6 Books Starring Unlikely Animal Friends

Agnes and Clarabelle, by Adele Griffin, Courtney Sheinmel, and Sara Palacios 
In the first book of this fun new early chapter book series we meet Agnes Pig and Clarabelle Chicken. A pig and chicken might never hang out in real life, but in this book they’re the best of friends! They throw a birthday party, drive to the beach (or as far as the beach parking lot), and go shoe shopping (clearly they don’t wear the same size, so there’s no fighting!), supporting each other, and helping the other deal with their fears each step of the way. And any book that ends with a pig and a chicken eating a big bowl of mac and cheese is okay by me.

We Are in a Book!, by Mo Willems
What happens when Gerald (the cautious Elephant) and Piggie (the exuberant pig) realize that they are actually characters in a book? Knowing author Mo Willems, existential hilarity ensues. Any edition of this popular series, which stars a very sweet but definitely odd animal couple, is sure to entertain even reluctant readers.

A Gift for Pooh, by Sara F. Miller
In the classic adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we meet a very tight crew that includes a bear, a piglet, a tiger, a donkey, and a young boy. If that’s not a recipe for a ton of unlikely but heartwarming friendships, I don’t know what is. In this interactive, lift-the-flaps story, Christopher Robin takes Winnie the Pool through the 100 Acre Wood to give gifts. Pooh, of course, brings a pot of honey. But will he be able to part with his favorite thing in the world?

Sniffer & Tinni: A True Tale of Amazing Animal Friendship, by Berit Helberg and Torgeir Berge 
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! This sweet book, complete with full color photographs, tells the true story of how one warm summer day in the forest, “a fearless red fox” named Sniffer became friends with “a patient and kind German Shepard” named Tinni. You’ll have to see it to believe it!

Bear & Hare—Where’s Bear?, by Emily Gravett
This book follows a fun and lively game of hide and seek between two rather unlikely playmates, Bear and Hare. It’s a great way to introduce counting skills to your young cub as well.

Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel, by Laura Gehl
This one’s not your  typical tortoise and the hare fable! In this picture book, “Hare and tortoise lived together near the Hashalom train station in Tel Aviv.” Follow this unlikely animal pair as they eat carrots and hummus and see the sights of Israel on their way to the Dead Sea. Will slow and steady still win the race?