Looking for the best board books about the zoo to share with your little ones? Whether you’re a parent searching for a fun bedtime read or a teacher creating a zoo-themed lesson, these zoo books for toddlers are perfect for introducing young children to the fascinating world of animals.

Zoo board books are a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build early literacy skills, all while exploring fun stories and colorful illustrations. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to handle those enthusiastic little hands!

This list of books for toddlers is great for classrooms, storytimes, or quiet reading at home. You’ll find options that are engaging, educational, and just right for preschoolers.

If you’re ready to explore some new favorites, scroll down to see the picks that are sure to delight your young readers.

Zoo Books for Toddlers

Ready to dive into some amazing zoo board books? Below, you’ll find a selection of colorful and engaging titles that are perfect for curious little minds. These sturdy books are packed with adorable animal illustrations, simple text, and fun stories that will keep preschoolers entertained while they learn.

Whether you’re planning a zoo theme in your classroom or just looking for a cozy read at home, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore these fantastic finds!

Pat the Zoo

This engaging touch-and-feel book takes babies on a playful trip to the zoo where they can pet animals like lions, pandas, turtles, and more, all the while making cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Put Me In the Zoo

They say a leopard can’t change his spots–but Spot sure can! Babies and toddlers will love pointing out the colors of his changing spots in this delightful, rhyming adaptation of Robert Lopshire’s classic Bright and Early Book.

Peek-a-Boo Zoo

Join in on the classic game of peek-a-boo with a lion, a bear, and more zoo animals by lifting the flaps to reveal each cute creature's joyful face.

Bright Baby Touch & Feel At the Zoo

Cute pictures of animals, rhyming text to read aloud, and touch and feel textures make this book perfect for you and your bright baby.

Treasure Hunt: At the Zoo

There are so many animals to see on a trip to the zoo – how many lions can you count? This seek-and-find book has five big, fold-out pages, each one featuring animals from a different habitat, such as the jungle or the desert – and all packed with photographs of animals to look for, find, and count.

Sesame Street: Elmo at the Zoo

Explore the zoo with Elmo and his friends! In this unique new format, each page turn brings the reader deeper into the environment and the story!

Curious George at the Zoo: A Touch and Feel Book

This engaging touch-and-feel board book lets youngsters feel a rhino’s rough skin, a fuzzy zebra’s mane, and the coats of penguins. All the while, they can search for Curious George, who is hiding on each page: “Is George around to see?”

Peek-A-Zoo! (Peek-A-Who?)

Colorful pictures and a lively, rhyming text help children predict what animal is peeking through die-cut windows. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters laughing and learning all the way to the surprise ending.

Color Zoo Board Book

Shapes and colors in your zoo, lots of things that you can do. Heads and ears, beaks and snouts, that's what animals are all about. I know animals and you do too; make some new ones for your zoo.

1, 2, 3 to the Zoo

This board book combines simple counting with Carle's unusual illustrations of animals.

Good Night, Gorilla

It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who's that short, furry guy with the key in his hand and the mischievous grin?

Baby Zoo

This book follows the story of an accident with paint at the zoo with baby animals. The painter then figures out a simple solution to get all animals clean and save the day. Your child will learn the name of each animal, colors, numbers, shapes, emotions and other important concepts.

Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book

Young readers love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent-a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect pet?

Zoo

You'll meet all sorts of animals when you peek and explore around wild habitats!

My Heart Is Like a Zoo

This board book edition of the award-winning picture book is perfect for little hands and the very youngest readers, who will learn that a heart can be hopeful, silly, happy, rugged, snappy, or lonely.

FAQs About Zoo Board Books

What makes board books about the zoo a good choice for preschoolers?

Zoo board books are sturdy, colorful, and perfect for little hands. They introduce kids to animals while encouraging curiosity and early learning.

How can I use zoo board books in a classroom or homeschool setting?

Use them during storytime to teach about animals, practice sounds, or spark discussions. Pair with crafts or pretend play for hands-on learning fun!

Are board books better than picture books for preschoolers?

Board books are ideal for younger kids because they’re durable and easy to handle. Picture books or detailed read-aloud sessions work well for older kids.

Zoo board books are such a fun and engaging way to introduce little ones to the amazing world of animals. These books offer a perfect mix of sturdy pages, colorful illustrations, and simple text that’s just right for preschoolers. They spark curiosity, build early literacy skills, and make learning about animals an exciting adventure.

No matter which book you choose, your little reader will love exploring the zoo from the comfort of your lap. Happy reading!

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.