| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever |
| Best Picture Book | Miles and Miles of Reptiles: All About Reptiles |
| Best for Middle School | Reptiles for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Lizards, Amphibians, and Cold-Blooded Creatures |
| Best Paperback | Smart Kids Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best Illustrations | If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! |
| Most Educational | Everything Reptile: What Kids Really Want to Know about Reptiles |
| Best Storybook | Alligators All Around Board Book: An Alphabet |
| Most Entertaining | Brief Thief |
| Biggest Imagination | The House on East 88th Street (Lyle the Crocodile) |
| Best Activity Book | National Geographic Kids Reptiles and Amphibians Sticker Activity Book |
Whether you’re looking for a book that will educate your child or you’re wanting something a bit more entertaining, there is a myriad of options available. We’ve narrowed down the 10 best children’s books about reptiles! Below you’ll be able to read a summary of each book, as well as check out a handy buyer’s guide to give you an idea of what to look for when browsing for the next book to add to your child’s library.
Check Amazon- Fun and engaging
- An introduction to the most remarkable reptiles
- Includes amusing reptile trivia
- Vibrant illustrations
Check Amazon- Aimed at 6 - 9 year olds
- Packed with fascinating information
- Includes a guide to reptile identification
- Stunning images
Check Amazon- First installment in the New York Times bestselling series
- Features incredible illlustrations
- Funny and adventurous tale
Check Amazon- Complete with 1,000+ stickers
- Includes all the popular reptiles
- Colorful and entertaining
- Includes a variety of games and excercises
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Reptiles
1. Best Overall: Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever by Christina Wilsdon
The #1 Best Overall children’s book about reptiles is Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever by Christina Wilsdon. Written just for children ages five to eight, National Geographic‘s team of specialists on the natural world gives us an incredible reference book. It is certain to become their sought-after, top guide since it is jam-packed with intriguing data, entertaining prose, and a ton of fantastic, vivid photographs of the oddest and quirkiest reptiles on earth.
It’s fantastic, snakey, slimy, and scaley! Come to the fascinating world of the planet’s most well-known reptiles! This user-friendly encyclopedia features snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles, tortoises, and crocodilians with vibrant photos and interesting data. Each animal includes information such as the scientific name, size, food, and habitat.
Pros and Cons of Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever by Christina Wilsdon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This encyclopedia of reptiles was written for kids ages five to eight by National Geographic‘s team of specialists. | None |
| This guide to reptiles includes data, prose, and spectacular photos. | |
| It includes snakes, lizards, amphibians, turtles, tortoises, and crocodilians and includes each animal’s scientific name, size, diet, and habitat. |
- Written by leading experts
- Easy-to-understand encyclopedia
- Features stunning images
2. Best Picture Book: Miles and Miles of Reptiles: All About Reptiles (Cat in the Hat‘s Learning Library) by Tish Rabe (Author), Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator)
Miles and Miles of Reptiles: All About Reptiles explores the fascinating world of reptiles, including lizards, snakes, turtles, and crocodilians. Along the journey, readers from two to six years old will learn about the traits that the majority of reptiles share, fundamental details about each group, amusing trivia about many species, and much more.
This book includes a virtual “who’s who” of the world’s most remarkable reptiles, such as Komodo dragons, chameleons, geckos, cobras, leatherback turtles, and frilled lizards. Your little reader will squirm with excitement!
A sole reader said: “While this book is fun. However, there are some facts that are very very wrong. Snakes are venomous not poisonous.. that’s just one mistake…”
Pros and Cons of Miles and Miles of Reptiles: All About Reptiles by Tish Rabe (Author), Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book about reptiles is geared toward kids two to six years old. | One reader reported: “While this book is fun. However, there are some facts that are very very wrong. Snakes are venomous not poisonous.. that’s just one mistake…” |
| They’ll learn which traits most reptiles share, details about each group, trivia about species, and more. | |
| It includes the world’s most remarkable reptiles, including Komodo dragons, chameleons, geckos, cobras, leatherback turtles, and frilled lizards. |
- Fun and engaging
- An introduction to the most remarkable reptiles
- Includes amusing reptile trivia
- Vibrant illustrations
3. Best for Middle School Age: Reptiles for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Lizards, Amphibians, and Cold-Blooded Creatures by Michael G. Starkey
The Junior Scientists reptile exploration series is for children ages six to nine. Fun information and wonderful images of slithering snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators, and many more are included in the book Reptiles for Kids. The sizes, forms, and colors of these exciting animals range from the bizarre to the fantastic, and everything in between.
Find out what an alligator likes to eat, how a tadpole turns into a frog, and which gecko lowers its tail when it gets terrified. Learn how to recognize the local reptiles, which ones can survive in your home, which ones require assistance, and how you can contribute to global conservation efforts to save them. With the aid of this book, your little one will quickly become an expert on our wonderful reptiles.
A single reader said that the photos are “almost muted and not real sharp.”
Best for Middle School Age: Reptiles for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Lizards, Amphibians, and Cold-Blooded Creatures by Michael G. Starkey
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book was written for kids ages six to nine. | A single reader said that the photos are “almost muted and not real sharp.” |
| It includes fun information and fabulous images of all kinds of reptiles. | |
| Your child will learn facts like what alligators eat, how tadpoles transform into frogs, and much more. | |
| They’ll also learn how to identify local reptiles, which ones can survive in your home, which ones require assistance, and how they can contribute to global conservation efforts to save reptiles. |
- Aimed at 6 - 9 year olds
- Packed with fascinating information
- Includes a guide to reptile identification
- Stunning images
4. Best Paperback: Smart Kids Reptiles and Amphibians by Roger Priddy
Smart Kids Reptiles and Amphibians is a fantastic introduction to the world of these fascinating species, covering everything from the venomous rattlesnake to the color-changing chameleon.
This reference guide is ideal for assisting ages five to eight students with school assignments. It is packed with full-color images and fascinating details about each animal, including the size of each species and their level of risk. This paperback book is a must-have for children who are curious about the world around them, and it comes with over 30 stickers just for fun.
Pros and Cons of Smart Kids Reptiles and Amphibians by Roger Priddy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This reference guide is ideal for kids ages five to eight. | None |
| It’s filled with full-color images and details about each animal, including the size of each species and how dangerous they are. | |
| It include 30 stickers just for fun. |
- Fantastic reference guide
- Includes full-color images
- Complete with 30 fun stickers
5. Best Illustrations: If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
The first funny tale in the New York Times bestselling Magnolia Says Don’t! series, If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t!, features an endearing young person with a great penchant for bad ideas. With incredible illustrations, an adventurous story, and plenty of laughs along the way, this is one of our top picks for reptile books for children ages three to six years old!
Make a mental note: If your teacher asks you to bring anything from nature for show and tell, don’t bring an alligator! Magnolia, though, is adamant about having the finest show-and-tell of all, and nothing will get in her way. That’s what she thought until her reptile rapscallion begins getting her into some serious trouble. Magnolia must now devise a plan to expel this troublemaker, but what could possibly frighten an alligator?
Several reviewers said that the prose was “flat.”
Pros and Cons of If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! by Elise Parsley
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is the first book in the New York Times bestselling Magnolia Says Don’t! series. | Several reviewers said that the prose was “flat.” |
| It features humorous illustrations, an adventurous story, and lots of laughs for kids ages three to six. | |
| The story is about a girl named Magnolia who, in an attempt to have the best show-and-tell ever, brings an alligator to school. |
- First installment in the New York Times bestselling series
- Features incredible illlustrations
- Funny and adventurous tale
6. Best Educational: Everything Reptile: What Kids Really Want to Know about Reptiles (Kids FAQs) by Cherie Winner
If you’re looking for a book that will entertain and educate, consider Everything Reptile: What Kids Really Want to Know about Reptiles. One thing kids ages eight to 11 love about this option is how many fun and interesting facts it has.
You’ll be able to help them learn everything from what a rattlesnake’s rattle is made out of to all about lizards regrowing their tails. There are high-quality images of a variety of different reptiles as well. We chose this option because as adults read it to kids they can learn along the way too! In fact, there’s an endless amount of animal facts with every turn of the page.
Pros and Cons of Everything Reptile: What Kids Really Want to Know about Reptiles (Kids FAQs) by Cherie Winner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book for kids ages eight to 11 is packed with fun and interesting facts about reptiles. | None |
| They’ll learn why rattlesnakes have rattles and how lizards regrow their tails. | |
| The book features high-quality images of different reptiles. |
- Packed with interesting facts
- Features a variety of reptiles
- Stunning images
7. Best Storybook: Alligators All Around Board Book: An Alphabet by Maurice Sendak
Alligators All Around is the first board book publication of Maurice Sendak’s original masterpiece, together with the other three iconic Nutshell Library books (Chicken Soup with Rice, One Was Johnny, and Pierre). Children ages four to eight often find board books easier to handle than conventional books.
For more than 50 years, Alligators All Around has made learning the alphabet entertaining. The artwork and comedy of Maurice Sendak combine to provide an alphabet book that is simply captivating. If you have a young child looking to learn their ABC’s with fun pictures and entertaining stories around each letter, this is a great choice!
A couple of reviewers said that the illustrations’ colors were too muted. A few others said that the type was too tiny and that the book was was too tiny as well.
Pros and Cons of Alligators All Around Board Book: An Alphabet by Maurice Sendak
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This board book is geared toward kids ages four to eight. | A couple of reviewers said that the illustrations’ colors were too muted. |
| The author, Maurice Sendak, has been making learning the alphabet entertaining for over 50 years. | A few reviewers said that the type was too tiny and that the book was was too tiny as well. |
| The artwork and comedy are captivating. |
- Stunning artwork
- Entertaining stories
- Makes learning the alphabet fun and easy
8. Most Entertaining: Brief Thief by Michaël Escoffier (Author) and Kris Di Giacomo (Illustrator)
Brief Thief ‘s charming language is as effective in conveying this tale of conscience and mistaken identity as the witty, amusing pictures. Not only will this book make your kiddo age four to eight laugh, but it will also teach them about morals and being honest when they do something wrong.
When he runs out of toilet paper, this lizard in the story feels free to use what appears to be some old underwear. Little did he know, these briefs weren’t his for the taking. He fails to account for the fact that both his own guilt and a furious rabbit will be observing his every move. This entertaining option is great for kids of all ages and will make parents laugh along with their children.
Pros and Cons of Brief Thief by Michaël Escoffier (Author) and Kris Di Giacomo (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The charming language and witty illustrations combine to tell this tale of conscience and mistaken identity. | None |
| It will make your child ages four to eight laugh and teach them the moral of being honest when they do something wrong. | |
| This is the tale of a lizard who runs out of toilet paper and uses some old underwear instead. Hilarity ensues. |
9. Biggest Imagination: The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber
The House on East 88th Street is the original novel featuring Lyle the crocodile! Discover the cherished classic that served as the basis for a big-budget movie. This picture book has delighted readers for generations. Lyle the crocodile splashes into the daily life of the Primm family and directly into the hearts of anyone who reads this heartwarming tale.
Once you fall in love with a crocodile like Lyle, as the Primms rapidly learn, you just can’t live without him! This book is just 48 pages long and is ideal for kids between three and six years old!
Pros and Cons of The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This picture book was the basis of the movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. | None |
| It tells the tale of a family who shares their home and their hearts with a crocodile. | |
| It’s 48 pages long and appropriate for kids three to six years old. |
- Cherished original tale
- Heartwarming story
- Aimed at 3 - 6 year olds
- 48 pages long
10. Best Activity Book: National Geographic Kids Reptiles and Amphibians Sticker Activity Book (NG Sticker Activity Books) by National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids Reptiles and Amphibians Sticker Activity Book bookends our list because it’s packed with entertaining activity book that kids ages four to seven will love! The best reptiles and amphibians that kids like, including frogs, turtles, alligators, and lizards, are all included in this activity book. It includes mazes, pattern and spelling games, drawing exercises, more than 1,000 stickers, and other colorful and entertaining things. Whether you’re wanting to educate your kids about the world around them or just give them something to do on a rainy day, this book is an excellent buy!
Pros and Cons of National Geographic Kids Reptiles and Amphibians Sticker Activity Book (NG Sticker Activity Books) by National Geographic Kids
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kids ages four to seven will love this book, which is packed with entertaining activities. | None |
| It features the reptiles and amphibians that kids love best, including frogs, turtles, alligators, and lizards. | |
| It includes mazes, pattern and spelling games, drawing exercises, over 1,000 stickers, and more! | |
| It’s perfect for a rainy day when “there’s nothing to do!” |
- Complete with 1,000+ stickers
- Includes all the popular reptiles
- Colorful and entertaining
- Includes a variety of games and excercises
How to Choose the Right Reptile Book for Kids
Your attention is likely drawn in all directions by cover art that is captivating and stimulating. So how on earth are you going to pick one of these amazing reptile books for kids with so many possibilities available? The best approach is to get children’s books that will entertain your child and enhance his or her learning or exposure to the outside world.
The main factors to consider when buying a book that your child will love are:
- Appealing Illustrations
- Understandable Vocabulary
- Large Writing
- Book Topic
- Attention Span
Appealing Illustrations
Children concentrate on the book’s illustrations before paying any attention to the text. The drawings may hold the key to the book’s relevance for your kiddo. Your child would probably pick up on several minor details that you would never observe when looking at a picture book’s illustrations and reading the lines. The best picture books usually have illustrations that add to the story and, on occasion, even say something quite distinct from what is being expressed in the text.
Understandable Vocabulary
The vast majority of English words are rarely used in conversation. The best way to introduce your child to this “weird” terminology is by reading aloud to them. Children’s books include more than three times as many unusual words as an adult would ordinarily employ when talking to a young child. Furthermore, if your child hears these phrases more frequently, they are more likely to stick in their memory and use them in their vocabulary.
Big Writing
Kids should be able to accurately distinguish between the words and their relative spaces. For novice readers who are reading early learner literature for the first time, this is vital. This also makes it much simpler to read aloud to your youngster while creating a comfortable distance so that they can take in all the illustrations.
Book Topic
Reading is a great way to increase your child’s knowledge and expose them to the vast and complex world that exists to read books to them on subjects they are interested in or don’t know much about. Some excellent nonfiction picture books may teach your child a lot about a variety of subjects. While some books based on reptiles are works of fiction, others are jam-packed with fascinating information.
Attention Span
When choosing a book for your child, take into account their attention span. Buy kids books that will hold their attention longer. There ought to be more text on the page as your child’s attention span increases. Start by selecting picture books with zero to a few words on each page and beautiful illustrations. Choose picture books that are longer so that your child can get used to them over several sessions.
Then try short novels, sometimes known as chapter books since they are broken up into digestible sections. Once your child is ready, you can eventually choose full-length books on reptiles that have more than 100 pages.
The Different Types of Reptile Books for Kids: Pros and Cons Compared
For children, there aren’t necessarily numerous types of books about reptiles We’ve already explained that some may have images, some may solely contain words, and most contain both. You will have the option to pick between fiction and non-fiction, just as with any other kind of book. A vibrant fiction storybook is a fantastic option for younger children. Older children might choose one with interesting visuals and content.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ultimate Reptileopedia: The Most Complete Reptile Reference Ever |
| Best Picture Book | Miles and Miles of Reptiles: All About Reptiles |
| Best for Middle School | Reptiles for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Lizards, Amphibians, and Cold-Blooded Creatures |
| Best Paperback | Smart Kids Reptiles and Amphibians |
| Best Illustrations | If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! |
| Most Educational | Everything Reptile: What Kids Really Want to Know about Reptiles |
| Best Storybook | Alligators All Around Board Book: An Alphabet |
| Most Entertaining | Brief Thief |
| Biggest Imagination | The House on East 88th Street (Lyle the Crocodile) |
| Best Activity Book | National Geographic Kids Reptiles and Amphibians Sticker Activity Book |
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