20 best books on extinct animals – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you fascinated by the wonders of the ancient world and the incredible creatures that once roamed the Earth? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 best books about extinct animals that will transport you back in time and immerse you in the captivating stories of these long-lost creatures. From dinosaurs and mammoths to dodos and saber-toothed tigers, these books on extinct animals will ignite your imagination and fill you with awe for the incredible diversity of life that once existed on our planet.


The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World

by Steve Brusatte

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte is an enthralling book about the incredible creatures that once roamed our planet. Brusatte takes readers on a captivating journey through time, bringing to life the awe-inspiring world of the extinct animals that ruled the Earth millions of years ago. This remarkable book delves into the latest scientific discoveries and research, shedding new light on the incredible rise and ultimate demise of these ancient giants. Brusatte’s storytelling prowess and his deep passion for paleontology make this book a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of our planet’s past.

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History

by Elizabeth Kolbert

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert is an eye-opening journey into the world of vanished creatures and the alarming rate at which species are disappearing today. This gripping book on extinct animals explores the notion that we are currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction event in the history of our planet. Kolbert takes us on a captivating adventure to remote corners of the earth, where she investigates the profound impact of human activity on biodiversity. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she reveals the devastating consequences of habitat destruction, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors on various species. This thought-provoking and illuminating book about extinct animals serves as a wake-up call, urging us to recognize our role in this ecological crisis and take action before it’s too late.

The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs

by Gregory S. Paul

The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs by Gregory S. Paul is a captivating book about these long-gone creatures of the past. With stunning illustrations and detailed descriptions, this book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the world of extinct animals. From the mighty T-Rex to the graceful Brachiosaurus, Paul’s expertise and passion for paleontology shines through on every page. This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information about the anatomy, behavior, and evolution of dinosaurs, making it a must-have for any dinosaur enthusiast or budding paleontologist. Whether you’re a casual reader or a serious researcher, this book is the ultimate resource for anyone eager to learn more about these ancient and awe-inspiring creatures.

The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant

by Levison Wood

The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant by Levison Wood is an enthralling account of the world’s largest land animal, the African elephant. This captivating book delves into the history, majesty, and tragic decline of these magnificent creatures. Levison Wood takes readers on a journey across the African continent, exploring the elephants’ habitats, their extraordinary social structures, and the devastating impact of poaching and habitat loss. With vivid storytelling and stunning photography, Wood brings to life the struggles and triumphs of these incredible animals. Whether you are an avid conservationist or simply fascinated by the natural world, this book about extinct animals is a must-read, shedding light on the urgent need to protect and preserve these last giants.

The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared

by Peter D. Ward

The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared by Peter D. Ward is a captivating book that delves into the mysteries surrounding the extinction of ice age mammals. This fascinating book explores the demise of these majestic creatures that once roamed the Earth, revealing intricate details and shedding light on the reasons behind their disappearance. Ward’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling will leave readers mesmerized as they uncover the secrets of the past. This thought-provoking book about extinct animals takes readers on a journey through time, as they discover the complex interplay between climate change, natural disasters, and the evolution of humans that ultimately led to the extinction of these incredible creatures. The Call of Distant Mammoths is a must-read for anyone captivated by the mysteries of the past and the incredible creatures that once walked our planet.

Once and Future Giants: What Ice Age Extinctions Tell Us About the Fate of Earth’s Largest Animals

by Sharon Levy

‘Once and Future Giants: What Ice Age Extinctions Tell Us About the Fate of Earth’s Largest Animals’ by Sharon Levy is a fascinating exploration into the world of extinct creatures. This captivating book delves into the mysteries of the Ice Age and the colossal animals that once roamed the Earth. Levy’s research takes us on an incredible journey through time, uncovering the reasons behind the extinction of these magnificent creatures. From mammoths to saber-toothed cats, this book provides a deep understanding of these ancient animals and the lessons we can learn from their demise. With its engaging writing style and thought-provoking insights, ‘Once and Future Giants’ is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of our planet and the future of its inhabitants.

The World of Dinosaurs: An Illustrated Tour

by Mark A. Norell

The World of Dinosaurs: An Illustrated Tour by Mark A. Norell is a captivating book on prehistoric creatures that will transport you back in time to the mesmerizing world of extinct animals. This extraordinary book about ancient creatures provides a visually stunning and informative journey through the ages, showcasing an array of dinosaurs, ancient birds, and other extinct animals that once roamed the Earth. With breathtaking illustrations and expertly curated scientific knowledge, Norell brings these long-lost creatures to life, unraveling mysteries and shedding light on the fascinating world of extinct animals. Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the past, this extinct animals book is a must-read that will ignite your imagination and leave you in awe of Earth’s incredible history.

The Sabertooth’s Secret: A Prehistoric Adventure

by Patricia Simpson

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling prehistoric adventure? Look no further than “The Sabertooth’s Secret” by Patricia Simpson, a captivating book about ancient creatures. This mesmerizing tale takes you back in time to a world filled with mysterious and awe-inspiring extinct animals. From fierce sabertooth tigers to enormous woolly mammoths, you’ll encounter a menagerie of fascinating creatures that once roamed the Earth. Join our brave young protagonist as they uncover the secrets of these ancient beasts and face thrilling challenges along the way. With vivid descriptions and breathtaking illustrations, this book on extinct animals will transport you to a time long gone, where danger and discovery await at every turn. Get ready to step into the past and unlock the Sabertooth’s Secret!

The Lost World of the Moa: Prehistoric Life of New Zealand

by Trevor H. Worthy

The Lost World of the Moa: Prehistoric Life of New Zealand, written by Trevor H. Worthy, takes readers on a captivating journey into the ancient and mysterious world of New Zealand’s extinct animals. This mesmerizing book unveils the fascinating history of the moa, a giant flightless bird that once roamed the lush forests of the island nation. Through Worthy’s expert storytelling and vivid descriptions, readers will uncover the secrets of these incredible creatures and gain a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem they inhabited. Bursting with stunning illustrations and scientific insights, this book about extinct animals will transport readers back in time and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the lost world of the moa.

The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant

by Levison Wood

‘The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant’ by Levison Wood is a captivating book that delves into the mesmerizing world of these majestic creatures. Drawing on his own firsthand experiences and extensive research, Wood paints a vivid picture of the African elephant’s journey from being a symbol of power and grace to the brink of extinction. With a mix of adventure, conservation, and thought-provoking insights, this book is a must-read for anyone who is fascinated by the natural world and concerned about the future of these incredible beings. Join Wood on his expedition through the African wilderness as he uncovers the untold stories of these last giants in an extraordinary tale that will leave you both awe-inspired and deeply moved.

The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared

by Peter D. Ward

In The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared, Peter D. Ward takes us on a thrilling journey through the last Ice Age, exploring the mysteries behind the disappearance of these magnificent creatures that once roamed our planet. This captivating book delves into the fascinating world of extinct animals, shedding light on the enigmatic reasons behind their demise. Ward’s in-depth research and engaging storytelling paint a vivid picture of the ancient landscapes that were once home to these majestic beasts. Through a combination of scientific evidence and captivating anecdotes, The Call of Distant Mammoths offers a compelling look into the past and a deeper understanding of the fragile balance between life and extinction. This is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of our planet’s history and the extraordinary creatures that once walked the Earth.

The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs

by Gregory S. Paul

The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs by Gregory S. Paul is the ultimate book on prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth. This comprehensive and visually stunning guide takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the fascinating world of dinosaurs and other extinct animals. With detailed illustrations and expert analysis, Paul brings these ancient creatures to life, offering a wealth of information on their anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history. From the towering Tyrannosaurus rex to the swift Velociraptor, this book is a must-have for anyone with a passion for paleontology or a curiosity about the incredible diversity of life that once inhabited our planet. Get ready to embark on an adventure through time with this extraordinary book about extinct animals!

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World

by Steve Brusatte

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte is a thrilling and captivating book on prehistoric creatures that once roamed the Earth. Brusatte takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating and awe-inspiring world of dinosaurs and other extinct animals. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, he brings these long-lost creatures back to life, painting a vivid picture of their rise to dominance and eventual demise. From the ferocious T. rex to the gentle and enormous Brachiosaurus, this book about extinct animals provides a comprehensive and engaging account of their existence and the mysteries that still surround them. Whether you’re a seasoned paleontology enthusiast or simply curious about the prehistoric world, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is an absolute must-read.

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History

by Elizabeth Kolbert

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert is a captivating and eye-opening book about the ongoing mass extinction of species on our planet. Kolbert takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the alarming rate at which various plants and animals have disappeared from the Earth. This thought-provoking book delves into the devastating impact that human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change have had on the delicate balance of life. Kolbert’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling shed light on the fragility of our planet’s ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Prepare to be both awestruck and deeply troubled as you delve into this groundbreaking book on vanished creatures, a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.

The World of Dinosaurs: An Illustrated Tour

by Mark A. Norell

The World of Dinosaurs: An Illustrated Tour by Mark A. Norell takes readers on a captivating journey through the prehistoric era. This mesmerizing book on extinct animals transports us back in time to explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. With stunning illustrations and detailed descriptions, Norell brings these long-lost beings to life, shedding light on their behaviors, habitats, and evolutionary significance. From the towering Tyrannosaurus rex to the graceful Pteranodon, this book about extinct animals offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the diverse range of species that once roamed our planet. Whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast or simply curious about Earth’s ancient inhabitants, this extinct animals book is a must-have for any lover of natural history.

The Sabertooth’s Secret: A Prehistoric Adventure

by Patricia Simpson

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through time with “The Sabertooth’s Secret: A Prehistoric Adventure” by Patricia Simpson. In this captivating book about extinct animals, you will be transported back to the prehistoric era, where mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and other ancient creatures roamed the earth.

Discover the secrets of these fascinating extinct animals as you follow the gripping story of a young paleontologist named Emma. With vivid descriptions and heart-pounding action, Simpson brings the prehistoric world to life, immersing readers in a world filled with danger and wonder.

Whether you are a dinosaur enthusiast or simply intrigued by the mysteries of the past, this book on extinct animals is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by the Sabertooth’s Secret and uncover the hidden wonders of the ancient world.

The Lost World of the Moa: Prehistoric Life of New Zealand

by Trevor H. Worthy

The Lost World of the Moa: Prehistoric Life of New Zealand by Trevor H. Worthy takes readers on a fascinating journey into the ancient past of New Zealand, unearthing the secrets of its extinct creatures. This captivating book on prehistoric life is a treasure trove of information about the unique and diverse fauna that once roamed the islands. From the towering moa birds to the formidable Haast’s eagle, Worthy delves into the fascinating world of these vanished creatures, reconstructing their lives and habitats through meticulous research and breathtaking illustrations. With its engaging narrative and stunning visuals, this extinct animals book is a must-read for anyone curious about the lost world of New Zealand’s prehistoric past.

Once and Future Giants: What Ice Age Extinctions Tell Us About the Fate of Earth’s Largest Animals

by Sharon Levy

Once and Future Giants is a captivating book that delves into the fascinating world of Earth’s largest animals that once roamed our planet. Author Sharon Levy takes us on a thrilling journey back in time, exploring the Ice Age extinctions and what they can teach us about the fate of these magnificent creatures. This thought-provoking book provides a unique perspective on the impact of climate change and human activities on the world’s ecosystems, shedding light on the importance of conservation efforts today.

With rich storytelling and scientific expertise, Levy paints a vivid picture of the once-thriving megafauna and their mysterious disappearance. Through her exploration of paleontology, ecology, and anthropology, she uncovers surprising connections between the past and the present, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of our planet’s fragile balance. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the wonders of our natural world, this book about extinct animals is sure to captivate and educate.

The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant

by Levison Wood

Discover the captivating world of majestic creatures in Levison Wood’s thrilling book, ‘The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant’. This gripping exploration takes readers on a riveting journey through the African savannah, delving into the extraordinary life and tragic decline of these magnificent beasts. Wood’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research make this book about extinct animals a must-read for nature enthusiasts. From the heartwarming tales of elephant families to the heart-wrenching stories of poaching and habitat loss, ‘The Last Giants’ is a powerful testament to the urgent need for conservation. Immerse yourself in this poignant narrative and gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and the world’s last remaining giants.

The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared

by Peter D. Ward

The Call of Distant Mammoths: Why the Ice Age Mammals Disappeared by Peter D. Ward is a fascinating book that delves into the mysterious disappearance of the magnificent creatures that once roamed the Earth. This captivating book takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the lives of these extinct animals and unraveling the secrets behind their extinction. Ward skillfully combines scientific research with compelling storytelling to bring these ancient creatures back to life. From the mighty mammoths to the powerful saber-toothed tigers, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the ice age mammals. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about our planet’s past, this book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the enigma of extinct animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about extinct animals provide a fascinating journey into the world of creatures that once roamed the Earth. From dinosaurs to dodos, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and insight into the lives of these extinct species. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of our planet’s past, these books are sure to captivate and educate. So, grab a book, dive into the pages, and embark on a thrilling adventure through time with these incredible books about extinct animals.