An Animal A Day
A beautifully illustrated animal encyclopedia with 366 bite-sized profiles that spark curiosity, build science skills, and delight creature-loving kids every day of the year.
$24.99
Quantity:
2026 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit
If your child can't get enough of furry, scaly, or feathered creatures, An Animal A Day may quickly become the book he reaches for first. With 366 animals to explore—including one for leap years—this beautifully illustrated collection introduces children to everything from familiar favorites to creatures they've likely never encountered before.
From capybaras to panther chameleons, each page features a bite-sized animal profile with scientific names, habitats, diets, size information, conservation status, and more. Twice each month, themed collections—such as desert animals, ocean creatures, or masters of camouflage—help children connect ideas across species and environments.
The format is simple but surprisingly effective. Read one animal each day, flip to a random page, or browse themed sections together. Along the way, children naturally build background knowledge about ecosystems, adaptations, life cycles, classification, and biodiversity without working through a traditional science text.
Part reference book and part daily habit-builder, An Animal A Day gives animal-loving kids a full year of fascinating creatures to discover.
Parents appreciate how the book encourages observation, comparison, and scientific thinking while introducing science concepts through short, approachable readings. It works equally well as a morning routine, read-aloud, or independent activity, and provides enough content for children to return to again and again throughout the year.
How to Use An Animal A Day
(Without Adding Another Complicated Thing to Your Day)
- Pick your pace. Read about one animal each school day, or work through 10–11 animals per week to finish during a typical school year.
- Read a little at a time. Each page introduces a new animal through illustrations, short facts, and approachable science covering habitats, diets, ecosystems, and more.
- Make connections. Twice each month, themed sections encourage children to notice patterns between animals, compare habitats, and understand how different species survive in similar environments.
- Talk about what you're learning. Ask questions, compare favorite animals, predict tomorrow's creature, or simply pause when something surprising appears.
- Keep going. Because the format is short, consistent, and easy to revisit, many families find that it naturally becomes part of the routine.
- Every day introduces something new—and with 366 animals waiting to be discovered, there's always another favorite around the corner.
Publisher: Bright Matter Books
Distributed By: Penguin Random House
Author: Miranda Smith
Illustrator: Max Rambaldi
Age Recommendation: 6+
Grade Recommendation: 1st+
Faith-Based: No
Consumable: No
Pages: 224
Size: 8-5/8" x 11"
ISBN: 9780593903353
Format: Hardcover
Copyright: Nov 05, 2024
Language: English
Awards and Endorsements from:“A treat for young animal lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“If you’re a homeschool parent on the hunt for a stunning, engaging, and educational book to add to your nature or science shelf, look no further. An Animal A Day: 365 Amazing Animals To Take You Through the Year is the kind of book that instantly captures attention and keeps curious minds coming back for more.” Read the Review
Thrift Schooling:
“My elementary-age boys gravitated toward the stunning cover as soon as this book arrived in the mail. Though educational, they did not want to wait for our typical school-day hours to dive right in. Once situated on the couch, I thumbed through the book to find that day's date. After reading it, the kids were engaged, talking about what they had learned about the unique creature of the day. ” Read the Review
The Art Kit:
“I’m so excited to share with you an amazing book for kids: An Animal a Day! It’s gorgeous and packed full of interesting facts about animals! It designed so that you read about one new animal each day but you will likely find yourself reading more because it’s just so captivating!” Read the Review
Making Everyday Magic:
The Hudsons' Hub:
Sunny in the Suburbs:
- September 16, 2026
Marsha K.
Beautiful book. I bought one for a nephew and one for our own family. The only problem is trying to limit reading to only one animal each day. It’s fun to flip through and find cool animals.
- June 3, 2026
Karo
This book was full of interesting animals. We sought out more information at our library when we learned about new ones we had never heard of before. The illustrations are beautiful. We enjoyed reading this book aloud throughout the year.
- April 20, 2026
Karolyn B.
Reading this together helped us both learn about so many amazing animals that we didn't even know existed. I was able to recommend this book to an acquaintance and she immediately purchased it.
- April 11, 2026
Cortney Z.
I love this book for both me and my kids. The uniques animals and details included are fun for everyone to learn!
- April 2, 2026
Karolyn B.
1) I highly recommend this book. 2) You will learn a little something about so many animals you have never even heard of. 3) You will be amazed at the creatures all over the world. 4) If you believe in God it’s an amazing way to explore parts of His creation you may not live nearby. I recommended this book to an acquaintance and she immediately purchased it. So it’s a win.
- February 18, 2026
A Favorite Part of the Day
Steph H.
My son has really enjoyed this book - and has learned a lot of neat facts! We read about two animals each day. We often will look up one of the animals online to find a video about it and learn a little more. I am sure we'll read through this book again.
- February 16, 2026
Gorgeous
Tricia
Beautiful illustrations and fun facts. My child enjoys it, though not enough to pull it out when not scheduled.
- December 4, 2025
Wonderful resource for animal loving kids.
Catherine
My son can't wait to read this every day. We read the daily section and then look up the animal to learn more.
- May 18, 2025
Love This!!
Sheri
A lot of valuable facts on animals condensed into a beautifully illustrated book. We are much enjoying reading about an animal each day. Many of days it has led off on a search of the animal for more information. We would definitely recommend this book to others.
- April 27, 2025
Instead of Poetry a Day
ScotFlower
We have been reading the Poetry a Day series (Sing a Song of Seasons, Tiger Tiger Burning Bright, and A Whale of a Time) and loved them, but we were ready to change things up. This book was the perfect option as we are studying animals this coming year. Besides, I have a degree in Biology, so this is right up my alley.
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