A book list of thrilling jungle stories that spark imagination and adventure, curated by The Children’s Book Review and presented in partnership with author Rashad Mirzayev.
The jungle holds endless fascination for young minds—mysterious sounds, colorful creatures, and hidden paths waiting to be discovered. The jungle adventure books featured in this book list offer fantastic opportunities for children to explore new worlds, learn about animals and their habitats, and discover that courage and friendship can be found in the most unexpected places.
From picture books to novels for confident readers, there’s an adventure here for every young explorer ready to discover the wild side of reading.
These 6 Children’s Books Take Kids on Wild Jungle Adventures:
Mimi & Ary
Written by Rashad Mirzayev
Illustrated by Ken Sheykh
Ages: 3-12 | 74 Pages
Publisher: MindStir Media (2025) | ISBN: 978-1966074847
A curious little girl named Mimi gets lost in a magical jungle and meets Ary, a wise bird who becomes her guide. Through their conversations, Ary teaches Mimi everything she needs to survive in the jungle and in life—from finding safe food to controlling her fears. The story is told entirely through dialogue between the characters in a question-and-answer format. This beautiful tale explores themes of learning, friendship, trust, and self-discovery.
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The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
Written by Nizrana Farook
Ages: 8-12 | 256 Pages
Publisher: Peachtree (2021) | ISBN: 978-1682632857
Twelve-year-old Chaya steals from the rich to help her poor village, but when her biggest heist goes wrong, her best friend is falsely accused and sentenced to death. After a daring prison break, Chaya flees into the jungle on the king’s prized elephant with unlikely companions. They must navigate dangerous terrain filled with leeches, revolutionaries, and wild animals while staying ahead of the king’s guards. This award-winning adventure combines friendship, courage, and political intrigue in a beautifully described South Asian-inspired kingdom.
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The Explorer
Written by Katherine Rundell
Illustrated by Hannah Horn
Ages: 8-12 | 336 Pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2017) | ISBN: 978-1481419468
Four children must work together to find their way home after surviving a plane crash in the Amazon rainforest. When Fred discovers a mysterious map, it leads them to a lost city and an extraordinary secret. This Costa Children’s Book Award winner combines thrilling survival adventure with themes about courage, friendship, and connection to the natural world.
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Journey to the River Sea
Written by Eva Ibbotson
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Ages: 8-12 | 304 Pages
Publisher: Puffin Books (2003) | ISBN: 978-0142501849
Thirteen-year-old orphan Maia travels from England to the Amazon to live with relatives, expecting love and adventure but finding spoiled cousins and greedy guardians. When she befriends a mysterious boy living wild on the river, she gets swept into a thrilling mystery involving indigenous tribes and a missing inheritance. Set in the early 1900s, this award-winning historical novel combines mystery, friendship, and breathtaking descriptions of the Amazon. The story celebrates the joy of finding adventure and belonging in unexpected places.
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Zonia’s Rain Forest
Written and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages: 4-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2021) | ISBN: 978-1536208450
Zonia is a young Asháninka girl whose home is the Amazon rainforest of Peru, where she visits animal friends, such as sloths, jaguars, and giant anteaters, each morning. One day, she discovers an area of the rainforest that has been destroyed and hears the forest calling to her with a troubled voice. This Own Voices story celebrates Indigenous culture while addressing environmental themes with authenticity and sensitivity. The award-winning illustrations are created on paper made from banana bark, literally bringing the Amazon to life.
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Walking Through the Jungle
Written and Illustrated by Julie Lacome
Ages: 2-5 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2004) | ISBN: 978-0763624712
A small child walks through the jungle, hearing the sounds of animals and encountering wild creatures like snakes, tigers, and elephants in this adaptation of a familiar nursery rhyme. The repetitive text follows the child as they walk, creep, run, leap, and swing through the jungle while animals make thrilling sounds. Full of exotic noises and bright tropical colors, this interactive story encourages young children to participate. The simple format makes it perfect for playing an imaginary jungle adventure game.
