I have an 8yo with the same taste. We have had to dig hard to find him fiction books since all he wanted to read was nonfiction books about animals and science and his teacher gently suggested it was time for something else. Magic School Bus is the all time favorite, and he reads one chapter book each night these days. He liked these two other series as well: Andrew Lost (here's one: http://www.amazon.com/Under-Water-Andrew-Lost-5/dp/0375825231/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1332352378&sr=8-5) and Animal Rescue League (one of those: http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Rescue-Team-Gator-Loose/dp/B006J3XSEW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332352419&sr=1-1). The Magic Tree House books don't appeal to him for some reason - the other three series have a humorous element to them, which seems to be part of the charm. I don't think I could sell my kid on anything that's too dark, like Call of the Wild, but maybe I'm underestimating him. I'm hoping to get more suggestions here too!

OP here - thanks for all of the great suggestions! I've never read any of these (besides Watership Down), so I look forward to reading these books with my children due to your positive reviews!

We do read lots of nonfiction books about animals - National Geographic has some wonderful books for kids - but imo there is nothing like getting sucked into a gripping narrative!

Explore non-fiction. Go to the library pick an animal and the children's librarian can show you quite a few options. There is a great series called Scientists in the Field that is quite engaging:

http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/sciencenature/a/Scientists-In-The-Field-Series.htm

"My Side of the Mountain" is wonderful. The author, Jean Craighead George, later wrote several other books that continue the story. She also wrote "Julie of the Wolves" and a huge number of other nature-focused books.

Also check out "Ranger Rick" magazine, which is published by the National Wildlife Foundation.

Gerald Durrell: My family and other animals. Great book, very funny stories.
Amazon's recommended reading level is ages 18 and up, but I was about 8 y.o. when I first read it (in another language though), and loved it.

Gerald Durrell: My family and other animals. Great book, very funny stories.

"Watership Down" is a little advanced but it depends on your reader. I also second "Big Red" and the sequel "Irish Red"

Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet" is good but maybe a little advanced (my 4th grade teacher read it to the class and I still remember it!). It's about a boy who is stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. I can't wait to read it to my own sons.

I left my reply window up for too long, and I see that someone has already suggested Misty of Chincoteague I will post back if I think of any others.

The Misty of Chincoteague books are specifically about horses, but they are very detailed and well written. I was also going to suggest My Side of the Mountain.

Try "Call of the Wild"

Anonymous wrote:Your 8 year old might be old enough for "My Side of the Mountain." If not now, definitely in a year or two. It's about a 12 year old who runs away and lives in the Catskills. Along the way he tames a falcon and meets lots of other animals.

I was thinking of this too.

What about Misty of Chincoteague? You could even take a trip down there some time if you wanted.

Your 8 year old might be old enough for "My Side of the Mountain." If not now, definitely in a year or two. It's about a 12 year old who runs away and lives in the Catskills. Along the way he tames a falcon and meets lots of other animals.

I loved Big Red and other books by Jim Kjellgaard as a kid. I just looked it up and it's targeted at 9-12 year olds. It might be a little old for your 8 year old, but they are such good stories, it's worth a try. And if he likes it, there are many more.

Anyway, it's about a boy who befriends an Irish setter, and they live out in the "Wintapi" wilderness. They are inseparable and have a run-in with a bear.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Big-Red/Jim-Kjelgaard/e/9780823423910/?itm=7&USRI=jim+kjellgard

DS age 8 and DD age 6 have always loved books and tv shows about animals and nature - e.g. Diego, Magic School Bus, and now they love the Wild Kratts tv show. I am having trouble finding age appropriate books on these subjects (animal rescue adventures would be great) for them, particularly the 8 year old who is starting to read on his own for pleasure. We read Magic School Bus (chapter books for DS and the regular ones for DD) and DS loved the Akimbo series. I would love some ideas, thank you in advance!