Best Animal Encyclopedia for Kids Under $20 (2026): 5 Compared

A child asking about sharks and elephants needs a book that answers in pictures and short facts. This list of the best animal encyclopedia for kids under 20 compares five animal reference books by listed reading age, grade level and page count.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Animal Encyclopedia by Howard	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	First Animal Encyclopedia by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Encyclopedia by Sparrow	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Illustrated Animal Atlas by DK	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	First Big Book of Animals by Hughes	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Animal Encyclopedia by Howard

Jules Howard·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated encyclopedia covering more than 275 species, for a young reader who wants a broad animal book.

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Pros

• More than 275 species, six animal groups
• 192 pages, the longest book here
• 2024 publication, the newest edition here

Cons

• Reading age 3 - 9 years marked as from customers
• Grade level 1 - 4 spans a wide range
• No companion volume stated

2

First Animal Encyclopedia by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A first reference book on animal groups with photographs, for readers at grade level 1 - 4.

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Pros

• 168 pages covering six animal groups
• Photographs described as clear and vibrant
• Grade level 1 - 4, reading age 3 - 6 years

Cons

• 2015 reissue, the oldest edition here
• Reading age marked as from customers
• Shorter than the 192 page pick

3

Encyclopedia by Sparrow

Leach Lland·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A jam-packed animal encyclopedia for young animal lovers aged 8 and up, with full-color photographs.

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Pros

• Full-color photographs and graphics stated
• Accessible text and clear annotations stated
• Lions to dolphins for readers aged 8 and up

Cons

• 128 pages, shorter than the longest picks
• Reading age marked as from customers
• Grade level 2 - 3 narrower than 1 - 4

4

Illustrated Animal Atlas by DK

DK·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An animal atlas of more than 40 maps and more than 600 animals, for a reader who wants to learn where animals live.

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Pros

• More than 40 full-color maps of animal homes
• More than 600 animals covered
• Teaches map reading, map keys, compass use

Cons

• Page count conflicts: 128 pages, print length 96
• Reading age 6 - 8 years narrower than 3 - 9
• An atlas, not a straight encyclopedia

5

First Big Book of Animals by Hughes

Catherine D. Hughes·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An introductory wildlife reference devoting four pages each to 32 popular animals with large type and color photographs.

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Pros

• Devotes four dedicated pages each to 32 high-interest animals like pandas, wolves and dolphins
• Includes more than 150 color photographs paired with large, readable fonts
• Profiles explain basic facts including animal diets, sizes, habitats and parenting
• The listing gives grade level Preschool to 2, ideal for shared read-aloud time

Cons

• Covers only 32 animals, so it does not function as an exhaustive reference
• Reading age of 2 to 5 years is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• Older publication date of October 12, 2010 makes it an earlier entry in the series
• Shallow entry format will quickly feel too basic for independent middle grade readers

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Four of the five picks list a reading age and a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best animal encyclopedia for kids under 20

Match the reading age and grade level

Reading ages here run from 3 – 6 years to 3 – 9 years, each marked as from customers except the atlas, with grade levels from 1 – 3 to 1 – 4. Match both numbers against the reader, and see the animal encyclopedia for kids list for more animal reference books.

Page count and what is inside

Page counts here run from 96 pages to 192 pages. The Encyclopedia of Animals covers more than 275 species, while the atlas trades pages for more than 40 maps; see the science encyclopedia for kids list for a broader shelf.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date.
• Check whether the reading age is marked as from customers.
• Check page count and grade level against the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is an animal encyclopedia for kids best for?

Reading ages here run from 3 – 6 years to 3 – 9 years, each marked as from customers except the atlas.

Which book on this list has the most pages?

The Encyclopedia of Animals lists 192 pages, the longest print length here.

Do these books state a grade level?

Four of the five listings state a grade level.

Still deciding? Our top pickAnimal Encyclopedia by Howard

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