Dickens & Rumi

book

Greatest Animal Stories

Geraldine McCaughrean; Michael Morpurgo; Pippa Goodhart; Meilo So · 2016

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Greatest Animal Stories by Geraldine McCaughrean; Michael Morpurgo; Pippa Goodhart; Meilo So. This book is recommended for ages 7+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? The anthology format and animal-focused storytelling suit younger independent readers, though individual tales may include peril, loss, or emotionally intense situations. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

May feature the death of an animal in a natural context, handled with literary sensitivity.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild tension associated with animals facing survival challenges.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes natural animal behaviors such as hunting, which are typical of wildlife literature.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Features characters who act bravely in difficult circumstances.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination and a deeper look at the world around us.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The collection appears to draw on multiple authors and cultural storytelling traditions, offering some variety in perspectives.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Animal-centered stories can build understanding of animal behavior and different storytelling traditions, though teaching is not their main purpose.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes empathy and compassion toward creatures.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes empathy, respect for nature, and appreciation of diverse perspectives.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate resilience and kindness toward animals.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Greatest Animal Stories would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Greatest Animal Stories, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereGreatest Animal Stories
THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Jungle BookRudyard Kipling · 1944Ages 10+Goosebumps - Return of the MummyRobert Lawrence Stine · 1994Ages 9+House of Many WaysDiana Wynne Jones · 2008Ages 10+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating