There’s something magical about animals that talk or act like humans. I’m always drawn to a book with animals that wear clothes, go on adventures, or live in their own secret places, right inside our walls or in our attics. Maybe that spider building a web in the bushes is watching us, wondering about us. I explore this idea more in a blog post, which you can read here.
If you want to delve deeper, you may enjoy this list of middle grade reads featuring animals that speak and act like us. These titles are available in print and digital formats.
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Byx–possibly the last member of a mythical doglike species in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra–sets out to find safe haven, and, along the way, she meets new allies–animals and humans alike–who each have their own motivations for joining her quest. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby, as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
The squirrels Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and mysteries are revealed. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.
In a fantasy world of anthropomorphic rabbits, Podkin and his siblings must go on the run when the villainous Gorm invade their home and enslave their clan. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
When the peaceful life of ancient Redwall Abbey is shattered by the arrival of the evil rat Cluny and his villainous hordes, Matthias, a young mouse, determines to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior which he is convinced will help Redwall’s inhabitants destroy the enemy. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.
Stick Dog and his four friends, Stripes, Mutt, Poo-Poo and Karen, will do anything to steal some sweet-smelling hamburgers from a family at Picasso Park. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby, as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Twelve-year-old Chap Brayburn, ancient Sugar Man, and his raccoon-brother Swamp Scouts Bingo and J’miah try to save Bayou Tourterelle from feral pigs Clydine and Buzzie, greedy Sunny Boy Beaucoup, and world-class alligator wrestler and would-be land developer Jaeger Stitch. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
An old hound that has been chained up at his hateful owner’s run-down shack and two kittens born underneath the house endure separation, danger, and many other tribulations in their quest to be reunited and free. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Mira Bartók tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, as he seeks his destiny. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.