Is the art too 'weird' for a toddler?

Not really. Kids are actually better at accepting abstract art than adults because they aren't looking for a 'correct' answer yet. They just see colors and shapes.

Does it actually teach them about the artists?

It introduces the names and the visual styles, but it's not a biography. It's about the experience of the art, which is a much better way to start art literacy than memorizing dates.

Is there really a twist at the end?

Yes. After the narrator spends the whole book insisting there are no animals, the final page delivers exactly what the title promises (and doesn't promise) in a way that usually gets a laugh.

Is this better as a physical book or on a tablet?

Go physical. The texture of a book and the ability to point at the art without accidentally swiping to a different app makes a big difference for this kind of 'look and talk' experience.

There Are No Animals in This Book (Only Feelings) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

There Are No Animals in This Book (Only Feelings)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

94%

WISE Score

A cheeky guide to big feelings that uses Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst to prove that modern art isn't just for people who drink expensive espresso.

There Are No Animals in This Book (Only Feelings)

book

2017

94%

WISE Score

A cheeky guide to big feelings that uses Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst to prove that modern art isn't just for people who drink expensive espresso.

Jump to

Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

This is the book for parents who are tired of reading about trucks and bears. It’s a clever, visually sophisticated way to talk about feelings using actual museum-grade art. It respects the kid's intelligence by assuming they can handle a little Murakami while they learn about being sad or surprised.

It’s rare to find a book that bridges the gap between 'high art' and 'early childhood development' without being insufferably boring. This one pulls it off with a sense of humor and a very clean aesthetic.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 3-to-7 crowd. It hits that sweet spot where they are starting to name their feelings but still love a good 'gotcha' ending.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It focuses entirely on emotional literacy and identifying feelings in a gentle, curiosity-driven way.

Imaginative

Using abstract contemporary art to represent internal emotional states is a high-concept move that encourages kids to think metaphorically.

Safe

100

It is a standard picture book with zero safety risks or inappropriate content.

Enriching

It provides a rare, accessible entry point into the world of contemporary art while building a kid's emotional vocabulary.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Art history for toddlers that introduces heavy hitters like Murakami and Koons without the museum-label pretension.
Builds a sophisticated emotional vocabulary by linking abstract visuals to feelings like hurt, love, and surprise.
The narrative gimmick of insisting there are no animals keeps kids engaged and hunting for the eventual twist.
It respects the kid's intelligence by assuming they can handle a little contemporary abstraction.

⚠

What to Watch For

Some kids might find the Damien Hirst or Jeff Koons aesthetics a bit 'weird' or cold at first compared to traditional fuzzy-animal illustrations.
The book is a conversation starter, not a self-contained story; it works best if you're ready to pause and ask 'what do you see?'

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the narrator keeps saying there are no animals in here?"
"Does this painting look like a hug or a surprise to you?"
"If you were going to paint the feeling of being 'hurt,' what colors would you use?"
"Which of these art pieces would you want to have in your bedroom?"

Deep Dive

Contemporary art can be a tough sell for adults, let alone a four-year-old. But There Are No Animals in This Book (Only Feelings) skips the 'what does it mean?' anxiety and goes straight for 'how does it feel?' It’s a brilliant pivot. Instead of explaining the mechanics of a Jeff Koons balloon dog, it asks if the shiny surface feels like a celebration.

The book features works by Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, and Alex Katz, among others. For a parent, it’s a relief to look at something that wouldn't be out of place in a gallery while your kid is busy trying to find the hidden animal. It’s part of a growing trend of 'sophisticated' children's books that don't talk down to their audience. If you’re a parent who actually enjoys going to a museum, this is your gateway drug for the next generation. The 'no animals' framing is the hook that keeps the kid turning pages, but the real value is the permission it gives them to have an opinion on art that isn't just a drawing of a cat.

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