It’s finally that time! Your little first grader is getting more interested in reading, and you’re looking for engaging books for 1st graders. This post will help. Finding the right books for your 1st graders is so important because it may be their first impression of reading to themselves.
On this list, you’ll find a list of books, including picture books, early readers, and young chapter books that you can read with your 1st graders and some they can read for themselves too. I’m excited about this list because sometimes books for new readers can be boring (obviously designed to teach reading and not for story enjoyment), but the books on this list are actually funny, delightful, surprising, and 100% enjoyable.
Where possible, I’ve also included snapshots of the book’s pages so you know what to expect before you purchase. And finally, if your first grader is more into chapter books, we have a list of 1st grade chapter books coming in the next week or two.
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20 Perfect Books for 1st Graders
Here are 20 of the best books for 1st graders:
Picture Books
Our Pool
In this beautiful summer picture book, a child documents their day at the pool. Different kinds of people frolic and swim in the neighborhood pool. Sunblock is applied. Cannonballs continue all afternoon long. Even a brief afternoon cloud can’t dampen the pool joy.
I loved the rhythm in this story and the bold, sparse text throughout. If you need a book to hold on to the summer vibes or conjure them during the bitter winter, this is an excellent pick!
When You Can Swim
When her mom takes her daughter to the pool for the first time, she shares all the wonderful experiences she can gain when she learns to swim. Breathtaking illustrations portray people of different ages, races, genders, and even a girl with a prosthetic limb (I gasped!) swimming. The text is rhythmic and sparse—perfect for readers of all ages.
This brilliant new picture book is the perfect summer read-aloud! I love the author’s note, and as someone with a fear of being underwater, I’m so inspired to take another swimming class.
Oh No, the Aunts Are Here
A young girl’s world bursts with color and drama when her aunts come to visit. Rex beautifully depicts the idiosyncrasies of aunts the world over: the way they take over your bedroom, how they won’t stop squeezing your cheeks, and their sweet desire to drown you in gifts. Utterly charming with an ending that leaves a hint that we might be getting an “Uncles” book!
The Day You Begin
This stunning picture book depicts the first-day-of-school experience for kids who feel different from their classmates because of where they’re from, what neighborhoods they live in, and even just the color of their skin. This is a great first-day-of-school book to make all kids feel welcome and build empathy in others. The art is beautiful and the text is so wonderfully lyrical.
Beatrice and Barb
When Beatrice’s mom won’t accept a dog, cat, or any living animal, both of them compromise on a unique plant pet: the Venus flytrap. I loved this heartwarming story about a girl and her unique pet. I liked the illustrations and the message of friends looking out for each other. Kids will be psyched to learn about a plant that eats bugs!
There’s a Mouse in My House
From the author of There’s a Bear on My Chair, this time, the bear has an unwanted guest eating all his food, playing loud music, and even spilling bathwater on the floor. I thought this one was quite funny, and I liked the rhyming — gave me a bit of a Dr. Seuss vibe!
Alma and How She Got Her Name
Published: April 10, 2018
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names for someone her age! But when she asks her dad, she discovers that each name has a special connection to her family. This is such a sweet story to read to first graders about the value of a name.
Jayden’s Secret Ingredient
Jayden, like most kids, doesn’t like to try new foods. Still, he loves the city community garden he has with an elderly man, Mr. Curtis. One day, Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the garden’s harvest and Jayden tries something new. The illustrations in this are so vibrant, the plot is strong, and there’s a sweet surprise at the end as a young boy learns to try something new. Great for picky eaters who don’t love beans 🙂
Early Readers
In hindsight, these are all chapter books, but I put the much shorter options in the early reader category.
Owl and Penguin
These stories about unlikely besties are always such a hit for new readers. This one is super short but very sweet — reminiscent of Bear and Bird’s adventures but in graphic novel format as Owl and Penguin help each other through ice-cream spills, a flying disaster, and learning to play in the rain.
Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Published: May 9, 2023
Follow Bear and Bird through life’s mishaps as they deal with a talking flower, a blanket named Suzie, a barely-saved picnic, and an emotional painting session. I truly love this duo. This series is so clever and sweet and is brilliant at depicting flawed characters making life better for each other through friendship. Truly charming and speaks greatly to the skill of its creator.
Gigi and Ojiji
Published: May 3, 2022
Gigi is so excited for her Ojiji to come visit from Japan. But when the two meet, she’s disappointed. Ojiji won’t give her a hug, laughs at her Japanese, and won’t even open her gift to him. After a conversation with her mom, Gigi realizes that some people might have different reactions than we expect, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love us. This is a huge charmer with sparse text and full-color images. I adored it.
Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box
Published: June 29, 2021
Geraldine Pu looks forward to lunch at school every day. She loves her lunchbox and everything her Amah packs her for lunch until a kid named Nico starts poking fun at her lunches. Soon Geraldine starts to avoid eating lunch at school, even asking Amah to pack her a sandwich instead. But when another kid gets mocked for bringing a stinky dish to school, Geraldine finds her voice. This is a graphic novel style book designed to help early readers understand the format and enjoy the reading, and I loved this story!
Peach and Plum: Here We Come
Published: August 2, 2022
Peach and Plum live in Fruitdale and are finding ways to spend their free time since school is out. Join them in this rhyming early graphic novel as they find new adventures, including going to the beach and helping each other with chores. Kids who like rhyming stories will find this one enjoyable.
Reina Ramos Works It Out
Published: September 20, 2022
Reina Ramos is excited about dressing up as Frida Kahlo for the class wax museum. Frida was a strong person like her mami and abuela—plus Reina has the perfect headband for the costume! But when her best friend Nora picks Frida first, Reina doesn’t know what to do. Who will she dress up as now? Reina is a sweet, determined protagonist that readers will love.
Chapter Books
If you have a voracious, advanced 1st grade reader, here are some longer chapter books they’ll like:
Eva’s Treetop Festival
Published: January 6, 2015
In this adorable chapter book series, kids meet a cute owl named Eva! One day when she’s bored, she comes up with a grand idea to organize a spring festival. But she quickly realizes that she’s in over her head and has to learn for help. I liked the diary format, bright illustrations, and handwriting font and I think it’s a great way to introduce younger readers to the format.
Wombats: Go Camping
Published: April 4, 2023
Friends Albert and Pickles are off on a camping trip but sadly have very different expectations. Albert is prepared for the great outdoors, while Pickles is expecting more of a glamping situation. So, imagine the drama when they arrive in the woods for a true camping experience. Add in a lost baby koala, a surprise visit from their platypus friend, and a potentially scary monster(?) in the woods, and the wombats are in for a treat! I laughed out loud several times while reading this one, and it is exceptional! Older kids in the second and third grades will also enjoy it.
The Not-So-Little Tales of Simon Seahorse
Published: December 28, 2021
Meet Simon, a tiny seahorse with a not-so-tiny personality! Simon has lived near Coral Grove, a small village near the ocean, his whole life, but from the stories he tells, you’d think he’s traveled the seas! It’s not that Simon lies. He prefers the term “embellishes,” and his way of seeing the world makes the everyday extraordinary. So when his lucky pearl goes missing after he brings it to school one day, Simon’s journey to find it is sure to be an epic tale!
Starla Jean
Meet Yasmin
Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who’s always on the lookout for those “aha” moments to help her solve life’s little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn’t get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! (Ling and Ting)
Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World
Published: February 2, 2021
Friends Sydney and Taylor decide to embark on a new adventure together: exploring the world outside their cozy burrow. But shortly into their adventure, they start to realize that there’s a whole lot of world to see. As the two defend themselves from dogs, speeding cars, and hunger, they realize that the world is warmer with friends and adventure. I adored this story and the old-school design of the pages.
There they are: 20 of the best books for 1st graders! Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss?
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More Book Lists
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- The best series for 2nd graders
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