These are our favorite books about Wild Animals for Pre-K kids. This list includes books about animals that live on the African Savanna. This list contains Amazon affiliate links.
Safari Fiction Books for Kids:
Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema
- A rhythmic, cumulative tale about life on the African savanna.
Honey… Honey… Lion! by Jan Brett
- A tale about a honey badger and a tricky bird on an African adventure.
We’re Going on a Lion Hunt by David Axtell
- A fun variation of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with an African setting.
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
- A nearly wordless, beautifully illustrated retelling of Aesop’s fable.
Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott
- A colorful folktale about the famous trickster spider from African folklore.
Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne
- A vibrant story about a girl carrying fruit to her friend, with sneaky animals along the way.
One Day on Our Blue Planet… in the Savannah by Ella Bailey
- A beautifully illustrated book following a lion cub’s day in the savanna.
We All Went on Safari by Laura Krebs
- A counting book that introduces kids to Swahili animal names.
The Selfish Crocodile by Faustin Charles
- A story about a mean crocodile who learns the value of kindness.
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
- A funny story about a tiger who embraces his wild nature.
Rain by Manya Stojic
- A beautifully illustrated book about the animals of the savanna preparing for rain.
Roar! A Noisy Counting Book by Pamela Duncan Edwards
- A counting book featuring loud safari animals.
Elmer by David McKee
- A colorful story about a patchwork elephant learning to appreciate his uniqueness.
Anansi and the Talking Melon by Eric Kimmel
- Another fun trickster tale featuring Anansi the spider.
Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric Kimmel
- A clever folktale where Anansi plays tricks but gets a lesson himself.
Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric Kimmel
- Anansi gets into trouble with a magic stick that won’t stop working!
Safari Non-Fiction Books for Kids:
National Geographic Readers: Safari by Gail Tuchman
- A beginner nonfiction book with real-life images and facts about safari animals.
African Savanna by Donald Silver
- A simple introduction to the ecosystem of the African savanna.
Books Out of Print:
Feeding Time by DK Publishing
Visit the Safari Animal Activities page for lots of Preschool & Pre-K lesson ideas.