These are our favorite books about Rainforest (Jungle) Animals for Pre-K kids. This list contains Amazon affiliate links.
Visit the Wild Animals Activities page for lots of Preschool & Pre-K lesson ideas.
Here are some great rainforest-themed books for preschoolers:
Rainforest Fiction Books for Kids:
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
- A beautifully illustrated story about a man who learns the importance of the rainforest.
Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme by Marianne Berkes
- A fun, rhyming counting book featuring rainforest animals.
The Umbrella by Jan Brett
- A story about a little boy who leaves his umbrella in the rainforest, and animals take turns using it.
Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner
- A beautifully illustrated journey through the rainforest, exploring the animals that live both above and below the canopy. This book is an informational fiction book.
“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth by Eric Carle
- A simple and gentle book about a sloth’s slow-moving life.
Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae
- A fun rhyming book featuring various jungle animals.
So Say the Little Monkeys by Nancy Van Laan
- A playful rhyming story about noisy, mischievous rainforest monkeys.
Who is the Beast? by Keith Baker
- A beautifully illustrated book that encourages children to look at differences in a new way.
The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
- A classic story about a chameleon who tries to be like other animals but learns to appreciate himself.
Verdi by Janell Cannon
- A sweet story about a young yellow python who doesn’t want to turn green like the older snakes.
Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree by Eileen Christelow
- A fun variation of the classic five little monkeys rhyme, with a rainforest setting.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
- A timeless story featuring mischievous monkeys in a jungle setting.
Rainforest Non-Fiction Books for Kids:
The Rainforest Book by Charlotte Milner
- A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the animals, plants, and importance of the rainforest ecosystem.
Rainforest Animals by National Geographic Kids
- A great introduction to real rainforest animals with beautiful photos.
The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell
- A cumulative story (like The House That Jack Built) about the rainforest ecosystem.
Welcome to the Green House by Jane Yolen
- A poetic description of the lush, noisy world of the rainforest.
Chameleon Chameleon by Joy Cowley
- A nonfiction book with real photos, following a chameleon’s journey.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog by Joy Cowley
- A close-up look at the life of a red-eyed tree frog with vivid photographs.
Me… Jane by Patrick McDonnell
- A simple, inspiring biography of young Jane Goodall and her love of animals.