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Amazing and True Animals Stories for Kids

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IndyPL_Recommends_Kids

The Indianapolis Public Library

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Read about the 21 elephants that walked across the Brooklyn Bridge when it was built, just to prove it was safe, or about Eclipse, the dog that learned how to catch the bus to the dog park all by himself! Check out some of these books for amazing stories about some special members of the animal kingdom. #indyplkids Last Updated: January, 2025

By:

IndyPL_Recommends_Kids

The Indianapolis Public Library

17 items

17 items

Whalesong

Whalesong

The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas

by OHora, Zachariah

Book - 2024

The story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys. The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in t...Show more The story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys. The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in the 1970s. The Pauls are Paul Horn, a professional flute musician, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying the orcas in order to learn more about these mystifying creatures. And the boys are Marlen and Robin, Paul Horn's sons, who are fascinated with the orcas despite their father's fear of the giant whales. The spellbinding story of how the Pauls, through the power of music, learn to communicate with the orcas -- and set into motion an entire anti-captivity movement dedicated to protecting these intelligent and majestic animals Show less

The story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys. The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in t...Show more The story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys. The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in the 1970s. The Pauls are Paul Horn, a professional flute musician, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying the orcas in order to learn more about these mystifying creatures. And the boys are Marlen and Robin, Paul Horn's sons, who are fascinated with the orcas despite their father's fear of the giant whales. The spellbinding story of how the Pauls, through the power of music, learn to communicate with the orcas -- and set into motion an entire anti-captivity movement dedicated to protecting these intelligent and majestic animals Show less

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We Also Served

We Also Served

True Stories of Brave Animals in the Military & Other Heroic Tales

by McGill, Erin

Book - 2023

Learn about the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals and their contributions to military success. This book highlights a variety of brave dogs...Show more Learn about the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals and their contributions to military success. This book highlights a variety of brave dogs and other animals that have served in the military, whose contributions protected troops on the front lines of war. Show less

Learn about the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals and their contributions to military success. This book highlights a variety of brave dogs...Show more Learn about the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals and their contributions to military success. This book highlights a variety of brave dogs and other animals that have served in the military, whose contributions protected troops on the front lines of war. Show less

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Twenty-one Elephants and Still Standing

Twenty-one Elephants and Still Standing

by Prince, April Jones

Book - 2005

Upon completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, P.T. Barnum and his twenty-one elephants parade across to prove to everyone that the bridge is safe. Upon completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, P.T. Barnum and his twenty-one elephants parade across to prove to everyone that the bridge is safe. Show less

Upon completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, P.T. Barnum and his twenty-one elephants parade across to prove to everyone that the bridge is safe. Upon completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, P.T. Barnum and his twenty-one elephants parade across to prove to everyone that the bridge is safe. Show less

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Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas

by Cox, Lynne

Book - 2014

The inspiring story of an elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch ou...Show more The inspiring story of an elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again -- each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away -- but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home. Show less

The inspiring story of an elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch ou...Show more The inspiring story of an elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt or cause traffic accidents, so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back to Christchurch. The volunteers catch her again and again -- each time towing her farther, even hundreds of miles away -- but, still, Elizabeth finds her way back home. Show less

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Ivan

Ivan

The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

by Applegate, Katherine

Book - 2014

The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta. The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta. Show less

The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta. The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta. Show less

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Bob the Railway Dog

Bob the Railway Dog

The True Story of An Adventurous Dog

by Fenton, Corinne

Book - 2016

Bob the railway dog was everyone's friend in the early days of the Australian railroad. Bob the railway dog was everyone's friend in the early days of the Australian railroad. Show less

Bob the railway dog was everyone's friend in the early days of the Australian railroad. Bob the railway dog was everyone's friend in the early days of the Australian railroad. Show less

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Dog on Board

Dog on Board

The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-riding Dog

by Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw

Book - 2016

Read about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot or the Seattle Transit Authority. Read about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot or the Seattle Transit Authority. Show less

Read about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot or the Seattle Transit Authority. Read about Eclipse, a dog who rides the bus to the dog park herself, became a viral sensation on social media and TV, and has become the mascot or the Seattle Transit Authority. Show less

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Clara

Clara

The (mostly) True Story of the Rhinoceros Who Dazzled Kings, Inspired Artists, and Won the Hearts of Everyone ... While She Ate Her Way up and Down A Continent!

by McCully, Emily Arnold

Book - 2016

"A rhinoceros tours Europe in the mid-18th century and becomes a sensation--based on a true story"-- Provided by publisher. "A rhinoceros tours Europe in the mid-18th century and becomes a sensation--based on a true story"-- Provided by publisher. Show less

"A rhinoceros tours Europe in the mid-18th century and becomes a sensation--based on a true story"-- Provided by publisher. "A rhinoceros tours Europe in the mid-18th century and becomes a sensation--based on a true story"-- Provided by publisher. Show less

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Dozer's Run

Dozer's Run

A True Story of A Dog and His Race

by Levy, Debbie

Book - 2014

The story of Dozer, a dog who ran in a half-marathon benefitting the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. The story of Dozer, a dog who ran in a half-marathon benefitting the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. Show less

The story of Dozer, a dog who ran in a half-marathon benefitting the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. The story of Dozer, a dog who ran in a half-marathon benefitting the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center. Show less

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Ellie's Long Walk

Ellie's Long Walk

The True Story of Two Friends on the Appalachian Trail

by Flowers, Pam

Book - 2012

Pam and Ellie set out to hike the more-than-2,000-mile-long [Appalachian] Trail. They ford rivers, survive storms, and scramble up rugged cliffs. Pam and Ellie set out to hike the more-than-2,000-mile-long [Appalachian] Trail. They ford rivers, survive storms, and scramble up rugged cliffs. Show less

Pam and Ellie set out to hike the more-than-2,000-mile-long [Appalachian] Trail. They ford rivers, survive storms, and scramble up rugged cliffs. Pam and Ellie set out to hike the more-than-2,000-mile-long [Appalachian] Trail. They ford rivers, survive storms, and scramble up rugged cliffs. Show less

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Elephants Can Paint, Too!

Elephants Can Paint, Too!

by Arnold, Katya

Book - 2005

Learn about elephants and how they can paint just like human children in this true story of how Katya Arnold teaches painting to kids in Brooklyn and Asian elephants in Thailand. Learn about elephants and how they can paint just like human children in this true story of how Katya Arnold teaches painting to kids in Brooklyn and Asian elephants in Thailand. Show less

Learn about elephants and how they can paint just like human children in this true story of how Katya Arnold teaches painting to kids in Brooklyn and Asian elephants in Thailand. Learn about elephants and how they can paint just like human children in this true story of how Katya Arnold teaches painting to kids in Brooklyn and Asian elephants in Thailand. Show less

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The Giraffe That Walked to Paris

The Giraffe That Walked to Paris

by Milton, Nancy

Book - 2013

The true story of how the first giraffe to ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826, and the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King. The true story of how the first giraffe to ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826, and the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King. Show less

The true story of how the first giraffe to ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826, and the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King. The true story of how the first giraffe to ever to come to Europe was sent by the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1826, and the giraffe walked from the disembarkation point of Marseilles to Paris to see the King. Show less

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Lily

Lily

A True Story of Courage & the Joplin Tornado

by Mueller, Carolyn E.

Book - 2014

The heroic efforts of the search-and-rescue Weimaraner named Lily, whose bravery was put to the test on the night of May 22, 2011, when a category F-5 tornado hit the town of Joplin, Missouri. The heroic efforts of the search-and-rescue Weimaraner named Lily, whose bravery was put to the test on the night of May 22, 2011, when a category F-5 tornado hit the town of Joplin, Missouri. Show less

The heroic efforts of the search-and-rescue Weimaraner named Lily, whose bravery was put to the test on the night of May 22, 2011, when a category F-5 tornado hit the town of Joplin, Missouri. The heroic efforts of the search-and-rescue Weimaraner named Lily, whose bravery was put to the test on the night of May 22, 2011, when a category F-5 tornado hit the town of Joplin, Missouri. Show less

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Queenie

Queenie

One Elephant's Story

by Fenton, Corinne

Book - 2013

The true and tragic story of one of the most famous elephants of all time: Queenie, the gentle Indian elephant. The story follows Queenie from her birth in an Indian jungle to Australia's Melbourne Zoo, where she lived for more than forty years. The true and tragic story of one of the most famous elephants of all time: Queenie, the gentle Indian elephant. The story follows Queenie from her birth in an Indian jungle to Australia's Melbourne Zoo, where she lived for more than forty years. Show less

The true and tragic story of one of the most famous elephants of all time: Queenie, the gentle Indian elephant. The story follows Queenie from her birth in an Indian jungle to Australia's Melbourne Zoo, where she lived for more than forty years. The true and tragic story of one of the most famous elephants of all time: Queenie, the gentle Indian elephant. The story follows Queenie from her birth in an Indian jungle to Australia's Melbourne Zoo, where she lived for more than forty years. Show less

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The World's Greatest Elephant

The World's Greatest Elephant

by Helfer, Ralph

Book - 2006

Born on the same day in the same German town, Bram and his elephant, Modoc, grew up side by side. Their circus act brought them wide fame, but their incredible bond would also lead to a series of adventures with danger at every turn. Born on the same day in the same German town, Bram and his elephant, Modoc, grew up side by side. Their circus act brought them wide fame, but their incredible bond would also lead to a series of adventures with danger at every turn. Show less

Born on the same day in the same German town, Bram and his elephant, Modoc, grew up side by side. Their circus act brought them wide fame, but their incredible bond would also lead to a series of adventures with danger at every turn. Born on the same day in the same German town, Bram and his elephant, Modoc, grew up side by side. Their circus act brought them wide fame, but their incredible bond would also lead to a series of adventures with danger at every turn. Show less

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Step Right up

Step Right up

How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness

by Bowman, Donna Janell

Book - 2016

The story of Dr. William Key, a former slave and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read and write and who together with Jim became one of the most famous traveling performance acts around the turn of the twentieth century. The story of Dr. William Key, a former slave and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read and write and who together with Jim became one of the most famous traveling performance acts around the turn of the twentieth century. Show less

The story of Dr. William Key, a former slave and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read and write and who together with Jim became one of the most famous traveling performance acts around the turn of the twentieth century. The story of Dr. William Key, a former slave and self-trained veterinarian who taught his horse, Jim, to read and write and who together with Jim became one of the most famous traveling performance acts around the turn of the twentieth century. Show less

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Zeraffa Giraffa

Zeraffa Giraffa

by Hofmeyr, Dianne

Book - 2014

The true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift from Egypt to France in 1826. A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey and...Show more The true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift from Egypt to France in 1826. A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey and the sailors sing songs as she gazes down at them. In France, the King builds her a special house in the Jardin des Plantes. On warm nights, the young princess visits, while Atir whispers stories to Zeraffa of a hot land far away. Show less

The true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift from Egypt to France in 1826. A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey and...Show more The true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift from Egypt to France in 1826. A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey and the sailors sing songs as she gazes down at them. In France, the King builds her a special house in the Jardin des Plantes. On warm nights, the young princess visits, while Atir whispers stories to Zeraffa of a hot land far away. Show less

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