Books about Animal Traits for Elementary Students

Let’s Classify Animals by Kelli Hicks
Age Range: 7 – 8 years
Grade Level: 2 – 3

Children will delight in exploring similarities and differences in the animal kingdom with easy to read charts used to sort species and classify animals by their traits.

Let’s Classify Animals from My Science Library presents clear examples of animal classification using vivid pictures of adorable live animals. 

Animal Classification: Do Cats Have Family Trees?  – Eve Hartman and Wendy Meshbesher
Age Range: 8 – 10 years
Grade Level: 3 – 5

Do Cats Have Family Trees? Absolutely!

After meeting Fluffy, young readers are lead through the broad strokes of classifying animals through finding out just how this kitten fits into the larger classification of animals.

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Karl, Get out of the Garden! – Anita Sanchez
Age Range: 7 – 10 years
Grade Level: 2 – 5

His passion to give all living things scientific names and categories has provided the world with the Linnaean System used by biologists around the world.

This book introduces children to Carolus (Karl) Linnaeus’ early life, his struggles in school and love for examining nature outdoors. 

Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects – Matthew Clark Smith
Age Level: 6 – 9
Grade: 1-4

Through the eyes of Jean-Henri, the intricate world of mini beasts comes to life as he observes insects in their own habitat.

Introducing Jean-Henri Fabre, the French naturalist who fell in love with the outdoors from a young age. 

Inheritance of Traits: Why is my dog bigger than yours? – Jen Green
Age level: 5-9
Grade: K-4

In this fun loving book, the reader is instantly transported to a dog show where the variation of traits among dog breeds is profound. 

The author takes a walk through the interesting world of genes and inheritance using the easy to grasp examples of cats and dogs. 

With live pictures of cute pets, this book is a page turner.

Usborne Flower Sticker Book
Age Level: 5-9
Grade: K-4

Usborne has republished their Flower Sticker Book with over 100 color stickers for your child to match with informative descriptions of vibrant flowers. 

This book can easily translate to a nature journal, leaving space on the page for children to journal the time, place and details of each discovery they make in the wild.  

A handy glossary provides further ease for your child to grow as mini naturalists.

Leaf Jumpers – Carole Gerber
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: P – 2

This sweet and beautiful poem highlights the variation in leaves and in so doing, calls little ones to observe the flow of the seasons and identify familiar trees.

While poetry may not be your go-to source in a science class, it adds another dimension to the content and may appeal to some of your learners who value creativity.

Going on a Tree Hunt – Jodi Stiriz Bird
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: P- 3

For your budding naturalist, this book presents a mother’s dialogue with her son while helping him to identify trees by observing their traits. 

The book includes detailed activities and a handy glossary making it not just a precious narrative but a hands-on guide to exploring nature.

Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the Trees – Jim Arnosky
Age Level: 2 – 9
Grade Level: P – 4

Crinkleroot is a scientist and the trees are his friends! 

Children can come along in his journey to identify trees based on a variety of traits and learn about their amazing contribution to the animals that surround them through whimsical illustrations which include charts and labeled pictures. 

Exploring with Crinkleroot will teach your child how to observe and record their own adventures.

Trees Leaves and Bark – Diane Burns
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7

One of a series take along guides by Diane Burns, Trees Leaves and Bark will help kids observe and identify trees through fun activities, detailed tips on how to find the tree you are looking through clear illustrations.

This book includes space for a scrap book allowing your young investigator to illustrate their own discovery.

I Look Like My Mother – Julie Lundgren
Age Range: 9-10 years
Grade Level: 4-5

My Science Library brings another informative book to young readers, making the fascinating world of genes and inherited traits fun to explore through colorful live pictures and helpful illustrations. 

Complex content is conveyed in an exciting and simple presentation readers will enjoy. 

Traits and Heredity – Joseph Midthun
Age Range: 9-10 years
Grade Level: 4-5

This graphic book includes playful characters to walk children through the world of inherited traits, variations, mutations and nature versus nurture. 

The book is takes a broad look at traits and heredity by exploring topics such as the cell cycle, plant and animal life cycles and animal behaviors.  

A glossary in the back help readers identify the many concepts covered.

The Big Book of Bugs – Yuval Zommer
Grade Level: 2-4
Age Range: 7-10

All sorts of bugs are explored in detail within the contemporary and beautifully illustrated Big Book of Bugs! 

Bugs are classified by page to include bees, spiders, beetles and butterflies to name just a few.  The book is filled with fun facts and conversations sure to engage readers of any age. 

Botanicum – Kathy Willis
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7

Vegetation from common to exotic plants breeds are explored in detail with this visual delight.

This work of art from Big Picture Press sets in place a scientific guide to plants surrounded by vibrant and beautiful illustrations that are sure to inspire.