham has been written for children, but will entertain both children and adults. The book is mainly about friendship and how different people from different cultures can mingle and get along well together. Every child has to read this book.
4. Black beauty by Anna Sewell
Ages 12 and up
212 pages
Black Beauty is a beautiful horse who is born into a wealthy and loving family. He is raised in a happy and loving manner. But then his owners have a misfortune and Black Beauty is sold to raise money. His life becomes harder from there on. He’s tortured and made to pull cabs by cruel owners. From there on he’s sold from one owner to another and his life begins to get worse.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is a beautiful book which shows the cruelty faced by horses and other animals in the past. It also shows children that you shouldn’t be cruel to both animals and human beings. It teaches you to treat everybody with respect. This book can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
5. Watership Down by Richard Adams
Ages 11 and up
478 pages
Fiver a young rabbit sees a vision of his warren being destroyed. He, along with his brother Hazel, try to convince the chief rabbit of the warren that they need to leave this place, but he doesn’t listen. So Hazel leads a group of Rabbits and together they begin their dangerous, long and adventurous journey to Watership down, which is known to be a peaceful place for rabbits.
Watership Down by Richard Adams is a book packed with action. Richard Adam does a great job in making this book appealing to both children and adults. Leadership and teamwork are 2 of the important lessons of life you will learn while reading this book. This book is so entertaining that you can read it again and again for years without getting bored of it.
6. Where The Red Ferns Grow by Wilson Rawls
Ages 8 and Up
208 pages
Billy really wants two hunting dogs as pets, but his father cannot afford them. So Billy spends two years working hard and he finally ends up saving $50 which is enough to buy him two coon hounds. As planned he buys two coon hounds and names them Dan and Ann. All three of them grow really close to each other. Billy trains both Dan and Ann to be successful racoon hunters and their fame spreads across making others jealous. A lot of adventure and hunting games lie ahead for the three of them.
Where The Red Ferns Grow by Wilson Rawls is a beautiful story filled with emotions. Hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, friendship and love are some of the qualities that are expressed in this book. You will enjoy it a lot more if you are a dog lover. Whatever be your age is, you will enjoy reading this book, though it makes you cry.
7. Animal Farm by George Orwell
Ages 12 and up
128 pages
Old Major the boar at the farm one day calls a meeting where he tells all the animals at the farm how they are mistreated by humans and that a change is required. A few days later the Major dies and two pigs Snowball and Napoleon make his dream come true and take over the farm by driving the Mr. Jones the farmer away. They then start managing the farm and make rules that every animal is equal and that the work should be shared.
As time progresses, the pigs establish a hierarchy and become too fond of their powers. They grow greedy and start taking advantage of their powers. The equality among the animals is lost and the rest of the animals in the farm are treated badly by the pigs just as they were treated by the humans.
Animal Farm by George Orwell is a very easy book to read. The story is strongly influenced by the Russian Revolution. You will enjoy reading this whether you know anything about the Russian Revolution or not. Knowing about the revolution will just make it easier to follow. The book also shows you how people grow fond of power which makes them do things they never wanted to.
Have you read any of the above books? Which one’s your favourite? Have I missed out any books, please let me know.