The Best Books About Sloths’ Wisdom

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: April 12, 2023
© Lukas Kovarik/Shutterstock.com

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Sloths are slow and deliberate. They have the kind of cute face that makes you smile almost involuntarily. It’s hard not to appreciate that they seem to be forever in a blissed-out state. Although these cute creatures can’t be a pet you bring home, you can certainly fill your environment with books about sloths! There are books that remind you to take things slow with a great sloth story, books filled with fun activities you can enjoy alongside fun sloth illustrations, and even sloth journals with lined pages where you can write anything that comes to mind. The sloths don’t judge.

We cover the best books about sloths in the list below, even incorporating one for the kids in your life. Deciding isn’t always easy, so we include some other criteria to consider before you pick your final choice. We also list out the different types of books about sloths that may pique your interest just before we offer suggestions on other types of animal books you can explore. We end the article by answering your most frequently asked questions.

  1. Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus
    • Mindfulness book with tons of heartwarming photographs of sloths
    • Slow down and enjoy all of the little things that surround you
    • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
    Check Amazon
  2. Sloth Coloring Book for Adults
    • Filled with pictures of stress-relieving patterns made into gorgeous little sloths
    • Pages are anti-bleedthrough
    • Customers rate this coloring book 4.7 out of five stars
    Check Amazon
  3. The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy
    • Short and sweet with cute pictures and sayings
    • Filled with sweet messages and lots of surprisingly intelligent perspectives
    • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
    Check Amazon
  4. Sloan the Sloth Loves Being Different: A Self-Worth Story
    • Perfect for children between ages three and seven
    • Includes self-esteem-boosting activities and affirmations
    • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
    Check Amazon
  5. Sloth Journal - Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment
    • Front cover is an illustration of a sloth
    • Spiral-bound with 160 lined pages of cute sloths and floral designs
    • Customers rate this journal 4.8 out of five stars
    Check Amazon
  6. Sloth Activity Book for Adults
    • Sloth activity book for adults
    • Filled with word searches, word scrambles, cryptograms, and coloring pages
    • Fun and challenging book for adults
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Books About Sloths

#1 Best Overall: Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke

The best overall book about sloths is Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke.

This book is available in hardcover and Kindle versions and is all about how sloths have mastered the art of taking it slow. We live in a hectic world where it seems like each person is racing to get to the next destination. That type of frenzied pace can drive you absolutely bonkers. With this book, however, you can experience a reprieve. It’s a mindfulness book with tons of heartwarming photographs of sloths, which seem to always be in a chilled-out state. Along with all those cute photos that are sure to put a smile on your face are words of wisdom.

The idea of this book is to help you slow down and enjoy all of the little things that surround you and that you normally overlook. After looking through these pages, you can feel a centered, relaxed feeling that allows you to appreciate the moment. One of the quotes you come across in this book is by Andy Warhol. It reads, “You need to let little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” Right next to this little bit of wisdom from one of the most revered artists is a photograph of a sloth lying over some green bananas, its arms outstretched, its eyes looking directly into the camera lens, palm trees behind it, and a satisfied, happy smile on its face.

Pros and Cons of Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke

ProsCons
This is a mindfulness book which is about helping you to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.None
It features heartwarming photographs of sloths.
There are Kindle and hardcover editions available.
Best Overall
Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus
  • Mindfulness book with tons of heartwarming photographs of sloths
  • Slow down and enjoy all of the little things that surround you
  • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
Check Amazon

2. Best Coloring Book: Sloth Coloring Book for Adults

If you’re looking for a good coloring book to relieve your stress then we recommend the Sloth Coloring Book for Adults.

This coloring book is an Amazon bestseller and it’s easy to see why. It’s filled with pictures of stress-relieving patterns made into gorgeous little sloths that you can color using pens, markers, or colored pencils. Adulting is hard. Sometimes, responsibilities weigh so heavy on you, you’re not sure what to do with yourself. When you’re feeling overworked and stressed out, turn to this coloring book to get transported into a world you create and bring color to. As you engage in this practice, you notice that your worries fall away even if only for the hour you spend time with this book. But that’s the point. To give you that break you need.

There’s one image per page and each one is printed on a black-backed page that helps to prevent bleedthrough from any of the tools you use, particularly if you are a fan of fine-tipped markers. When you are finished coloring one of the pages, you can rip it out and display it with a standard 8.5” x 11” frame. There are also two copies of every image so if you find a favorite, you can gift the other page to a friend or keep an extra copy just in case you make a mistake. You also get a bonus. With your purchase, you can download a PDF and print your favorite images as many times as you want.

Unfortunately, some reviewers commented that the quality of the paper is not very good as it is quite flimsy which allows for the color to bleed through the pages. Also, there is a spelling mistake on the front cover.

Pros and Cons of the Sloth Coloring Book for Adults

ProsCons
This book contains illustrations of sloths for your to color in.The paper is quite flimsy which means that colors can bleed through.
There is one image per page.There is a spelling mistake on the front cover.
Each page is black-backed to help prevent the colors from bleeding through.
There are two copies of every image.
Best Coloring Book
Sloth Coloring Book for Adults
  • Filled with pictures of stress-relieving patterns made into gorgeous little sloths
  • Pages are anti-bleedthrough
  • Customers rate this coloring book 4.7 out of five stars
Check Amazon

3. Most Inspirational: The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy by Jennifer McCartney

If you’re looking for an inspirational book about sloths then we suggest The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy by Jennifer McCartney.

For instructions on how to live your best sloth life, you have to pick up this philosophy book. It’s designed to help you relax and unwind and just soak up all the wisdom of sloths. It’s “the slowest page-turner you’ll ever read.” This book invites you to enjoy the year of the sloth. Sure, there is always pressure to do everything perfectly like eat mindfully, get optimal sleep, and live even better and happier but all of those expectations can just get exhausting. Instead of working tirelessly to achieve the perfect life, you can take this book as an antidote.

Sloths don’t need to be told to be contemplative, relaxed, or deliberate. They just are. They don’t engage with the rat race, they are wide-eyed, a bit shaggy, and wonderful overall. Their existence alone is a reason to celebrate. With this book, you get little bits of wisdom inspired by sloths. For example, you get advice on sleep which is a lot more restorative than waking up red-eyed and half-asleep to complete a morning run. You also get a different perspective on eating and exercise because slowly enjoying each morsel of food and a good yoga session can be more productive than a HIIT session that kills your joints.

The only drawback to this book is that it is mostly all text and contains very few images.

Pros and Cons of The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy by Jennifer McCartney

ProsCons
This book is aimed at helping you to relax and unwind.It is mostly all text and does not contain many images.
It includes advice on how to get the best sleep.
It provides a different perspective on eating and exercise.
Most Inspirational
The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy
  • Short and sweet with cute pictures and sayings
  • Filled with sweet messages and lots of surprisingly intelligent perspectives
  • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
Check Amazon

4. Best for Kids: Sloan the Sloth Loves Being Different: A Self-Worth Story by Misty Black (Author) and Ana Rankovic (Illustrator)

If you’re looking for a good sloth story that is suitable for kids then check out Sloan the Sloth Loves Being Different: A Self-Worth Story by Misty Black (Author) and Ana Rankovic (Illustrator).

You’re never too young to start learning about self-worth. If you have a child in your life and you’d like to gift them with a sloth book, this one is worth checking out. The underlying message helps children realize that they have their own unique talents and if they focus on developing them, they can appreciate their own self-worth. In this book, Sloan the sloth isn’t good at sports like some of the other animals. He’s just too slow. However, he isn’t discouraged. He doesn’t compare strengths and weaknesses. Instead, he focuses on figuring out what he is good at.

This is a perfect book for children between ages three and seven. Together with Sloan, they discover all the amazing things that can happen when you decide to put the competition to the side and focus on yourself. The book also includes self-esteem-boosting activities. Kiddos learn about positive self-talk with several affirmations like “I am loved” and “I am strong.” This is for kids who have felt left out or those that are just born to stand out. It’s all about recognizing the good in yourself.

Pros and Cons of Sloan the Sloth Loves Being Different: A Self-Worth Story by Misty Black (Author) and Ana Rankovic (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book has an inspirational message that encourages children to realise that they all have their own unique talents.None
It includes self-esteem boosting activities.
It teaches children about positive self-talk.
Best for Kids
Sloan the Sloth Loves Being Different: A Self-Worth Story
  • Perfect for children between ages three and seven
  • Includes self-esteem-boosting activities and affirmations
  • Customers rate this book 4.8 out of five stars
Check Amazon

5. Best Journal: Sloth Journal – Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment

You already have several options to read but how about an option that invites you to write? We recommend Sloth Journal – Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment as the best sloth journal.

This book is a little different because it’s a journal. On the front cover is a sloth illustration and at the top, it says, “slow down” and below the sloth, it says “enjoy the moment.” Inside, you find 160 lined pages with cute sloths and floral designs throughout. It’s spiral-bound and measures 8.25” x 6.125.” It makes a great gift, or you can add it to your existing stack of journals. All you need is a good pen, and you are ready to fill the pages of this cute sloth journal.

Pros and Cons of Sloth Journal – Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment

ProsCons
This is a 160-page journal that features a sloth illustration on the front.None
It is spiral-bound.
There are floral designs and sloth pictures throughout the book.
Best Journal
Sloth Journal - Slow Down: Enjoy the Moment
  • Front cover is an illustration of a sloth
  • Spiral-bound with 160 lined pages of cute sloths and floral designs
  • Customers rate this journal 4.8 out of five stars
Check Amazon

6. Best Activity Book: Sloth Activity Book for Adults by Hearts Creative

In our opinion, the best activity book is Sloth Activity Book for Adults by Hearts Creative.

Listen, activity books aren’t just for kids. In fact, more adults need activity books in their lives. If you love sloths and you’re ready to try something different, pick up this sloth activity book for adults. This is large, about the size of your regular printer paper and it’s marker safe. Inside, you discover word searches, word scrambles, cryptograms, and coloring pages. It’s a fun and challenging book for adults and also some clever kids. It’s sure to keep you or someone you love entertained for hours on end.

Pros and Cons of Sloth Activity Book for Adults by Hearts Creative

ProsCons
This is a fun activity book that has various different challenges in it.None
It includes word searches, word scrambles, cryptograms, and coloring pages.
It is marker-safe.
Best Activity Book
Sloth Activity Book for Adults
  • Sloth activity book for adults
  • Filled with word searches, word scrambles, cryptograms, and coloring pages
  • Fun and challenging book for adults
Check Amazon

Criteria: What to Look For in Books About Sloths

Even with a wide selection of books about sloths, you might still feel unsure about which one to decide on. To help you pick the right book for yourself or someone you love, consider the following.

Underlying Message

If you’re thinking of a nonfiction book, there won’t be too much of an underlying message. The information is really straightforward and meant to be educational. It teaches you about real-life sloths, how they live, the habitat they prefer, what they eat, and how their bodies work. You might pick up on a conservation message in these types of books which is necessary to appreciate our role as humans in protecting their natural habitats and not thinking of them as pets, despite how cute they are.

Cost

Don’t overlook the cost of a book. There are some books that you can pick up for really affordable prices and usually, the Kindle version is significantly more affordable than a hardcover or even a paperback book. If you’re on a budget but you still want to pick up a great book, you might consider going the Kindle route.

The Different Types of Books About Sloths

In the list above, we highlight three different types of books about sloths. We get a little bit more in-depth to explain those different types below.

Activity

An activity book is usually something you purchase for a child, but adults can enjoy activity books too. These books have a variety of activities within the book itself and they may also suggest activities for you to try outside of the book. Sloths are a popular animal, and many people wish they could see one in person but if that’s not a possibility for you, you can always pick up sloth books. Within a sloth activity book, you may encounter games like word searches and coloring pages. It’s a great addition to the home of anyone who is interested in sloths and who enjoys anything sloth related.

Journal

A different kind of book is a journal. This is much less about text and more about creating a sloth-filled, friendly environment where you can record your thoughts. These books include super cute pictures of sloths and perhaps some words of inspiration to keep you in the right mindset as you explore your own imagination. No matter what you’re feeling, it’s important to have a safe place to get it all out. What better place than a sloth journal?

Inspirational

Sloths have wisdom to share just by virtue of the way they live. It’s easy to take inspiration from a sloth and there are fiction books and other types of books that incorporate positive affirmations and quotes to get you in the right headspace and feeling good about your life and where it’s leading. You’re not always going to be conquering it all and when you’re in the valleys heading toward the next peak, it’s important you have a reminder that your pace is always the right pace.

About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

The Best Books About Sloths’ Wisdom FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can a sloth hurt you?

Sloths are depicted as cute, always-smiling creatures but you must remember that wild animals use anything at their disposal to protect themselves from predators or other animals they deem threatening. Their sharp claws can easily cut through human skin — so yes, sloths can hurt you.

Why sloths are so slow?

A sloth’s metabolic rate is super slow, which is why they move at such a slow pace.

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