Warriors - Into The Wild By: Erin Hunter

Genre: Animal Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 4+

Since this is not typically a genre I gravitate towards, I was hesitant about reading this, but the series is popular in our school library, so it was time to give it a try.  I was pleasantly surprised.  This is very engaging and even though I'm not usually interested in animal fiction, the cat characters are really brought to life, drawing the reader in.  This story is told from the perspective of a pet cat who leaves the comfort of his home to join the ThunderClan who live in the forest near a residential area. ThunderClan is not the only clan roaming the area and disputes occur between the cat clans and there are tensions within ThunderClan.  Will a "kittypet" make it in this new world?  Read the book to find out!

Just Like Home: Love Rolls In By: Erin Soderberg Downing

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3+

Ruby and Henry are twins whose family has a unique collection of pets.  Their mom is a veterinarian and often brings home animals needing a home, so it's no surprise to them when mom returns with a puppy.  The twins name the tiny dog, Arlo, and quickly fall in love with him.  Unfortunately, Arlo has suffered an injury and cannot use his back legs.  The twins are up for the challenge of making Arlo happy in their home, even if it is temporary, and come up with ways to help the puppy feel welcome.  This is a story that includes family, friendship, and pets.  It would be sure to please animal lovers.

Toby's Story By: W. Bruce Cameron

Genre: Animal Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3-5

Toby is a beagle who was born on a ranch where he happily played with his mother and siblings, until one day when his paws starting itching so badly that he became slow and quiet.  Toby watched all his siblings find families, but nobody wanted a beagle who wouldn't run.  That is until Mona and her mother saw the free puppy sign and decided that Toby would be a perfect therapy dog for the assisted living centre where Mona's mother worked.  Toby was an immediate success with the residents, however the manager of the centre wasn't thrilled with Toby.  With the help of Mona, her mother, and some kind residents, Toby finds his place.  This story is told from Toby's perspective.  This means that the reader gets to experience the world through the eyes of a puppy. This book would be popular with animal lovers.  The story is a little sad at times though, so readers should be prepared for that.

The Wild Robot By: Peter Brown

Genre:  Adventure
Age Recommendation:  Grade 3-6

When a large cargo ship carrying robots sinks during a hurricane, some crates containing robots wash ashore on a small island.  All but one of the robots is broken into pieces and when this robot gets powered up, the island's animals quickly label her as a monster.  Over time, the robot, Roz, becomes a mother to an orphaned goose and a friend to the island's animals.  When the RECO robots come to retrieve all of the robot parts, it isn't without a fight.  This is an exciting story that would make a great read-aloud.  Also check out the sequel, The Wild Robot Escapes.

Mega Bat By: Anna Humphrey

Genre:  Animal Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 2-4

Daniel isn't thrilled about moving to a new house.  He misses his friends and doesn't like his attic bedroom with its creaks and mysterious puddle.  When Daniel discovers that the puddle was made by a tiny talking fruit bat, he finds himself on a mission to reunite the lonely little bat with his bat family.  This is a fun story and Mega Bat has a mega cute way of speaking.  If you enjoy stories about friendship, you'll like this Silver Birch Express 2020 nominee.

Poppy By: Avi

Genre: Animal Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 4+

Mr. Ocax is the owl who rules the forest and the mice do not do anything without his permission. One of the reasons Mr. Ocax has such control over the mice is that they believe he is protecting them from porcupines. The young mouse, Poppy, discovers Mr. Ocax's secrets and begins a mission to save her family. This story is the first in a series and is great fun. I particularly love Ereth, the porcupine.

Geronimo Stilton: The Phantom of the Subway By: Geronimo Stilton

Genre: Animal Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 3/4

Geronimo is the editor of the Rodent's Gazette. Geronimo regularly finds himself solving mysteries. In this story, he explores the haunting of New Mouse City's subway tunnels. The Geronimo Stilton series contains fun characters with unique personalities. The books contain colourful visuals and a variety of fonts. The use of language is perfect for a series featuring mice - mouseum, cheddar lollipop, etc. This is a popular series of books.

The Heartwood Hotel - A True Home By: Kallie George

Genre: Animal Fiction/Illustrated Chapter Book

Age Recommendation: Grade 2-4

Mona the mouse lives on her own in the forest and unfortunately keeps having to find a new place to call home. When she gets swept away by a storm and ends up at the Heartwood Hotel, a safe place for animals, her life changes for the better. This sweet story includes themes such as, believing in yourself and accepting others. The illustrations help to bring the Heartwood Hotel to life.