3 jungle adventure books

Lions, tigers and toucans, oh my! Grab your safari hat and binoculars and find a cozy reading spot, because adventure awaits.

Apr 25, 2025

If you have a son, you know that it can be difficult to find colorful clothing, accessories and items for boys. I don’t know why this is, and thankfully there are a lot of companies creating more colorful products for young boys these days, but it can still prove to be a challenge.

When my son was born, I not only searched for bright clothing for him, but books, too. I wanted to spark his imagination from the beginning, and somehow books about jungle animals always seemed to be in the brightest hues. Thus began my quest for jungle books.

Below are three of our family’s favorite reads about jungle animals, with something for every child from baby to about age seven. The colors are lively, the stories are spunky and the animals enchanting. I hope you enjoy!

Recipe: Blueberry baked oatmeal (This is a simple, healthy make-ahead recipe, but it tastes oh so decadent!)

Easy way to be a fun mom: Have inside jokes within your family. This is one of my favorite ways to connect with my children, and it’s super easy when you’re a family of readers. Is there a line in a book that always makes everyone laugh? Can you do an impression of a funny character? Is there a refrain that always come to mind in certain situations? Look for these clues, and before you know it, your family will be bonding in the most delightful way.

Fun read: “Everything you need to know about French butter”

“Rumble in the Jungle” written by Giles Andreae, illustrated by David Wojtowycz

“There’s a rumble in the jungle, there’s a whisper in the trees. The animals are waking up and rustling the leaves.”

This book is a delightful mix of animals and poetry. Each page features a different animal who lives in the jungle and a rollicking rhyme about them. From chimps and rhinos to giraffes and gazelles, this romp through the jungle will have everyone clamoring to go on safari.

Recommended age: 2 - 5 years

“The Umbrella” written and illustrated by Jan Brett

If your family loves “The Mitten,” you will likely enjoy this tropical take on the tale. A little boy goes into the rainforest with his umbrella in the hopes of spotting some animals, such as a jaguar, monkey and toucan. When he sets down his umbrella to find a better vantage point, all sorts of interesting creatures crawl in until it’s too crowded for even a tiny hummingbird to join.

Between Jan Brett’s detailed illustrations, intriguing animals and some Spanish vocabulary peppered throughout, this book is a beautifully layered, enticing read.

Recommended age: 3 - 7 years

“Never Touch a Tiger” written by Rosie Greening, illustrated by Stuart Lynch

This book is a fun, tactile adventure for the littlest explorers. With rubbery textures, engaging colors and quirky animals, it’s an entertaining read!

There are a lot of books in the “Never Touch a …” series, and this one has been a family favorite for its dancing, party vibes. You know I’m always on the look out for books to give as birthday gifts, and this would be a great one for a first or second birthday!