Who doesn’t love watching animals save the day? Whether they are real life tales of animal heroics, or silly stories of animals joining together to go on a mission, we love when our furry or feathered friends are able to help those in need. So I was thrilled when I got the chance to check out these new animal chapter books for kids!

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Filigree’s Midnight Ride

Written by Pam Berkman and Dorothy Hearst and illustrated by Claire Powell

This retelling of Paul Revere’s famous ride is told from the perspective of the Revere family pets and their animal friends. This fun version of historical events provides an engaging spin on history for kids who are animal lovers. Filigree is a small Pomeranian with a big heart, and he is ready to help the American colonists in their fight against the British. Unfortunately, the other pets of the colonists think that he is too small to help. But when it comes time for Paul Revere’s big ride, will the tiny pup be able to help? The back of the book includes notes from the author about the parts of the story that are true vs. the embellished parts.  

Related Post: Books about Untold Histories

Didi Dodo, Future Spy: Recipe for Disaster

Written by Tom Angleberger and illustrated by Jared Chapman

This silly story follows the adventures of Koko Dodo, a baker, and Didi Dodo, a wannabe spy, as they attempt to solve the mystery of the missing Super Secret Fudge Sauce in time for the Queen’s Royal Cookie Contest. The characters are entertaining, keeping up silly conversations while they find themselves in ridiculous situations. The chapters are short, and there are funny illustrations sprinkled throughout that will have kids laughing out loud.

Thundercluck!: Chicken of Thor

Written by Paul Tillery IV and illustrated by Paul Tillery IV and Meg Wittwer

This spin on the tales of Thor starts off with a battle between Thor and an evil cook who wants to eat Thor’s pet chicken. During their battle, his beloved pet is struck by lightning leading her to lay a glowing egg. When it hatches, a small but powerful chick is found inside. He is given the name Thundercluck by a small Valkyrie named Brunhilde, but the gods decide that he must be hidden away, to not endanger those in the kingdom.

When the evil Under-cook returns for revenge, can the little chicken and small girl save the day? The story ties in lots of details from the legends of Thor. And there are enough dashes of silliness to keep young ones entertained. There are small illustrations throughout the book, illustrating the brave chicken and his Valkyrie friend as they learn to fight evil.

Thundercluck! Chicken of Thor: Recipe for Revenge

Written by Paul Tillery IV and illustrated by Paul Tillery IV and Meg Wittwer

The second book in the Thundercluck series finds the powerful chicken and his Valkyrie friend Brunhilde on the outs with the gods of Asgard. They are sent on a quest to find a missing book, and they face “grave consequences” if they fail. Like the first book, the story is full of characters and details from the legends of Thor, and there are lots of illustrations throughout. The text is full of humorous conversations and sassy responses from the brave young Valkyrie, and kids will love the fun of watching a powerful chicken save the day.

Related Post: Let Kids Read What They Want

Snazzy Cat Capers

Written by Deanna Kent and illustrated by Neil Hooson

Ophelia Von Hairball V is a famous cat burglar who is an actual cat. She loves cracking safes and stealing jewels. When she is given an opportunity to steal the huge Himalayan diamond by the Furry Feline Burglary Institute, she can hardly say no. But they insist that she has to work with a new inventor sidekick while on the mission. Ophelia is less than thrilled when the new sidekick turns out to be a fish. Can they work together to be the first team to steal the diamond? The book uses lots of illustrations to add to the story, including some pages told in comic book style layouts.

Snazzy Cat Capers: The Fast and the Furriest

Written by Deanna Kent and illustrated by Neil Hooson

Ophelia Von Hairball V and Oscar the Inventor are back in the second book in the series. But this time, they are on a mission to steal back a dangerous artifact that has already been stolen! As they attempt to find the missing artifact, they must get past the dogs from the Central Canine Intelligence Agency. With the help of Oscar and his robot dog assistant, will Ophelia be able to save the day? Like the first book, there are lots of detailed illustrations throughout the book, and the text is full of fun acronyms and word play (such as the CCIA and the FFBI).

Spy Penguins

Written by Sam Hay and illustrated by Marek Jagucki

Jackson and Quigley (or Secret Agent OOZero and Q), are two young penguins who want to join the FBI (Frosty Bureau of Investigations). As they are attempting to test one of Q’s inventions, something goes wrong and Jackson finds himself in the middle of an FBI stakeout at the City Aquarium, putting his Uncle Bryn’s job at risk. In order to save his uncle, Jackson decides that he and Q will need to solve the mystery and crack the case. Kids will love following the adventures of the two wannabe spies, and the book is full of funny illustrations of the adorable penguin pair trying their best to save the day.

Spy Penguins: The Spy Who Loved Ice Cream

Written by Sam Hay and illustrated by Marek Jagucki

Jackson and Quigley are back for more adventures in this follow up to Spy Penguins. After their first foray into spying and working for the FBI, they find themselves grounded. But when they head to Uncle Bryn’s birthday party and learn that he is suspected of being a thief, they decide to jump into the spy game again. Can they clear Uncle Bryn’s name? Their silly adventures, highlighted in the adorable illustrations, will keep kids coming back for more.

What are your favorite animal chapter books for kids? Share in the comments below!

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