Digital Learning Commons: Literary Genres: Animal Stories

Animal Xenofiction

Animal: A living organism belonging to the kingdom Animalia.

Xeno- : A prefix meaning foreign, strange, or guest.

Fiction: A class of literature comprised of imaginative narratives.

Animal Xenofiction: Fictional stories told from the point of view of animals.

Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know.

Irene M. Pepperberg,

scientist of animal cognition

Notable Animal Xenofiction

The Wild Ones by C. Alexander London
After his parents are killed, Kit, a young raccoon sets off for the city with a stone that may be the key to finding the Bone of Contention, a legendary object that is proof of a deal giving the wild animals the rights to Ankle Snap Alley, which the dogs and cats--known as the flealess--want back and are willing to kill for.
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Joey the horse recalls his experiences growing up on an English farm, his struggle for survival as a cavalry horse during World War I, and his reunion with his beloved master.
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
Rusty, a bored house kitten, is apprenticed by the ThunderClan and must struggle to fit in when the group of feral cats is threatened by ShadowClan, the enemy.
Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo, the dog of professional race car driver Denny Swift, recalls his memories of life with Denny and Denny's daughter Zoë and shares his insight into the human condition that he learned from observing his owner.
Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies
In a Scotland beset by Norse invaders, the deer are fighting their own war. This grand and gripping work takes readers into a world of great heroes and devious villains, ruthless warriors and loyal friends; a world of battles fought with antlers and hooves -- the world of the Herla.
The Capture by Kathryn Lasky
Soren, a barn owl that is captured and taken to a special school for orphaned owls, is befriended by elf owl Gylfie and together the two set out to discover what is really going on at St. Aegolius Academy.

Animals and Fantasy

Redwall by Brian Jacques
Call Number: Fantasy
When the peaceful life of ancient Redwall Abbey is shattered by the arrival of the evil rat Cluny and his villainous hordes, Matthias, a young mouse, determines to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior which, he is convinced, will help Redwall's inhabitants destroy the enemy.
The Wonderling by Mira Bartók
Call Number: Fantasy
In this extraordinary debut novel with its deft nod to Dickensian heroes and rogues, Mira Bartók tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, as he seeks his destiny.
Wild Born by Brandon Mull
Call Number: Fantasy
As a dark force engulfs the land, the fate of Erdas has fallen on the shoulders of four young strangers who each have forged a rare bond with their spirit beasts -- a bond that gives great powers to all of them.
Mouse Guard Fall 1152 by David Petersen
Call Number: Graphic Novels
A graphic comic about the world of Mouse Guard, mice with capes and swords defending themselves against their enemies as if they were Knights of the Round Table.