Nonfiction Animal Stories

Where is my bear? Can you help Buzz find him? His name is Jersey, he is black and brown.

Did you know you can survive being swallowed by a whale? Or that octopus wrestling used to not just be a pastime but also an actual sport? Or, that once a town in Oregon didn't know what to do with a whale carcass that washed up on their beaches, so they...BLEW IT UP? As strange as it sounds, those stories are 100% true. And the sea holds more secrets. Grab your snorkel and dive into 20 incredible-but-true tales of survival at sea, sunken treasures hiding under the ocean's surface, jellyfish that live forever, and so much more.

The perfect follow-up for fans of Fourteen Wolves, this uplifting eco story follows the amazing true tale of three endangered sun bear cubs. Meet Tan-Tan 'the tiny one', Kitud 'the quiet one' and Boboi 'the big brother', and follow them from their heartbreaking beginnings as little cubs stolen from their natural habitat, through to their heroic rescue by Dr Wong before being released back into the wild Bornean rainforest where they belong.

This is an extraordinary true story about "Patches," a stray calico cat who wants to "adopt" our family. We don't want a pet now, but she continues to work her way into our hearts by persisting in bringing us "gifts".

Crocodiles don’t live in the Sea of Galilee, there’s no reason to be scared...or is there? Roy’s parents have taken him and his sister on a family camping trip to the Sea of Galilee, but Roy is scared to death - there are rumors about a giant crocodile that lives in this lake. They keep telling him there are no crocodiles in the Sea of Galilee, but every time he is tempted to enter, something moves beneath the water. Could it be that there really is a crocodile and that it isn’t just Roy’s imagination?

You may know that humpback whales use whale song to communicate with each other, but there’s so much more to discover about these giants of the sea! In this book, acclaimed marine biologist Dr. Asha de Vos explains how humpbacks use special bubble nets to catch fish, and why their poo is so important! Filled with simple science and plenty of animal facts, this book also explains how hunting made humpback whales an endangered species—and how conservation efforts have seen their numbers increase again.

If you have a cat and think that you understand her, then think again! These interesting, facts will absolutely blow your mind. Cat trivia will keep things fun and exciting when meeting with friends.

You might know that African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, but there’s so much more to learn about these tusked creatures. Listen to find out why the grandmother is in charge of an elephant family, and why big ears help elephants cool down! Meet a baby elephant as it takes its first steps, and discover how to tell the difference between an African elephant and an Asian elephant. The book also looks at the conservation challenges these iconic animals face due to climate change and ivory poaching.

Whiz through the marvellous menagerie of imagination, from honey-hungry bears to hand-holding otters, snowy white owls to not-so-scary monsters. These tales focus on love, friendship and belonging, laced with gentle humour and heart-warming messages—the perfect incentive for little ones to get an early night’s sleep!

Discover how animals influenced 20 of the world's most beloved authors, from Charles Dickens to J. K. Rowling. Did you know that a dog saved Pablo Neruda's life? Or that Mark Twain had a cat named Bambino? Or that Edgar Allan Poe wrote with a cat on his shoulders? Writers and Their Pets tells these stories and many more that will delight not only children but also literary experts, history lovers, and animal enthusiasts. Writers and Their Pets features a diverse list of both male and female international authors, from the 19th to the 21st century.

Homecoming Tales is a great gift for any 8- to 12-year-old who loves animals, enjoys volunteer work, or simply appreciates heartwarming stories. With information about care for older dogs, this educational book is also a helpful listen for families who are interested in adopting a senior dog. The stories of sweet, sassy, and sometimes hilarious old friends offer kids a unique reminder that no one is too old to give or receive love.

Cats may love snoozing in sunny spots, but our furry friends are capable of so much more! In this collection, you'll discover the incredible true stories of talented, brave, and clever kitties whose exploits have made them world-famous.This heart-warming book includes over 40 cat stories, from ancient Egyptian kitties to internet sensations Grumpy Cat and Bob the Streetcat. These tales are bought to life by narrator Fran Burgoyne.

Best-selling author Claire A. Nivola has won multiple awards for her captivating books introducing historical figures to young audiences. In this critically acclaimed profile of noted oceanographer Sylvia Earle, listeners follow Sylvia as her childhood adventures in the Gulf of Mexico help inspire her life’s work: discovering the secrets of “the blue heart of the planet”.

The beginning of a series, Karl the Grateful Dog takes you into the mind of a pet that has been dumped by his owner. This abandoned yellow lab thinks he's too big and that no one will want him. Karl was found tied to a fence near the river. Lonely and afraid, he barked and barked until he finally gave up. A local businessman named Carl notices the depressed lab and brings him to a nearby animal shelter.

Look out, world - Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based book, Llama Llama is worried that his friends have forgotten about his birthday, but he's in for a big surprise when they throw him a party! Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture-book character as he faces new and challenging situations.

Every ocean contains a thousand secrets… In this charming anthology of children’s stories by Alicia Klepeis listeners will be guided under the waves to meet the amazing animals that live there. In one story an orca grandmother teaches younger members of the pod how to find the best fish, while another looks at a mimic octopus as it changes appearance to disguise itself from different predators. Kids will be thrilled by the tale of an otter and her cub playing in a kelp forest, and marvel at a jellyfish that looks like a fried egg!

The incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of a race and Dion's struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Taylor is a fine turkey, except for one small problem: She has gas. She can't help it. It's just the way she is. She explains that it's so common that there are different kinds of names for each toot.

On a cold January day in 2017, nearly two months before due date, Nile hippopotamus Bibi gave her keepers at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden a big surprise: a tiny newborn hippo, no bigger than a football. The first premature hippo born and raised in captivity, baby Fiona was an underdog from the start: She couldn't nurse, she couldn't stay hydrated, and she wasn't thriving. But the staff at the zoo knew they could save her.

The author of the Mutts comic strip and several best-selling children’s books, Patrick McDonnell has been hailed as the next Charles Schulz. In his characteristic heartwarming style, McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee, Jubilee. With anecdotes from Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this true story accessible for the very young - and young at heart.