Check out some of the best books for first graders, on and off our platform!
Letting your first-grade or even second-grade kid explore a fun range of interests and topics is a great way to get them into reading books, and all the learning and language-boosting benefits that come with it. From picture books and Read-To-Me books, to audiobooks and graphic novels, these top picks will engage and entertain your little one while setting the stage for a lifetime of learning.
Check out just some of the best books for first graders below!
Best Books for First Graders on Epic
Superfab Saves the Day
Written by: Jean Leroy
Illustrated by: Bérengère Delaporte
Ages: 3-7
Superfab the rabbit is one SUPER well-dressed, crime-fighting superhero, with a walk-in closet full of “fab” outfits to prove it. The only problem is, it takes him so long to find the perfect look that by the time he reaches the scene of the crime, another superhero beats him to it. He gives up on fighting bad guys for good until a case comes along that just happens to be perfect for his particular set of skills. This silly superhero story will have young readers rooting for a different kind of underdog. It also teaches kids to celebrate being different and the importance of being yourself.
Rhyming Tongue Twisters: Science
By: Yanitzia Canetti
Ages: 3-7
Does your kid find science boring? Or are they just waiting for the right book to get them started? Filled with dynamic illustrations and colorful photos, this adorable rhyming book is an ideal introduction to everything from STEM and astronomy to our surrounding natural world. The narration will have you and your beginning reader giggling over the silly tongue twisters and teach them about science in a fun and exciting way. The fun text makes it perfect for a read-aloud!
Adventures to School
Written by: Miranda Paul and Baptiste Paul
Illustrated by: Isabel Munoz
Ages: 4-8
What’s your morning school routine? You might whip up a quick breakfast before dropping your little one off for a day of learning. But kids in other parts of the world get to school in all sorts of other ways. Determined to obtain an education, children in other countries walk for several hours, ride in rickshaws, walk over wire bridges and travel under other extraordinary circumstances to get to school. This fascinating book follows 13 real students as they embark on their sometimes dangerous treks in pursuit of knowledge. It’s the perfect eye-opening read for the first day of school.
Frog and Toad Are Friends
By: Arnold Lobel
Ages: 4-8
This Read-To-Me version of the classic “Frog and Toad Are Friends” brings you five short heartwarming stories about best friends frog and toad as they navigate their friendship’s ups and downs. The first story begins with Frog explaining to Toad that winter has ended before the two hop outside to start their adventures. Young readers will enjoy the tender friendship between the two amphibians and quickly become immersed in the endearing stories, each of which stresses the importance of friendship and caring.
Fox + Chick: The Party, and Other Stories
By: Sergio Ruzzier
Ages: 5-8
Fox and Chick don’t always agree, but they always find a way to work out their differences. This hilarious early chapter book captures the silly adventures of two sweet, funny characters as they learn about acceptance. Bound to become a classic like the Frog and Toad adventures, it belongs in your reading list along with other cherished authors, from Arnold Lobel and Mo Willems to Kate DiCamillo and Maurice Sendak.
Silent Letters Loud and Clear
Written by: Robin Pulver
Illustrated by: Lynn Rowe Reed
Ages: 5-8
If your first-grader is working on those tougher words, then “Silent Letters Loud and Clear” is a book they need to get their hands on. Most early readers will relate to the students in Mr. Wright’s class. The kids hate silent letters! They make words tricky to spell and even trickier to read. Filled with common sight words, this hilarious and unconventional grammar book takes on this relatable frustration in an entertaining way. Add in the helpful Read-To-Me format, and it’s the ideal choice to show your kid that these challenging words aren’t so scary after all.
Epic Originals: Nellie Nutgraf #9: The Big Scoop
Written by: Tom Angleberger
Illustrated by: Gillian Reid
Ages: 5-9
Little girl-slash-double-best-reporter Nellie Nutgraf covers the BIGGEST stories in history for the school newspaper. That is, if it were put in a blender with stuff that never really took place. Now she’s back! And this time she’s looking to get the first interview with Sherlock Holmes ever. She just has to find him first. Filled with folk tales, belly laughs, exploding volcanoes and more, this series has tons of fun stories for your budding historian. Whether they’re true or not… that’s a different story. Read them all on Epic.
Angry Birds: A Pig From the Stars #3
Written by: Niina Hakalahti, Samuli Valkama and Tapani Bagge
Illustrated by: Audrey Bussi, Jarrod Gecek and Kati Narhi
Ages: 6-7
Young fans of the game, Angry Birds can now experience the fun through adventurous storytelling! In this adorable book, King Pig comes across a visitor from the stars. Whether this new visitor is a friend or a foe, it’s up to your young reader to find out. Filled with bright, colorful illustrations that draw attention to every detail, this silly and exciting tale is accessible and fun for even kids who are new to chapter books.
Noodleheads See the Future
By: Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss
Ages: 6-9
Noodleheads Mac and Mac are always trying to come up with brilliant schemes, like collecting firewood for Mom so she’ll bake them a cake. But, when a friend trades them firewood seeds, the noodleheads cannot foresee what happens next. Filled with clever wordplay and jokes this book is perfect for comic fans, reluctant readers or even bedtime. Your kid can learn from the silly adventures, which will challenge them to use their “noodles” to spot holes and anticipate the brothers’ mishaps along the way.
Rosie Revere’s Big Project Book for Bold Engineers
Written by: Andrea Beaty
Illustrated by: David Roberts
Ages: 6-9
The New York Times best-selling picture book, “Rosie Revere: Engineer” shows kids the value of having the grit and determination to follow your dreams, even when you fail. Now your kid can join the creative problem-solving fun with this workbook filled with science, math and art activities for curious kids. It includes a recap of Rosie’s story, as well as tons of super-engineering challenges. From a treasure hunt and kid-friendly analysis and design exercises to fun facts on historic inventions, your kid will learn the ins-n-outs of engineering and even how to solve real-world problems.
How to Write a Fractured Fairy Tale
Written by: Nel Yomtov
Illustrated by: Kathleen Petelinsek
Ages: 7-9
What is a fractured fairy tale? How exactly do you “fracture” one? Your kid will learn how to use their creative juices to turn familiar tales into hilarious stories of their own in this fun, engaging how-to book. With detailed instructions and exciting writing prompts and activities, this step-by-step guide is perfect for aspiring writers or even just some laughs.
Hey There, Stink Bug!
Written by: Leslie Bulion
Illustrated by: Leslie Evans
Ages: 7-9
This witty, imaginative book features poems about one of things kids this age love most: bugs! Using engaging rhymes and charming imagery, it’s brimming with exciting facts about everything from how insects capture prey and attract mates, to how so many species have survived up to a mind-blowing 400 million years. This book will delight your young reader while capturing their imaginations at the same time. It even includes a glossary of terms and a helpful guide to poetry.
Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor
Written by: Jon Scieszka
Illustrated by: Brian Biggs
Ages: 7-10
Is your kid a fan of mind-bending science experiments, jokes and carefree robots? They’re in luck, because this first installment of the Frank Einstein chapter book series has all three. The series follows an oddball lab-dwelling kid named Frank Einstein. And this time, things go awry when a freak accident brings the young inventor’s latest creation to life. With a quirky story and real science, this book manages to combine accurate facts with silly humor and adventure.
Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior: Op Alliance
Written by: Pirate Sourcil
Illustrated by: Jez and Odone
Ages: 7-11
Is your kid a Minecraft fan? This graphic novel edition of the hit Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series takes young readers on a fully illustrated adventure along with their favorite characters through the Minecraft universe. In this one, Runt doesn’t fit in with his fellow village boys. He’d much rather be a warrior than grow and sell carrots. But one day, after he meets a zombie who wants to be human, the two embark on an extraordinary journey. This is the perfect book to engage little gamers excited to read or who may need a little nudge.
Other Recommendations
Want more of the best books for first graders? Here are a few of our favorite books off our platform, all available on Amazon.
Hi! Fly Guy
By: Tedd Arnold
“Hi! Fly Guy” features a silly and funny story about an extraordinary friendship between a young boy named Buzz and a fly. The boy enters his new friend in the Amazing Pet Competition. Can Buzz convince the judges that flies are not pests but pets?
The Giving Tree
By: Shel Silverstein
“The Giving Tree” chronicles the story of a little boy who comes to a tree every day to eat its apples and swing from its branches. This makes the tree feel happy, but as the boy grows, his wants grow more and more. This tender story about compassion teaches kids the meaning of giving and receiving love.
The Magic Treehouse
By: Mary Pope Osborne
In the first book of one of the best-selling series, “The Magic Treehouse,” young readers meet siblings Jack and Annie. The duo finds a magical treehouse that lets them visit different periods in history. “Dinosaurs Before Dark” will take your kid back to the Cretaceous period in this imaginative journey.
The Old Woman Who Named Things
By: Cynthia Rylant
To stop herself from being lonely, an old woman begins naming all the things in her life that she’ll never outlive. She names her house and her bed and finds comfort in knowing that the items will never leave her. But what happens when a shy brown puppy appears at her doorstep? Readers can find out in this lovely and tender story.
That’s our reading list of best books for first graders! Looking for more great books that kids of all ages can enjoy? Check out our recommended nonfiction books and children’s picture books in these other book lists from Epic.