For today’s Top Ten Tuesday, I’m sharing a few favorite books with animals on the cover. What is your favorite book with an animal character?
Books with Animals on the Cover
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday: Cover Freebie. Today, I’m featuring covers with animal characters.
***This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
(In no particular order)
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
A favorite Middle Grade read that adults will enjoy.
Whistler by Ann Patchett
Whistler is a horse in the story within the story.
How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith
A laugh-out-loud installment in the long No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The sequel to The War That Saved My Life, a favorite MG series.
Lost, Found, & Forever by Victoria Schade
This author’s stories always feature animals.
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Cutest cover!
Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh
This heartfelt middle-grade story is narrated by the dog.
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
(Look really close to see the hedgehogs!) I’ve read the 6-book series, which features hedgehog rescue. I have only reviewed New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow, Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow, and Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow. (Best read in order)
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
I’ve read the 4-book series which all feature horses and four best friends.
Never Broken by Jewel
If you were a fan of Jewel (back in the day), you will enjoy this honest and reflective memoir of her childhood and rise to fame. (This was written before she discovered her mom was embezzling money from her, and now they are estranged.)
QOTD:
And so many more!
What is your favorite book with an animal on the cover?
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Dogs and horses and…an elephant, oh my!
So many animals! 💖
A great looking list. I do like an animal on the cover, but I don’t seem to have many of them myself!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2026/08/04/top-ten-tuesday-cover-freebie-summer-covers/
Thanks! I actually thought I’d have more than I did.
I do that 😂
Such lovely covers, Carol! I love your photo at the top of the page, that cat looks so cosy 😀
Cats and reading seem to go together!
All of these are super cute! Although, my favorite would be The Belle of Belgrave Square just because the colors look so nice together, and I can’t resist a good dress 😂😍
It’s a good read as well!
I still haven’t read any of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. I have the first two in the series on my bookshelf. Just need to find the time to pick them up.
Here’s my TTT for the week: https://readbakecreate.com/favorite-covers-for-the-murder-of-roger-ackroyd/
The series is getting so tired! But I suppose it’s a pay check! The early installments are the best. I haven’t loved one in years.
Are you planning to read Whistler? I’ve found her books hit and miss – loved Bel Canto and Tom Lake but Commonwealth was insipid and Dutch House, so-so
I’ve read Whistler. It’s ok. Better than some. I DNFed Commonwealth. Dutch House was ok because of the audio (Tom Hanks)…,I would have appreciated it less in print.
Great idea for this prompt!
Thanks! It seemed easy! 😂
Whistler worked. It was a story within a story within a story. And only one of those was really about a horse.
I don’t typically enjoy story within a story…but this one was ok.
Those hedgehogs are cute, thanks for sharing your #TTT
It’s a lovely series featuring hedgehog rescue!
I love the direction you took with the prompt! These covers look so cute! The hedgehogs are probably my favorite lol
My Post:
https://thegentlechapter.blog/2026/08/04/top-ten-tuesday-cover-freebie/
It’s a lovely series featuring hedgehog rescue!
Love the topic… and what a great batch of covers! Operation: Happy is especially adorable 🙂
Yes, a heartfelt story as well.
Great idea!
Operation: Happy looks adorable.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
It’s a heartfelt story as well!
Aww, I love this idea for a post.
Thanks! Animals are usually irresistible!
I was actually surprised that there aren’t MORE animals on my books, even if they aren’t primarily about animals! I had to dig. Adding to your list, I got
Because of Winn-Dixie (dog)
The Cat Who Went to Paris–Gethers, (cat)
Horse Heaven–Smiley (horse)
Seabiscuit–Hillenbrand–(horse)
Animals in Translation–Grandin (dog)
The Art of Racing in the Rain–Stein (dog)
All Creatures Great and Small (a collection!)
The Black Stallion series (horse)
Remarkably Bright Creatures–(octupus)
I’m sure I must have more, especially with maybe a bird or a chicken on the cover….
Good ones! I’ve read Winn-Dixie but not the others (yet!). I’m sure I could do another 10 with birds!
PS, I was and AM a fan of Jewel, I’d like to read that book!
It was interesting! I can’t remember now if there were any signs of her mother’s ultimately despicable behavior in Jewel’s childhood.
Some really fun covers here–and, yes, I remember Jewell!
Great topic choice!! I’m currently obsessed with Dungeon Crawler Carl which has a cat on the cover!
Yay for cats! 🙌
Cold Take: Animals always make a cozy book better 🙂
Totally agree! 🙌💯
I love the sound of Hedgehog Hollow! And such a lovely book cover topic 🙂
It’s a delightful series!
I absolutely love covers with animals on the cover and you picked some great ones, Carol. I love that you included the Hedgehog Hollow series.
Thanks! It’s my fav of hers!
Fun! I’ve read OPERATION: HAPPY, but that’s it from your list. I think my favorite animal book is probably MARLEY & ME.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
That’s a great one! 🙌