Introducing reading from a young age is integral for good skill development and books help learners gain important knowledge regarding the world around them. Children learn how to understand letters, how to string them together to form words, and then how to create sentences. Follow along as we unpack 65 of the best 1st grade books for young learners!
1. You Hold Me Up
A tale of love and support comes alive in this thought-provoking. You Hold Me Up reminds us to spread kindness, express compassion, and show respect for our family and friends.
Check it out: You Hold Me Up
2. Dear Dragon
Pen pals, George and Blaise, are about to get the surprise of their life! Enjoy a heartwarming story about how a human and a dragon become friends!
Check it out: Dear Dragon
3. The Night Before First Grade
There's no need to be nervous for the first day of school! Accompany Penny as she prepares for the first day of 1st grade and looks forward to an exciting year ahead.
Check it out: The Night Before First Grade
4. Ice Cream Soup
Have a laugh as an ice cream cake soon becomes ice cream soup! Mmmm, what delicious toppings would you like to enjoy on an ice cream cake of your own creating?
Check it out: Ice Cream Soup
5. EllRay Jakes- The King Of Recess
In an attempt to find more friends, Ellray Jakes sets out on a mission to become the Recess King by coming up with the best break-time games.
Check it out: EllRay Jakes- The King Of Recess
6. Curious George's First Day of School
Are you ready for the first day of school? Curious George sure is and is looking forward to wreaking havoc as normal! This classic tale sees George the monkey join Mr. Apple’s class as a special helper.
Check it out: Curious George's First Day of School
7. May I Please Have a Cookie?
Discover magic words with Alfie the alligator. Alfie's politeness is rewarded with delicious cookies from his mom, so let's start reading to help him get more!
Check it out: May I Please Have a Cookie?
8. What If Everybody Did That?
Now more than ever, it's important to learn about the consequences certain actions can have. This humorous book poses a thought-provoking question and prompts readers to consider why it's good to obey the rules.
Check it out: What If Everybody Did That?
9. The Day You Begin
The Day You Begin is a beautiful depiction of how important good social connections are for sustained happiness. This tale encourages its readers to be their authentic selves and be brave enough to reach out to others to make friends.
Check it out: The Day You Begin
10. Thanksgiving, Here I Come!
This book perfectly depicts the Thanksgiving holiday and is a good reminder for us to take time to express our gratitude and give thanks to those around us.
Check it out: Thanksgiving, Here I Come!
11. Our Class is a Family
Our Class is a Family gives us a sneak-peek into tight-knit classroom communities. This book shows readers that it's okay to be themselves, have fun, and take risks throughout class time.
Check it out: Our Class is a Family
12. A Little SPOT Stays Home: A Story About Viruses And Safe Distancing
Ever-popular in COVID times is a book about viruses and safe distancing protocols. Spend the day at home with Spot and learn more about how to stay safe and keep having fun at home!
Check it out: A Little SPOT Stays Home: A Story About Viruses And Safe Distancing
13. Eraser
Eraser is ready to make her mark and so sets off on a journey of creation and self-discovery! She's on a mission to impress the other school supplies and needs your help.
Check it out: Eraser
14. There's an Alligator under My Bed
Is your 1st grader worried about creatures under the bed? This fantasy story will help put their mind at ease before bed so that they can rest assured that there's nothing lurking beneath the bed.
Check it out: There's an Alligator under My Bed
15. The Hundred Dresses
Learn to stand up for what's right with this spectacular read about bullying, kindness, and courage!
Check it out: The Hundred Dresses
16. The Book Hog
Grow your love of reading as you're accompanied by the book hog. This hilarious hog befriends a quirky librarian who gets him hooked on reading, and before he knows it- he just can't get enough!
Check it out: The Book Hog
17. Tiny Goes to the Library
This witty reader sees Tiny the dog accompany his owner to the library. Not until they get there, do they realize that Tiny isn't so tiny after all and has to wait outside!
Check it out: Tiny Goes to the Library
18. Too Many Dogs
This imaginative tale makes space for all breeds of dogs. Practice early reading and enjoy getting acquainted with canines that are small and large as well as those that are fluffy and shaggy.
Check it out: Too Many Dogs
19. Mittens (My First I Can Read)
Help Mittens find a special place to call his own as he moves into a big, new house and is on the hunt for a friend.
Check it out: Mittens (My First I Can Read)
20. Go, Dog. Go!
This early reader, edited by Dr. Seuss, will have you in fits of laughter. Rhyming words are strung together to make hilarious sentences about an assortment of dogs.
Check it out: Go Dog, Go
21. Honey Bunny Funny Bunny
Honey Bubby is constantly being pranked by her older brother. You decide if the jokes gone too far this time as her face is painted bright green whilst she sleeps!
Check it out: Honey Bunny Funny bunny
22. Put Me in the Zoo
Find your place in the world with the help of this encouraging book. Spot wows a young boy and girl by showing them all the marvelous things he can do with his spots!
Check it out: Put Me in the Zoo
23. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This classic picture book is perfect to pass down from one generation to the next. Beautiful illustrations depict a special journey of change as the very hungry caterpillar eats his way from the start of the book to the end.
Check it out: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
24. Are You My Mother?
How do you find your mother when you're not sure what she looks like? Learn more about this baby bird's first journey from the nest and see what exciting animals he meets along the way!
Check it out: Are You My Mother?
25. Otter: What Pet Is Best?
Help a rambunctious little otter choose the best pet for her and her teddy bear in this cute animal friend's reader. Will it be a fish or a monkey or maybe even a skunk?
Check it out: Otter: What Pet Is Best?
26. I Want to Be a Veterinarian
A book that teaches our youth to care for and show love to all animals. Take a sneak-peek into the world of Veterinarians when Gus the dog takes a trip to the vet.
Check it out: I Want to Be a Veterinarian
27. Garden Friends
Explore the tiny world of hidden creepy crawlies in your garden. This book with colorful illustrations will engage young readers and teach them about all of our precious garden friends.
Check it out: Garden Friends
28. Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll
Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll is a fun story about perseverance, friendship, and encouragement. Let's help Ricky roll down a big hill with his pals!
Check it out: Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll
29. The Hiccupotamus
Help an elephant, a centipede, and a rhinoceros find a cure for their poor hiccupping hippopotamus friend in this hilarious picture book.
Check it out: The Hiccupotamus
30. The Moonlight Meeting: The Nocturnals
A new friendship begins to blossom under a moon-lit sky as fox, glider, and pangolin share a delicious pomelo fruit during their midnight meeting.
Check it out: The Moonlight Meeting: The Nocturnals
31. The Bear and the Fern
This special rhyming story sees a bear and a houseplant form an unlikely bond. This book encourages young learners to believe in themselves and remember that they can do anything they set their minds to.
Check it out: The Bear and the Fern
32. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
This heartwarming tale centered around sisters, Faizah and Asiya, teaches readers to be proud of who they are, even in times of adversity.
Check it out: The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
33. Just a Little Love
Critter finds love just in time for Valentine's day! Read along as we find out if his valentine will love him back.
Check it out: Just a Little Love
34. Jabari Jumps
Jabari works up the courage to face one of his biggest fears- swimming. Jabari's dad helps encourage his son to take a leap off the diving board, but is he ready to dive and make a splash?
Check it out: Jabari Jumps
35. The Name Jar
Unhei is worried about her classmates not being able to pronounce her Korean name. She decides to make a name jar and choose herself a new name after the first week of school until one of her classmates discovers her name and the beautiful meaning behind it. Unhei's name jar mysteriously disappears and she is then prompted by her friends to be proud and use her real name.
Check it out: The Name Jar
36. Get the Giggles: A First Joke Book
If you're in the mood for a good giggle then this is the book for you! Humor stories come alive in this simple first joke book!
Check it out: Get the Giggles: A First Joke Book
37. Let's Have a Sleepover!
Hedgehog and Harry the Hamster have a sleepover! What's news to Harry is that they're sleeping outside in a tent- help him overcome his first sleepover jitters!
Check it out: Let's Have a Sleepover!
38. Actual Size
Actual Size puts the size of animals into perspective as the author illustrates certain creatures and their features at their proper size!
Check it out: Actual Size
39. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
Sam and Dave set out on an expedition to find something extraordinary. In the hopes of finding a spectacular treasure, the pair dig and dig, day after day, until finally- they get lucky!
Check it out: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
40. Adventures Of Beekle Unimaginary Friend
An exciting adventure unfolds as Imaginary Beekle finds his first unimaginary friend!
Check it out: Adventures Of Beekle Unimaginary Friend
41. There Might Be Lobsters
Sukie, a small puppy, is wary about what she may encounter on her trip to the beach. From sand to waves and balls to lobsters, Sukie learns to overcome her fears and enjoy a fun day in the sun!
Check it out: There Might Be Lobsters
42. The Day the Crayons Quit
Poor Duncan's crayons have all had enough coloring! Duncan sets off on a mission to appease his crayons so that they can work together again and enjoy bringing beautiful art to life.
Check it out: The Day the Crayons Quit
43. The Rainbow Fish
The dazzling rainbow fish shares his most prized possessions and teaches readers about the value of friendship and learning to share.
Check it out: The Rainbow Fish
44. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Giving a mouse a cookie sets off a string of requests in this witty 1st grade reading book.
Check it out: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
45. My Mouth Is A Volcano
Teach kids the power of speech with this thought-provoking book. Louis learns to control his thoughts, respectfully wait his turn to speak, and use kind words.
Check it out: My Mouth Is A Volcano
46. Hello Lighthouse
Be swept away by this magical tale that depicts the life of a lighthouse keeper and his family and shows us why lighthouses are so important.
Check it out: Hello Lighthouse
47. The Most Magnificent Thing
A girl and her dog best friend decide to make the most magnificent thing, and unknowingly learn the art of patience and perseverance as they tinker away!
Check it out: The Most Magnificent Thing
48. You Are Not Small
The saying that "size is relative" sure is apparent in this book. Two fluffy bears argue over which of them is small and which is big until they are acquainted with a new guest who easily settles their argument.
Check it out: You Are Not Small
49. The Word Collector
Learn about the profound power of words in this awesome story that sees young boy, Jerome, collect an assortment of unique words.
Check it out: The Word Collector
50. Sleep Like a Tiger
This calming bedtime story is a beautiful depiction of a conversation between a restless young girl and her parents before bed.
Check it out: Sleep Like a Tiger
51. June Moon
Follow June Moon on her journey across the ocean to a new home. This is a tale of friendship and determination and learning to overcome the obstacles placed in your path.
Check it out: June Moon
52. Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold creates an imaginative new world for himself by drawing unique landscapes and sites using his purple crayon.
Check it out: Harold and the Purple Crayon
53. The Great Big Book of Families
The Great Big Book of Families teaches young readers that each family looks different. Explore different cultures, ages, foods, and animals in this diverse tale of acceptance.
Check it out: The Great Big Book of Families
54. Swimmy
Swimmy the fish prompts his friends to enjoy their ocean life and not be scared of potential lurking dangers.
Check it out: Swimmy
55. It's Mine!
Three young frogs learn the importance of teamwork in achieving their goals.
Check it out: It's Mine!
56. Two Homes
This important book comforts children in their transition between living in just one home, to living in and visiting parents in two different homes.
Check it out: Two Homes
57. This Is Not My Hat
This award-winning book sees a tiny fish acquire a new hat that he seems to greatly enjoy.
Check it out: This Is Not My Hat
58. When I Miss You
This is a beautifully comforting book for kids who experience separation anxiety. When I Miss You teaches readers coping strategies of how to cope with missing their parents or loved ones.
Check it out: When I Miss You
59. Harry the Dirty Dog
Harry gets a bath so that he can look like himself again- a white dog with black spots, not a dirty black dog with dusty white spots.
Check it out: Harry the Dirty Dog
60. George and Martha
If you're looking for a book on friendship, then this is the perfect read for you! George and Martha are two hippos that love each other very much!
Check it out: George and Martha
61. Toot & Puddle
Toot and Puddle discover that strong friendship knows no bounds as these two piggies embark on their own adventures and are finally reunited after a year of separation.
Check it out: Toot & Puddle
62. I Love You Near and Far
This touching book teaches readers that although loved ones may be apart from each other in a geographical sense, they will always be kept close to heart and loved nonetheless!
Check it out: I Love You Near and Far
63. Pick a Pine Tree
This is a great Christmas-time read and details all the special festivities that are enjoyed around this time of year.
Check it out: Pick a Pine Tree
64. Big Shark, Little Shark
Learn about opposites and similarities with this clever story called Big Shark, Little Shark.
Check it out: Big Shark, Little Shark
65. Inky the Octopus
In this thrilling book, Inky the Octopus escapes from the aquarium and is headed for the ocean. Enjoy an adventure tale and fun illustrations.
Check it out: Inky the Octopus
First-grade readers are generally sweet stories that capture the interest of young boys and girls. Our collection of fantasy, humor, and adventure stories helps teach important values such as kindness, respect, and patience that are a perfect addition to any young learners' bookshelf.
30 5th Grade Books To Prepare Your Child For Middle School