5 books about unusual animals

These fascinating fictional creatures are like nothing you’ve ever seen in real life.

Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale by Hannah Durkan

(Hachette Children’s)

Zeina Starborn has always dreamed of exploring the skies, and can’t believe her luck when she wins the chance to visit the famous Willoughby Whale Hotel – an enormous hotel built on the back of a flying whale. Set in a fantastical world of inventors, explorers and mighty sky whales, this is a thrilling and imaginative adventure.

White Fox by Chen Jiatong.

Translated by Jennifer Feeley. Illustrated by Viola Wang (Chicken House)

A young white fox searches for an amazing treasure with the power to make animals human in this delightful story translated from Chinese. Wicked blue foxes seek the treasure too. Can our hero stay one step ahead?

My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin (Chicken House)

It’s 1893, and 12-year-old Vinnie has a job working at the tea-shop at an aquarium. When a giant octopus arrives, Vinnie discovers a new talent for art – and also learns that she has the power to communicate with the strange creature. Soon a gripping mystery begins to unfold.

The White Giraffe by Lauren St John. Illustrated by David Dean (Hachette Children’s)

When Martine is sent from England to live with her grandmother on a game reserve in South Africa, she finds herself in a wild, beautiful but strange new world. Then one moonlit night she glimpses something magical, and she is soon swept up in an adventure.

Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang:

The Amsterdam Adventure by Paul O’Grady.

Illustrated by Sue Hellard (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Eddie Albert has a special power. He can talk to animals, including his dog, his hamster and his two goldfish. Eddie soon learns his Aunt Budge has the gift too – and soon they are mixed up with a whole gang of amazing animals.