By Katie Harrison

I work with young children and the experience has taught me a few things. Children are full of energy, their imagination runs wild, and they absolutely love animals. They love talking about animals, looking at photos of animals, playing with stuffed animals, and perhaps most of all, reading books about animals.

Below are five new picture books starring animals for children ages 4 to 8 that fit a few different Auntie scenarios! Choose the one(s) that is right for you! And more so, that's right for your niece or nephew.


1. From the GourmAunt - AKA the Foodie Auntie




There’s a Giraffe in my Soup, by Ross Burach, Feb. 2016 (ages 4-8)

This story, equipped with bright and colorful illustrations, will have children laughing with each page, as the young customer finds bigger and bigger animals in his soup!

From the publisher: “What if you found a giraffe in your soup, an alligator in your entreé, an elephant on the table, or even an ostrich in your dish? In this debut picture book from author-illustrator Ross Burach, an assortment of hairy, scary animals pop out from under the lid at a restaurant! Jam-packed with adorable illustrations and an assortment of animal puns, this kid-friendly story is sure to delight fans of books by Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers!”


2. From the BenevolAunt
Little Butterfly, Laura Logan, Feb. 2016 (ages 4-8)

Sometimes, books don’t need words to make an impact on a reader. Laura Logan’s little girl protagonist shows how even a small act of kindness can have a butterfly effect, touching many others.

From the publisher: “Little Butterfly is a charming and emotional wordless picture book, in the vein of acclaimed books like Suzy Lee’s Wave and Barbara Lehman’s The Red Book, by debut author-illustrator Laura Logan. This is a story of a young girl, a simple act of kindness, and a magical, one-in-a-lifetime journey. Laura Logan’s sweet and surprising illustrations tell an extraordinary tale of compassion rewarded and the wonder of nature.”


3. From the LesbiAunt




Worm Loves Worm, JJ Austrian & Mike Curato, Jan. 2016 (Ages 4-8)

The perfect story to share from the Savvy LesbiAunt or Guncle. A beautiful story showing children that love is love. Worm marries worm.

From the publisher: “You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm...and a worm. When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: it doesn’t matter. Because Worm loves worm.”

4. From the Professor Auntie



When Spring Comes, Kevin Henkes, Feb. 2016

Not only is this picture book the perfect transition from winter to spring, it encourages children to use their senses as the season changes. They’ll learn more about colors, textures, smells, sights, and of course, more animals!

From the publisher: “The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek collaborate for the first time since their acclaimed picture book Birds. Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, and the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!”


5. For Sleepovers with Auntie (and Uncle!)




The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep, Carl-Johan Forssèn Ehrlin, Irina Maununen, Oct. 2015 (Ages 4-8)

This calming book is perfect for naptime or bedtime. Kids can relax and enjoy falling asleep while learning all about their friend, Rodger Rabbit.

From the publisher: When Rodger can’t fall asleep, Mommy Rabbit takes him to see Uncle Yawn, who knows just what to do. Children will join Rodger on his journey and be lulled to sleep alongside their new friend.

Published: February 24, 2016