5 Best Zoo Books for Toddlers
Updated 13 August 2020
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
For toddlers, going to the zoo can be an exhilarating experience. There’s so much to see and learn, toddlers will want to go every day. With the books on our list, they can. We’ve put together five of the best zoo books for toddlers that have been recommended time and again by the people who own them.
Finding the right book online can be difficult, so we’ve done the hard work by removing any products that may have had their reviews exploited and included books that are not only bright and fun, but can be used to teach toddlers about the different animals that live at the zoo, including lions, tigers, and bears. Oh, my!
1Good Night, Gorilla
The Good Night, Gorilla book is a cute, adorable zoo picture book for tots to follow along with. It acts as a wonderful introduction to animals and it even serves as a great bedtime story. The illustrations are simple yet colorful and endearing.
What we love
- The story is easy for kids to understand
- Illustrations are vibrant and highly detailed
What We Don't Like That Much
- Could benefit from some more text for older toddlers
21, 2, 3 to the Zoo: A Counting Book
The 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo is among the best zoo books for toddlers that engage their counting skills. It effortlessly combines counting with whimsical animal illustrations to capture a young child's attention. The book is straightforward overall so kids aren't overwhelmed and may better maintain their focus.
What we love
- Large illustrations with a variety of animals
- A good way to introduce counting and math
What We Don't Like That Much
- Might be a bit oversized for younger toddlers
3The View at the Zoo
The View at the Zoo offers a humorous twist on classic animal books while still offering enough information to properly educate toddlers. This book shows off a nice mixture of common and uncommon animals so kids can discover something new. The coloring is vivid and bright so tots remain engaged.
What we love
- Takes a fun approach to identifying animals
- The book is an ideal length to keep kids entertained
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some may prefer more realistic illustrations
4Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book
Out of the five best zoo books for toddlers, the Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book is a top-rated classic. There are plenty of animals for kids to see and learn about and with the flap design, they can improve their dexterity and coordination. The bold coloring and large text make it easy for toddlers to read along with parents, working their way through the story until they find their perfect pet.
What we love
- The book is a great size for toddlers to hold onto
- Uses simple words
What We Don't Like That Much
- Flaps could be made from thicker material
5Zoo: Peek-a-Flap Board Book
The Zoo: Peak-a-Flap Board Book features several animals in their natural habitats as well as some descriptions or facts about the areas and the animals. There are 12 total bulky flaps with peek-a-boo holes so toddlers get a cute surprise when they flip it open.
What we love
- Features various types of animals
- Highly informative about the animals and habitats
What We Don't Like That Much
- Younger toddlers may need help with the flaps
