7 Books for Kids Who Love Pandas

Baby Panda Chews Bamboo, by Ben Richmond
This newly released non-fiction book features stunning photography following a baby panda from birth to adulthood. From the American Museum of Natural History, this book is perfect for any young child interested in the life of pandas. It’s full of fascinating panda facts accompanied by close-up photographs of pandas engaging in all sorts of day-to-day behaviors. The text is short and simple to read, perfect for early readers and read-a-louds.

Panda Kindergarten, by Joanne Ryder and Katherine Feng 
Another great non-fiction book for young children, Panda Kindergarten introduces young readers to the cubs who live at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong Nature Preserve, dubbed Panda Kindergarten. At the facility, the cubs learn important life skills that prepare to be released into the wild once they’re older. Full-color photography of the cubs makes this an even more enchanting read.

Mission: Panda Rescue: All About Pandas and How to Save Them, by Kitson Jazynka
Another fascinating non-fiction panda book, this one is designed for slightly older readers (10-12), with a larger focus on information about pandas. The book is part of National Geographic’s Animal Rescue series, which focuses on endangered animals. It features background information on pandas and conservation efforts, with appealing images of pandas interspersed throughout.

Please, Mr. Panda, by Steve Antony
The perfect read-a-loud for young children who love pandas, the first in the Mr. Panda series from Steve Antony stars the adorable Mr. Panda, who happens to have a basket of donuts. He’s willing to give them away to the other animals, but only if they remember to use their manners. The brightly colored donuts offer a nice contrast to the rest of the black-and-white animals featured in this story, making it very engaging for preschool age children.

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?, by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle
This fun picture book from the creators of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a cute little book that teaches children about endangered animals including a bald eagle, a water buffalo, a spider monkey, and of course the panda. This adorable book will become a new household storytime favorite. Children love this easy to read story and learn about their favorite animals too!

Chu’s First Day of School, by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex 
A favorite of my own young son, this picture book follows an adorable young panda named Chu as he attends his first day of school. Chu, nervous about his first day at school, is assured by his parents that the other students will like him and be nice. It’s a sweet and fun story that shows students it’s okay to be nervous. There are all sorts of animal creatures for Chu to befriend at school, making this is an ideal choice for any young animal lover.

Pandas on the Eastside, by Gabrielle Prendergast
But it’s not just young kids who love pandas! If you know a middle grade reader who loves pandas, this novel is perfect. Set in 1970’s Canada, it follows ten year old Journey as she learns that two pandas are being held in a warehouse near her neighborhood. Terrified of what might happen to them, she rallies friends and neighbors to help these poor creatures. Journey is a girl who loves pandas, and her determination to save them will inspire any middle grade reader who can relate.