5 Talking-Animal Fantasies Where the Cute Critters Are Up to No Good

The Wild Ones (Wild Ones Series #1), by C. Alexander London
Gangs of New York meets Redwall, as country raccoon Kit comes to the big city and gets caught in a turf war between the wily wild animals of Ankle Snap Alley and the spoiled, tyrannical house pets, who call themselves The Flealess. Fans of the Warriors books will love the danger and wit lurking around every corner in this series starter. Only the quick of paw and brave of heart will survive!

Last Panda Standing (Platypus Police Squad Series #3), by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Krosoczka leaves behind his famous Lunch Lady series and dives into big city crime…of the animal kind. Mayor Frank Pandini Jr is nearly hit by a flying squirrel and the detectives of the Platypus Police Squad are on the case, searching for the assailant and protecting the mayor. It’s political skullduggery for the Big Nate set with lively black and white illustrations and boomerangs flying.

Warriors: Dawn of the Clans series, by Erin Hunter and Wayne McLoughlin
Discover the origins of the warrior Clans in the conclusion to this prequel arc in Erin Hunter’s bestselling Warriors series. The Dawn of the Clans series takes readers back to the earliest days, when the cats first settled in the forest and began to forge the warrior code by tooth and claw. Kids all over are obsessed with the Warriors books, and this addition to the vast mythology not only fills in the history, but ratchets up the action to 11.

Dragons Love Tacos, by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
I’m not sure what the magic hot sauce in this book is, but every kid who I give it to absolutely adores it. And so do I. Almost as much as dragons love tacos. This quirky and fun story (which is brilliantly illustrated by Daniel Salmieri) shows what happens when you invite dragons to a taco party. There will be trouble—tummy trouble—and a whole lot more fireworks before it’s over.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake
As an avid reader, I am almost embarrassed to admit that I came to this book through the movie, which was amazing and funny and quirky in that wonderful Wes Anderson way. (And who better to tackle Roald Dahl’s whimsical words?) But don’t miss the book, which delivers just as much (and perhaps more) punch as the film. Mr. Fox, a chicken thief, tries to outfox three rotten farmers, (Boggis, Bunce, and Bean), who are on the warpath, in a funny caper that will have you rooting for this crooked creature ’til the end!