Children’s Books that Bite!

Though the words “children’s picture books” conjure up visions of sweet dreams, fluffy animals and happy endings, there are legions of readers who prefer stories that involve sharp teeth and a clever twist at the end – most likely the same children who enjoy Tim Burton movies. For all those children (and adults) who take pleasure in the element of surprise, wicked humor and all things that get eaten by other things, this list is for you!:

Egg Drop, by Mini Grey

“The egg was young. It didn’t know much. We tried to tell it, but of course it didn’t listen.” This droll tale of dire events serves as a warning to little eggs everywhere. Eggs just aren’t meant to fly.

Footprints in the Snow, by Mei Matsuoka

Mr. Wolf is tired of reading books that always portray his species as wicked, conniving predators. He decides to write his own story about a kindly wolf who follows a set of tracks in the snow that just happen to lead to a fat, tasty-looking duck. Oh, dear! Will Mr. Nice Wolf’s instincts get the better of him?

Hush Little Dragon, by Boni Ashburn; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

“Hush, little dragon, don’t make a sound. Mama’s gonna bring you a princess she found. If that princess runs from you, Mama’s gonna bring you a knight or two. And if those knights should try to flee, Mama’s gonna get a bit fiery. When you want more goodies to munch, Mama’s gonna bring you a king for lunch.”  Need I say more? 

I’d Really Like to Eat a Child, by Sylviane Donnio; illustrated by Dorotheé de Monfreid

Achilles the crocodile is a picky eater. Though his parents do their best to entice him with savory treats, he insists that he prefers children. Achilles soon discovers, however, that catching and eating a child is more difficult than he had planned.

I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean, by Kevin Sherry

Blue giant squid likes being BIG! Bigger than a clam! Bigger than a jelly-fish! Even bigger than an octopus! But is he really the biggest thing in the ocean? Well… maybe not.

Miss Fox, by Simon Puttock; illustrated by Holly Swain

Miss Fox is the best teacher ever! All of her students love her, except Lily Lamb, who suspects that Miss Fox isn’t quite as charming as she seems. Though Miss Fox brings treats for her class every day, she never eats them herself. Lily wonders what Miss Fox will eat…

Snip Snap! What’s That? , by Mara Bergman; illustrated by Nick Maland

A wide-mouthed alligator slithered out of the sewer and slipped up the stairs of an apartment. Were the children scared? YOU BET THEY WERE! Until they decided to take charge and scare the alligator right back!

Tadpole’s Promise, by Jeanne Willis; illustrated by Tony Ross

Tadpole and Caterpillar are in love.  They are so in love that they promise each other never to change.  But Tadpole can’t keep his promise and neither can Caterpillar, leading to an ending more tragic than that of Romeo and Juliet.

Ugly Fish, by Kara LaReau; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Ugly Fish takes pride in being big and mean. He believes that his fish tank is only big enough for one fish and he immediately eliminates any competition. Ugly Fish changes his tune when Shiny Fish arrives and the tables are turned.

Whatever, by William Bee

Billy is very difficult to please. Billy’s father does his best to provide imaginative entertainment, but Billy invariably responds with a bored “Whatever.” In exasperation, Dad decides to present Billy with the world’s hungriest tiger, which puts an end to Billy’s boredom.

What Pet to Get? , by Emma Dodd

When Jack is given permission to get a pet, he deliberates with his mother over which pet would be best.  A crocodile? Too snappy! A bison? Too smelly! What pet to get?

Wolves, by Emily Gravett

What do wolves really like to eat? It isn’t little girls in red hoods! When a young rabbit checks out a library book about wolves, he learns much more about their behavior than might be good for him.