Learning to read is a huge milestone, and first grade is often when kids start putting it all together—sounding out words, recognizing sight words, and reading full sentences on their own. The right books can make all the difference, helping build confidence while keeping reading fun and exciting. This list includes 20 of the best books for first graders who are just beginning their reading journey. With big, colorful illustrations and simple, engaging text, these books are perfect for early readers who are ready to explore the joy of reading—one page at a time.
1. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
This timeless classic features five simple, sweet stories about the friendship between Frog and Toad. With short sentences and repetitive phrasing, it’s perfect for early readers. The gentle humor and cozy illustrations make it a comforting read for beginners.
2. Elephant & Piggie Series by Mo Willems
Mo Willems’ hilarious series about the cautious Elephant Gerald and the excitable Piggie is a favorite among first graders. The dialogue is easy to follow, often told entirely through speech bubbles, and the expressive characters help new readers understand tone and emotion.
3. Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Biscuit is a little puppy with a big heart. This book uses repetitive phrases, predictable storylines, and warm illustrations to help early readers gain confidence. Kids quickly fall in love with Biscuit’s gentle adventures.
4. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean
Pete the Cat stays cool and groovy no matter what happens to his white shoes. The repetitive, musical phrasing makes it easy for kids to join in, and the colorful art keeps them engaged from start to finish.
5. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
A classic for a reason, this rhyming book combines silly antics with simple vocabulary that supports phonics and word recognition. The Cat’s mischievous fun keeps kids entertained while they build important reading skills.
6. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
With repetitive, rhythmic text and Eric Carle’s iconic collage-style illustrations, this book is a favorite in classrooms and homes alike. It’s perfect for practicing color and animal recognition while building reading fluency.
7. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
This sweet story of a baby bird looking for his mother is both heartwarming and great for new readers. The clear sentence structure and repetitive plot help build vocabulary and reading comprehension.
8. Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik
This gentle collection of short stories about Little Bear and his family is both readable and comforting. The themes of love, imagination, and home are perfect for young kids, and the text supports early literacy development.
9. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
Danny’s trip to the museum takes an exciting turn when he meets a friendly dinosaur. This classic early reader features simple vocabulary, engaging illustrations, and a fun, adventurous storyline that kids love.
10. Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
This is a perfect beginner book for phonics practice. The simple rhymes and nonsense phrases encourage kids to play with language and sound out words on their own, making it ideal for early independent reading.
11. Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
This sweet series about a boy and his giant, lovable dog is written in short chapters with simple sentences. The heartwarming stories and friendly illustrations make it a comforting choice for new readers.
12. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This beautifully illustrated story captures the magic of a snowy day through the eyes of a young boy named Peter. The simple language and relatable experiences make it a perfect read-aloud or first independent book.
13. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
This fun and fast-paced book is full of action words and opposites, making it a great tool for building vocabulary. Kids love the silly dogs and the surprising ending at the dog party in the tree.
14. Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
A boy and his pet fly become unlikely best friends in this funny and engaging early reader. The short chapters and cartoon-like illustrations make it easy and fun for first graders to follow along.
15. Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
Clark is a big shark with a big personality, and sometimes he has to learn how to tone it down. This colorful book is not only fun to read, but also teaches important lessons about self-control and fitting in at school.
16. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
A rhyming story about a bear who sleeps through a party in his cave. The rhythmic text and adorable animal characters make it a great read-aloud, and the repeated patterns help early readers follow the story easily.
17. Mr. Putter and Tabby Series by Cynthia Rylant
These quiet and humorous stories about an elderly man and his cat are great for kids starting to read longer texts. The gentle plots and expressive illustrations make them an ideal step up from simpler books.
18. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
With bright illustrations and upbeat rhyming text, this book celebrates self-love and individuality. It’s an energetic read that encourages confidence and positive thinking, perfect for young children just starting school.
19. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Another classic that combines silly rhymes with beginner vocabulary. The nonsensical characters and creative language keep kids laughing and turning the pages while practicing their reading.
20. Gossie by Olivier Dunrea
Gossie is a little gosling who loves her red boots—until they go missing. This simple story is great for early readers, with large text, cute illustrations, and a satisfying little mystery that children will enjoy.