Oh, Deer! My Top 10 Picks for Your Little Fawns
- Veronica’s Views
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
If you live anywhere near a patch of grass, you know that deer are basically the supermodels of the animal kingdom: long legs, big eyes, and an insatiable appetite for your most expensive hydrangeas. As someone who has written an entire book about a fawn who treats a flower bed like a buffet, I have a soft spot for these four-legged garden crashers.
Whether your child is obsessed with Bambi or you’re just trying to explain why the tulips are suddenly "gone," a good deer story is a must-have for the bookshelf. Here are my top ten deer-centric reads that are actually worth the "one more time!" bedtime plea.
The Top Ten "Deerest" Stories
by Veronica Saretsky
I’m leading with this one because, frankly, it’s my baby. It follows a little fawn and her Mommy Deer as they head to the garden for a snack. While Mommy is ready to dig in, the baby deer thinks marigolds are "Yuck! Yuck! Yucky!" It’s a witty, repetitive story that helps kids (and deer) realize that trying new things isn't so bad after all. Plus, there are hidden ladybugs to find!
by Felix Salten
The original heart-breaker. Before it was a Disney movie, it was a beautiful, sometimes gritty story about growing up in the wild. It’s perfect for older kids who are ready for a bit more depth and "the circle of life."
by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
This photographic fantasy is a classic. It features stunning real-life photography of a newborn fawn alone in the woods, waiting for its mother. It’s a great way to teach kids about actual deer behaviour—like how fawns are supposed to stay still and quiet!
by Veronica Saretsky
Technically a reindeer, but close enough for my list! This isn't your average "North Pole" story. It’s about resilience and finding your groove when things don't go as planned. Blitzen might be a reindeer, but his journey of bouncing back from a setback is something every "fawn" in your life can relate to. It’s funny, fast-paced, and full of heart.
by Nicola Killen
A sweet, atmospheric story about a girl named Ollie and her toy deer that comes to life in a winter wonderland. It’s quiet, magical, and perfect for cozying up under a blanket.
by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
Another winner from the Sams/Stoick duo. The local forest animals (including some very curious deer) react to a "stranger" (a snowman) appearing in their woods. It’s a lovely winter read.
A Woodsy ABC
by Sacha Cotter
A great pick for the youngest fawns in your house. It’s a simple, stylish board book that features forest animals, including our long-legged friends, while helping kids learn their letters.
Wild Animals: Deer
by Emily Rose Townsend
If your kid is a "just the facts, please" type, this non-fiction pick is great. It explains antlers, hooves, and why they can jump so high (hint: they’re basically nature’s pogo sticks).
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Part of the "Little House" picture book series, this adapted story shows the respect pioneers had for the wild animals around them. It’s gentle and nostalgic.
by Rebecca Pettiford
Another great non-fiction choice that follows the life cycle of a deer. The photography is vibrant and captures all the "aww" moments of a baby deer’s first few months.
So there you have it—enough deer content to keep your little ones busy while you go out and put a fence around your roses!
Do you have a favorite forest animal that deserves its own top ten list next?
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