Meet 15 Amazing Animals

From sea turtles and wolves to penguins, lizards, and creatures you've probably never heard of, each module introduces a new animal to discover. Learn surprising facts, explore habitats, and find out what makes each species unique.

Build Your Own Animal Atlas

This course isn't just about reading—it's about creating. Students build a personalized Animal Atlas filled with research pages, facts, maps, illustrations, and discoveries.

Become an Animal Expert

By the end of the challenge, students won't just know random facts—they'll understand habitats, adaptations, food chains, predators, migration, camouflage, and animal behavior. They'll build the kind of deep knowledge that comes from studying a topic over time.

Reading Challenge Modules

    1. Welcome to the Reading Challenge!

    2. Gather your books

    3. Start Your Animal Atlas

    1. Animal Atlas Cover Page

    2. Book 1

    3. Book 2

    4. Book 3

    5. Book 4

    6. Book 5

    1. Book 6

    2. Book 7

    3. Book 8

    4. Book 9

    5. Book 10

    1. Book 11

    2. Book 12

    3. Book 13

    4. Book 14

    5. Book 15

    6. Animal Atlas Flipthrough

About this challenge

  • For All Readers of Chapter Books
  • K-8
  • Join a Reading Community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What materials do I need?

    You'll need the National Geographic Kids Animal Readers, a notebook or binder for your Animal Atlas, and pencils, markers, or colored pencils. As you complete each book, you'll add facts, drawings, maps, and discoveries to your atlas until you've created your own animal encyclopedia.

  • Is this course really self-paced?

    Yes. There are no live sessions, no deadlines, and no scheduled class times. Your student works through lessons whenever it fits your schedule.

  • How does the mastery-based feedback work?

    When your student submits an assignment, our instructors review it and either approve it or send specific feedback for revision. Students revise and resubmit until the work meets the standard. No moving on until it's solid.

  • How long does the course take to complete?

    Most students finish in 3–5 months, but there's no time limit. Some families move faster, some slower - the course works either way.

  • What do students get when they finish?

    A certificate of completion. The course is transcript-eligible through Wild Oasis Learning, or students can self-report the credit to their own school or program.

Get Started

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