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Animal stories for older readers

Enjoy some of our favourite books about animals for older children, from Michael Morpurgo's War Horse to Eva Ibbotson's One Dog and His Boy.

  • Tiger Wars

    Tiger Wars

    by Steve Backshall
    Orion Children's Books
    Saker and Sinter live utterly different lives - until they find themselves unlikely companions on the run. A breathlessly exciting adventure set in India.
    Read about 'Tiger Wars'
  • The Great Hamster Massacre

    The Great Hamster Massacre

    by Katie Davies
    Simon and Schuster Children's Books
    According to Anna's mum, hamsters are BAD NEWS. But that doesn't stop Anna and her friends from hatching a plan to persuade Mum to let them get a hamster.
    Read about 'The Great Hamster Massacre'
  • The Snow Goose

    The Snow Goose

    by Paul Gallico
    Random House Childrens Books
    A lonely artist sets up home in an isolated lighthouse with only seabirds, boating and painting for distraction. Gradually he builds up a sanctuary where wild birds are safe from storms and hunters.
    Read about 'The Snow Goose'
  • Tilly's Moonlight Fox

    Tilly's Moonlight Fox

    by Julia Green
    Oxford University Press
    This sensitively-written story with a touch of time-travel magic has a flavour of classic children's books such as The Secret Garden and Tom's Midnight Garden.
    Read about 'Tilly's Moonlight Fox'
  • One Dog and His Boy

    One Dog and His Boy

    by Eva Ibbotson
    Marion Lloyd Books
    All Hal wants for his birthday is a dog and when he is given one he is overjoyed. But when Hal realises Fleck was only his for the weekend, he sets off on an adventure with the dog...
    Read about 'One Dog and His Boy'
  • The White Giraffe

    The White Giraffe

    by Lauren St John
    Orion Children's Books
    Devastated by her parents' death, Maxine is sent to South Africa and a grandmother she didn't know existed. When she glimpses the legendary white giraffe one night, the connection between them is instantaneous.
    Read about 'The White Giraffe'
  • The Sheep-Pig

    The Sheep-Pig

    by Dick King-Smith
    Puffin
    When Farmer Hogget wins a piglet at the fair, he is amazed that Fly, his sheep-dog, welcomes him as one of her own pups.
    Read about 'The Sheep-Pig'
  • White Dolphin

    White Dolphin

    by Gill Lewis
    Oxford University Press
    A young dolphin, washed up on the beach, unexpectedly brings Kara and Felix together. But the new friends must take on new challenges - finding out the truth about Kara's missing mother, and protecting the bay when it falls under...
    Read about 'White Dolphin'
  • War Horse

    War Horse

    by Michael Morpurgo
    Egmont
    Steven Spielberg enjoyed this story so much he has turned it into his latest film. Joey is a young farm horse, sold to the army at the beginning of the First World War. Through his eyes the reader experiences the...
    Read about 'War Horse'
  • The Last Wolf

    The Last Wolf

    by Michael Morpurgo
    Corgi Childrens
    Powerful illustrations underline this captivating tale of loyalty and bravery.
    Read about 'The Last Wolf'
  • Cat Tales: The Cat with Two Names

    Cat Tales: The Cat with Two Names

    by Linda Newbery
    Usborne
    Confusion arises when a homeless cat is simultaneously adopted by Rose and Wilfred, two neighbours living in separate flats.
    Read about 'Cat Tales: The Cat with Two Names'
  • The One Dollar Horse

    The One Dollar Horse

    by Lauren St John
    Orion Children's Books
    Casey Blue lives with her father in a tower block in Hackney, London , but despite her urban existence, she dreams of one day becoming an equestrian champion.
    Read about 'The One Dollar Horse'