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Best Books for 1st Graders

Ignite the joy of reading with this selection of captivating books perfect for 1st graders. Praised for their engaging content, these titles rank high in popularity on respected children's book blogs.

Recommendations from 10 articles, Richard Branson, Neil Gaiman, Todd Nesloney and 4 others.
49 books on the list
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Frog and Toad are Friends book cover
Frog and Toad are Friends
Arnold Lobel - 2003-02-18 (first published in 1970)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the heartwarming adventures of Frog and Toad, two best friends who stand by each other through thick and thin. This Caldecott Honor Book features five charming stories, from writing letters to finding lost buttons. Perfect for kids who read on their own but still need a little help, this Level Two I Can Read book is sure to inspire the power of friendship in readers of all ages. Don't miss out on these classic tales, from award-winning author Arnold Lobel.
The Hundred Dresses book cover
The Hundred Dresses
Eleanor Estes - 2004-09-01 (first published in 1944)
Goodreads Rating
A Polish girl named Wanda Petronski faces ridicule from her classmates for wearing the same dress every day in a Connecticut school. Despite her claims to have one hundred dresses at home, no one believes her and bullies her mercilessly. When Wanda is eventually pulled out of school, Maddie, one of Wanda’s classmates, decides she will never stand by and say nothing again. This powerful and timeless story is accompanied by original artwork beautifully restored in color.
Stuck Together book cover
Stuck Together
Stuck Together
Brian "Smitty" Smith - 2020-09-01
Goodreads Rating
Join Pea, Bee, and Jay on an exciting adventure in "Stuck Together" by Brian "Smitty" Smith. This early reader graphic novel is perfect for fans of Narwhal & Jelly and comic lovers of all ages. When Pea is dared to roll off the farm, he sets off with determination. However, a powerful thunderstorm throws him off course and introduces him to two unusual companions - a know-it-all bee named Bee and a bird named Jay who can't fly. Together, this unlikely trio embarks on a journey to help Pea find his way back home. With vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming story of friendship, "Stuck Together" is a must-read graphic novel for emerging readers. Be ready to roll with Pea, Bee, and Jay as they navigate challenges and discover the true meaning of sticking together.
There Is a Bird on Your Head! book cover
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
Mo Willems - 2007-09-01
Goodreads Rating
This humorous children's book follows the friendship of Gerald, who is worrisome, and Piggie, who is carefree. In a hilarious turn of events, the duo must tackle the challenge of not one, but two birds on Gerald's head. Can Piggie save the day? Find out in this charming story.
Julián Is a Mermaid book cover
Julián Is a Mermaid
Jessica Love - 2018-05-22
Goodreads Rating
A young boy's encounter with mermaids on a subway ride leaves him brimming with awe and inspiration. Returning home, he creates his own mermaid costume out of household items, but what will his abuela think? With stunning illustrations and a touching message, this picture book is a celebration of self-love and embracing one's unique identity.
See the Cat book cover
See the Cat
Three Stories About a Dog
David Larochelle - 2020-09-08
Goodreads Rating
"See the Cat" is a hilarious and engaging book for beginning readers, featuring Max the Dog who talks back to the book and insists that he is not a cat. With three entertaining stories, this spoof on classic primers is sure to delight young readers and make them fall in love with Max.
Little Cliff's First Day of School book cover
Little Cliff's First Day of School
Clifton L. Taulbert, E. B. Lewis - 2001-07-01
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming story about Little Cliff's first day of school. Terrified of leaving his toys, home, and family behind, Little Cliff overcomes his jitters with the help of Mama Pearl's encouragement. From the creators of Little Cliff and the Porch People.
Geeger the Robot Goes to School book cover
Geeger the Robot Goes to School
Geeger the Robot (QUIX)
Jarrett Lerner - 2020-09-22
Goodreads Rating
"Geeger the Robot Goes to School" follows the hilarious story of a robot attending a human school for the first time. Geeger's literal interpretation of instructions leads to several mishaps, making him question if he can survive until snack time. Will a robot made of wires fit in with human classmates? Join the adventure to find out!
Eva's Treetop Festival book cover
Eva's Treetop Festival
A Branches Book (Owl Diaries #1) (1)
Rebecca Elliott - 2015-01-06
Goodreads Rating
Newly independent readers will love this Branches book series, filled with easy-to-read text, fast-paced plots, and full-page illustrations. In "Eva's Treetop Festival," Eva takes on the daunting task of organizing a spring festival at school with her best friend Lucy, but they soon realize they may not be able to do it alone. Will they have to turn to the not-so-nice Sue for help or cancel the festival altogether? Read this charming book, complete with owl-dorable illustrations, to find out.
Happy Paws book cover
Happy Paws
A Branches Book (Layla and the Bots)
Vicky Fang, Christine Nishiyama - 2020-05-05
Goodreads Rating
Discover a world where music and engineering collide! Join Layla and her creative team of Bots as they rock out in a band and solve problems through their amazing inventions. Get ready for a heartwarming adventure as they work together to save a struggling amusement park by creating a one-of-a-kind doggie amusement park. Packed with fun rides like the Rub-a-Dub Mud Slide and the Tummy Rubbing Machine, this entertaining tale will leave you cheering for Layla and the Bots as they strive to keep the park open. Perfect for young readers who love music, problem-solving, and, of course, adorable dogs!
Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! A Branches Book by Thomas Flintham
DK Readers L2 by Laura Buller
Fenway and the Bone Thieves by Victoria J. Coe, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Bink and Gollie by Kate Dicamillo
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth by Dori Hillestad Butler
Friends Do Not Eat Friends by Jill Esbaum
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Theo Thesaurus by Shelli R. Johannes
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan
When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox by Jamie L. B. Deenihan
Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed
The Boulder Brothers by Sarah Lynn
Do You Like My Bike? by Norm Feuti
Ways to Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago, Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! by Kara West
Let's Get Cracking! by Cyndi Marko
Pug Blasts Off by Kyla May
Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate, Charlie Alder
Bo's Magical New Friend by Rebecca Elliott
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems
Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
The Infamous Ratsos by Kara Lareau
All Ketchup, No Mustard! by Jason Tharp
Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey
Fly Guy Presents by Tedd Arnold
If I Built a School by Chris van Dusen
The Boy Who Loved Words by Roni Schotter, Giselle Potter
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long
Kick It, Mo! by David A. Adler, Sam Ricks
Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
Narwhal by Ben Clanton