Grab Your Coffee and Cozy Up: Two Animal Books You Won’t Want to Put Down

Books about animals always seem to draw me in, and the latest two books I’ve read, Smiling Bears by Else Poulsen and The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony, made me wish I worked at National Geographic. Both of these books were so captivating—heart-warming, thought-provoking, and filled with moments that had me laughing out loud. I couldn’t put them down, and I’m excited to share what I loved about each one!

Smiling Bears by Else Poulsen

If you’re in the mood for a warm, funny, and deeply insightful book about animal behavior, Smiling Bears by Else Poulsen is a must-read. As a zoologist specializing in the care of bears, Poulsen shares her firsthand experiences working with these fascinating creatures. I was especially captivated by the creative ways she provided enrichment for the bears, ensuring they stayed mentally and physically engaged.

Poulsen’s genuine passion for the bears shines through in her writing. Her stories about their unique personalities, quirks, and behaviors are both heartwarming and humorous. While there are moments in the book that are undeniably sad, Poulsen always manages to turn the situation around as best she can, which made me root for her even more. Her unwavering dedication to the bears, despite the challenges, makes the narrative feel both balanced and uplifting.

I found myself thinking about the different bears and their stories long after I finished the book. If you’re an animal lover or simply curious about bears, this one’s definitely worth reading.

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony is one of those books you can’t put down. It tells the true story of how he saved a herd of wild elephants and brought them to his wildlife reserve in South Africa. His deep respect for these animals and their unique ways of communicating really comes through.

What amazed me was the patience he had to gain the elephants' trust. The elephants had been through a lot before coming to the reserve, which made them distrustful of humans. Anthony spent time observing them from a distance, showing them that not all humans are a threat. With time and effort, he formed an incredible bond with them.

Anthony does a great job of setting the scene, sharing not only the challenges of adjusting to life with the elephants but also the everyday struggles that come with running a wildlife reserve. From unexpected problems to things simply going wrong, his storytelling pulls you in, making you feel like you’re right there with him.

And his trials along the way had me laughing out loud—and sometimes totally panicked! His mix of humor and real tension kept me hooked from start to finish.

I found myself constantly reaching for my book in every free moment. If you're into animal stories and have ever dreamed of visiting Africa or spending time at a wildlife reserve but don’t have the budget for it (me, every day), this book is the perfect escape.