Looking for the best books for first graders? One of the most important things to remember is that children enter first grade at very different stages of reading development. Some are just beginning to sound out words, while others are ready to tackle chapter books independently and both are completely normal.
As a former school librarian, I’ve selected engaging books for a wide range of first-grade readers, from funny easy readers and heavily illustrated transitional chapter books to longer chapter books for children ready for more of a challenge.
Most importantly, let your child’s interests lead the way. Choosing books they genuinely want to read is one of the best ways to build confidence and a lifelong love of reading.
*This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure CLICK HERE.
EASY READERS
Designed for children learning to read independently, these books typically feature shorter sentences, supportive illustrations, repetition, and accessible vocabulary.
The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
This series is an absolute must-read. Filled with hilarious illustrations and comical dialogue from two of the most beloved characters in modern-day children’s literature, it is no surprise that several of the books in this series have won the Geisel award including:
A Big Guy Took My Ball, I Broke My Trunk, Let’s Go for a Drive, We Are in a Book, Are You Ready to Play Outside?, There is a Bird on Your Head, Waiting is Not Easy .
A Pig, A Fox and a Box by Jonathan Fenske, 2015
This Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book stars a mischievous fox whose clever jokes on his friend Pig backfire with hysterical results. Readers with a quirky sense of humor will enjoy this funny rhyming book.
The Mo Jackson series by David Adler; illustrated by Sam Ricks
There are surprisingly few easy readers available with a sports theme, but luckily the Mo Jackson series hits it out of the park. As the youngest and smallest boy on his team, Mo works extra hard to help his team win. Whether it is devising a surprise football play, trying to hit a home run, learning to pass a basketball, or practicing his soccer skills, Mo always does his best.
We are Growing by Laurie Keller, 2016
This quirky story stars a group of zany blades of grass who each celebrate a unique attribute. This is a fun book filled with clever humor, repeated text, and simple sentences to build literacy skills, and it has a great message of resilience and celebrating everyone’s differences. It is no wonder the book won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for best Easy Reader.
Basketball Break by C.C. Joven, 2017
Lucas loves to play basketball. He enjoys shooting and dribbling, but doesn’t pass to his teammates. After observing the other kids on his team, he realizes the importance of passing the ball and becomes more of a team player.
Maddie and Mabel by Kari Allen, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
(Ages 4 and up)
This charming series follows two sisters whose everyday adventures feel both timeless and deeply relatable. Maddie and Mabel may be different ages, but they learn from one another, celebrate their differences, and work together to solve problems creatively. Like real siblings, they sometimes disagree, but their love and respect for each other always shine through.
The Totally Secret Secret (Ballet Cat series) by Bob Shea
Bob Shea is well known for his whimsical illustrations and humorous stories. His quirky easy reader series stars a spunky feline who loves to dance. While each book in the series has fantastical, energetic pictures and humorous dialogue, the books tackle issues that are important to children such as playing with a friend, trying a new dance move, and familial competition. This exuberant series has tons of kid appeal!
LONGER EASY READERS
These books are a great next step for children who are comfortable with beginning easy readers but aren’t quite ready for chapter books. They still feature plenty of supportive illustrations and accessible text, but typically include longer sentences, more text on each page, and sometimes short chapters that help build reading stamina and confidence.
Bramble and Maggie: horse meets girl (series) by Jessie Haas; illustrated by Alison Friend, 2012
Horse lovers will delight in following Maggie and her beloved horse Bramble as they forge a special bond through life’s ups and downs.
Hi! 
Fly Guy (series) by Tedd Arnold, 2006
The funny story of a boy named Buzz and his pet fly is a go-to for teachers and librarians for reluctant new readers. There are almost twenty books in this series and my son has enjoyed every one. The stories are usually full of imagination, silly antics, and loyal friendship between a boy and his pet.
What About Worms (Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series) by Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems, 2020
An adorable tiger brags about his braveness, but admits that his one fear is worms. A comical sequence of events reveal that a group of worms are also scared of tigers until they learn more about them. This is a fantastic new addition to the lovable Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series.
Billy & Rose: Forever Friends by Amy Hest; illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Billy and Rose might like different things and disagree at times, but they are true friends who support each other through life’s little ups and downs. Four short chapters follow their friendship through the seasons. Charming colored illustrations break up the delightful text, making this a very approachable transitional chapter book for newer readers.
Amanda Pig, First Grader (Oliver and Amanda series) by Jean Van Leeuwen
This adorable story follows Amanda Pig through her first few days of first grade. She is initially disappointed by her struggle to read, but as she practices, her confidence grows and she is elated when she can read her first books.
Poppleton (series) Scholastic Acorn Line by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Mark Teague
Three classic stories of a city pig who moves to the country are combined in this new release that also includes drawing instructions and a writing prompt. The original Poppleton stories were written decades ago, but there is a quiet charm to these stories that make them feel timeless.
Ling and Ting Not Exactly the Same (series) by Grace Lin
This Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book stars two amiable twin sisters who partake in a variety of adventures in six short chapters. There is an old-fashion charm to these books that is both playful and whimsical. Elements of Chinese culture such as making dumplings and learning to use chopsticks are effortlessly woven in adding to the allure of the stories. Each chapter is only a few pages long, leaving children eager to read Ling and Ting’s next escapade.
Henry and Mudge and the First Book of Their Adventures (series) by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
This unforgettable easy reader has withstood the test of time and is still a go-to for many classroom teachers. The story of a lonely boy who finds friendship with a large dog is relatable and many children will enjoy reading about the twosome’s many adventures together.
Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis
This is an adorable new series filled with humor, charming illustrations, and characters that show kindness and compassion. With four short chapters to build readers’ confidence, the story follows best friends Bear and Bird through several amusing mishaps that make this book a true delight. Lexile 490
Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell
While opposites in many ways, Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends. When carefree Poppy doesn’t collect enough food for the winter, loyal Cornbread agrees to venture up the mysterious mountain outside their village to harvest food. Full of charming illustrations, this delightful friendship story has the perfect amount of drama and cuteness that kept my daughter engaged and excited to read.
Night Owl and Early Bird by Lauren Fornholes, illustrated Xiao
This sweet and gentle tale follows best friends Night Owl and Early Bird. Though very different, each friend respects and celebrates each other’s differences modeling true friendship with each shared adventure. Soft, nostalgic illustrations enhance the cozy tone of this delightful tale. I hope we see many more stories from this lovable duo.
Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell
Award-winning author Cece Bell’s quirky sense of humor fills the pages of this comical easy reader series starring two unusual best friends. Though Rabbit and Robot are both excited for their first sleepover, they quickly discover that they each have strong opinions on the activities for the night and must find a way to navigate the complexities of friendship. Lexile: 490L/ Fountas & Pinnell: L
Penny series by Kevin Henkes
Award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Henkes brings his refined charm to this easy reader series starring a friendly mouse named Penny. Adorned with Kevin Henkes’ signature artwork, these quaint stories follow Penny as she shares a song with her family, finds a neighbor’s marble, thinks of a name for her doll, and waits for snow.
Penny’s quiet nature and curiosity is sure to resonate with many children and the books have a classic feel about them that will be attractive to parents and kids.
Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Marc Boutavant
Large colorful pictures accompany short chapters that share the adventures of a girl and her large brown dog. Animal lovers will particularly enjoy following along as Barkus meets his new family, sneaks into school, celebrates his birthday, and makes a new friend.
Kitty and Dragon (series) by Meika Hashimoto, illustrated by Gillian Reid,
Full of humor and charm, this delightful series follows unlikely friends Kitty and Dragon through several comical adventures. The full-color illustrations are so expressive and eye catching while the easy-to-read text is perfect for kids transitioning from Easy Readers.
Frog and Toad Are Friends (series) by Arnold Lobel
There is a reason these classic easy readers have been popular for the last forty years. It’s hard not to smile at the sweet friendship between Frog and Toad and the droll exploits they share. The award-winning illustrations add to the quaint feel of the stories and children and adults will most likely cherish these enchanting tales.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea (series) by Cynthia Rylant, 1994
This classic series blends humor and heart with charming tales of the kind Mr. Putter and his sweet cat Tabby. Warm and whimsical, it’s a joy for both adults and children to share.
TRANSITIONAL CHAPTER BOOKS
Charlie and Mouse (series) by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by Emily Hughes
This heavily illustrated chapter book features two relatable brothers and their everyday adventures. From waking their parents up in the morning to rounding up the neighborhood kids and trying to earn money by selling rocks, these tales are accessible and will resonate with many children.
Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Deborah Hocking
When Taylor, a hedgehog, get struck with a dose of wanderlust, he convinces his best friend Sydney, a skunk, to join in him on an expedition to investigate the Whole Wide World. Comical and daring hijinks ensue as the adorable duo venture outside their burrow to explore the wilderness, forage for food, face predators, and find their way back home. The vibrant, visually appealing artwork skillfully capture the pair’s exciting adventure and as they face their fears and create memories.
Scrapper: Leader of the Pack by Cam Higgins
This adorable new series stars Scrapper, a dog eager for adventure. When his best friend Bo is too busy herding sheep on the farm, Scrapper turns to the animals in the forest to join his pack and track down a mysterious creature lurking in the wood. With large text, a gentle storyline, and illustrations on every page, it’s an ideal choice for young readers transitioning into chapter books.
Fergus and Zeke by Kate Messner, illustrated by Heather Ross
Fergus loves being a class pet in Miss Maxwell’s class, so there is no way he’s going to miss the field trip to a museum with the students. Here he meets Zeke another mouse and the two become fast friends who explore the museum together. Full of colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text told in four short chapters, this is a cute story for animal lovers.
Simon Seahorse by Cora Reef, illustrated by Liam Darcy
Dive into Coral Grove with Simon and his ocean pals as they share gentle, friendship-filled adventures. These cozy, low-stakes stories are perfect for young readers who’ve outgrown easy readers but aren’t quite ready for longer or more intense chapter books.
Ava Lin, Best Friend by Vicky Fang
Exuberant and imaginative, Ava Lin loves bubble tea and collecting tiny treasures. As she heads into her first day of first grade, she’s determined to find a best friend—but quickly discovers it’s not as easy as she imagined. This funny and heartfelt story follows Ava as she navigates confusing social moments with plenty of humor along the way.
Bulldozer and Friends: Bulldozer’s Big Rescue by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Making friends isn’t easy for a shy bulldozer, but with a little encouragement and an unexpected mishap, he discovers the joy of connection in this heartwarming, friendship-focused story that gently supports social-emotional growth.
Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo
Hedgehog’s quiet island life is turned upside down when a storm sweeps away her beloved stuffed dog, Mutty. Determined to get him back, she sets off on a lifechanging quest making several new friends along the way. From Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo comes a cozy, feel-good tale about friendship, courage, and the joy of connection. Perfect for anyone who loves adorable characters and a story that feels like a warm hug.
Fairies Welcome: A Surprise for Willow series by Bea Jackson
This charming series follows Lily, a kind young fairy learning to grow into her own as she forms an unlikely friendship with a human girl named Willow. In the first installment, Lily and her fairy friends secretly visit Willow’s school to help her prepare for a spring performance. Delicate black-and-white illustrations enhance the magical tone, making this a lovely choice for readers seeking gentle, enchanting stories.
Wallace and Grace by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Laura Zarrin
Best friends and detectives, Wallace and Grace love spending time together following clues and figuring out whooo done its. Colorful artwork adorns the pages of this endearing mystery series.
Nate the Great (series) by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Though decades old, this classic series remains a delight, thanks to its lovable sleuth Nate and his everyday mysteries. Readers will sharpen their problem-solving skills as they follow clues and crack cases alongside him.
Fairy Door Diaries by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Lenny Wen
This enchanting new series follows Eliza as steps through a magical door to a magical world filled with fairies. Darkness lurks here too though, and Eliza must bravely battle the Evil Ones to reverse a curse plaguing the flower fairies. With vivid, colorful illustrations adorning the pages, this whimsical story is perfect for fantasy lovers.
Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
This feel-good book shares the adventures of two sisters whose vivid imaginations fill their world with whimsy and wonder. Seven short chapters are adorned with charming illustrations from the award-winning Sophie Blackall and perfectly highlight the girl’s charming personalities.
I found it so refreshing to read about two siblings who have a positive relationship filled with adoration and respect. The book oozes charm and is perfect for fans of Beezes and Ramona. This delightful tale has all the makings of a modern classic.
Welcome to the Island (Isla of Adventure series ) by Dela Costa, illustrated by Ana Sebastián
Eight-year-old Isla Verde has a secret; she can talk to animals. When a new girl her age moves in next door, Isla is thrilled to have a new friend, but has difficulty concealing her hidden talent. This is such an enchanting story that is perfect for animal lovers!
Henry Heckelbeck Gets a Dragon by Wanda Coven; illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Henry may seem like an ordinary boy preparing for his first day of school, but with his mom and sister as witches, magic and mayhem seem to follow him. When Henry decides to bring in his toy dragon to share with his class, he is shocked when it comes to life. As he tries to hide his dragon, he makes a new friend in the process.
Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret by Willow Coven, illustrated by Priscilla Buras
Lucy’s typical school day is interrupted with a magical case of hiccups that have surprising results. Could she be a witch just like her best friend Heidi Heckelbeck? This enchanting story follows Lucy on her journey of self-discovery.
Home is Where the Heart Is (Good Dog series) by Cam Higgins; illustrated by Ariel Landy
Dog lovers will adore reading about the boisterous puppy named Bo Davis and his adventures with his farmyard friends. With large font and cute black and white illustrations, this is a very accessible chapter book for new readers. Lexile: 640 / Fountas & Pinnell: L
Ratnip: Lost and Found in the City by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Allison Steinfeld
Ratnip and his nocturnal friends love exploring the City at night searching for tasty treats. When Ratnip stumbles upon an unexpected treasure (a cell phone) he tirelessly works to return it to its rightful owner. Friendly to all, Ratnip is a charming character sure to intrigue readers as he follows his stomach and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the human world.
Never Glue Your Friends Chairs (Roscoe Riley Rules series) by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Brian Biggs, 2008
Roscoe Riley is a well-meaning kid who somehow always finds himself breaking the rules—even when he’s trying to help. His hilarious mishaps, like using super-strength glue to keep his classmates in their seats, make this a fun and approachable chapter book series for newly independent readers.
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade by Stephanie Greene,
Posey is excited about first grade, but she’s also nervous about walking into school all by herself—especially without the beloved tutu that always makes her feel brave. This sweet and reassuring early chapter book captures those very real first-day jitters while showing how a little confidence can make a new experience feel much less scary.
LONGER CHAPTER BOOKS
These longer chapter books are great choices for confident first-grade readers who are ready for more complex stories, longer chapters, and fewer illustrations. They offer plenty of kid appeal while helping strong readers build stamina and make the exciting leap toward more advanced chapter books.
The Dragon Masters series (another Scholastic Branches book) by Tracey West; illustrated by Graham Howells
This is another series that I could not keep on my shelves as a school librarian. Filled with an adventurous storyline starring a group of diverse children who are charged with connecting with and training dangerous dragons with special talents, this is a go-to for reluctant readers. Black and white pictures are paired with large print making this early chapter book series appear less intimidating to young readers.
A New Friend (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series) by Poppy Green; illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
Sophie Mouse is excited for her first day of school, but is shocked with a scary snake walks into her classroom. In this gentle tale, she learns look beyond appearances and make a new friend. Sophie is a delightful character and many children will love reading about her charming exploits.=
Dinosaurs Before Dark (The Magic Tree House series) by Mary Pope Osbourne; illustrated by Sal Murdocca
When a mysterious tree house appears in Jack and Annie’s backyard, they can’t resist exploring it. They quickly learn the tree house is a time machine that transports them back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Full of adventure, this exciting series transports readers through time as they follow siblings Jack and Annie through history. These attention-grabbing stories are perfect for a variety of ages.
Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion Lindsay
Zoey dreams of being a scientist like her mom and when she discovers she is able to see magical creatures, she gets a chance to put her scientific knowledge to work sooner than she thought. Each story in this outstanding series follows Zoey and her cat Sassafras as they use science to help magical creatures solve their problems.
The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly series) by Jordan Quinn, illustrated by Robert McPhillips
Fantasy lovers will enjoy getting lost in the magical realm of Wrenly. When the queen loses a beloved necklace, eight-year-old Prince Lucas joins his friend Clara on a quest to visit various territories filled with mythical creatures including dragons, fairies, trolls, mermaids, and witches to find the special jewel.
Dory Fantasmagory (series) by Abby Hanlon
As an exuberant little sister with a wild imagination, Dory is often ignored by her two older siblings. The lively text and illustrations follow Dory through her many comical antics attempting to get the attention of her family.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
This is another childhood favorite of mine. Ralph, a curious and adventurous mouse loves spying on the guests in the hotel he resides in. When he discovers a toy motorcycle, he can’t resist taking it for a spin setting off a series of hilarious hijinks and leading to an unexpected and heartwarming friendship.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
You may also like:
One thought on “Best Books for First Graders”
Comments are closed.