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Grade 1 Core Literature List
Here’s a curated list of engaging books for Grade 1 students. Each selection encourages young readers to explore themes like friendship, problem-solving, and creativity while building critical reading skills. Be sure to set aside 20-30 minutes daily for reading time and track your progress with our Weekly Reading Log.
Encourage your child to explore new worlds, meet wonderful characters, and learn valuable lessons through these wonderful books!
Our Curated Book List:
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
By Judith Viorst
Alexander's day is full of mishaps, from waking up with gum in his hair to having no dessert at lunch. This classic story humorously captures how sometimes everything goes wrong, but it’s okay to have bad days. Perfect for helping kids understand resilience and humor in adversity.
Theme: Realistic Fiction, Humor
Sheep in a Jeep
By Nancy Shaw
This fun, rhyming book features a group of silly sheep trying to drive a jeep—with hilarious results. With playful language and lively illustrations, this book is perfect for new readers and is a delightful introduction to wordplay and cause-and-effect relationships.
Theme: Comedy, Adventure
Is Your Mama a Llama?
By Deborah Guarino
Lloyd the llama asks all his animal friends, "Is your mama a llama?" as he discovers more about them. This adorable rhyming book not only introduces kids to different animals but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and family. Great for interactive reading with lively animal illustrations.
Theme: Animal Friends, Rhyming
The Little Red Hen
By Paul Galdone
A retelling of the classic folktale where the Little Red Hen works hard to make bread, while her friends refuse to help. This timeless story teaches the value of hard work, responsibility, and cooperation, making it an essential part of any child’s reading list.
Theme: Folklore, Responsibility
Blueberries for Sal
By Robert McCloskey
This sweet and charming story follows a young girl, Sal, and a baby bear as they both get mixed up while picking blueberries with their mothers. With its beautiful illustrations and calm pacing, this book introduces kids to nature and the bonds between parents and children.
Theme: Classic, Nature
Curious George
By H.A. Rey
Curious George is a little monkey who is always getting into trouble. His innocent curiosity often lands him in unpredictable situations, but his good nature shines through. This engaging and timeless series helps teach children about the consequences of actions while sparking their imagination.
Theme: Adventure, Mischief
Goodnight Owl
By Pat Hutchins
Owl just wants to sleep, but the noisy animals around him won’t let him! Owl’s nighttime frustrations create a humorous story about bedtime and the unexpected challenges of finding peace and quiet. Perfect for helping children laugh as they settle down for bed.
Theme: Bedtime, Humor
Ira Sleeps Over
By Bernard Waber
Ira is excited for his first sleepover, but he’s worried about bringing his favorite stuffed bear, "Teddy," with him. This delightful story addresses the anxieties children may feel about sleepovers, friendships, and growing up, while showing the importance of being true to yourself.
Theme: Friendship, Growing Up
Love You Forever
By Robert Munsch
This heartwarming and timeless story follows the enduring love between a mother and her child as they grow and change over time. With its repetitive structure and emotional depth, it’s a touching reminder of the unconditional love parents have for their children, no matter how old they get.
Theme: Family, Love
The Princess and the Pea
By Harriet Ziefert
This playful retelling of the classic fairy tale is about a princess who is tested by a pea under her mattress to prove her royal status. The story captivates with its humor and charm while introducing kids to one of the most iconic fairy tales of all time.
Theme: Fairy Tale, Humor
Rainbow Fish
By Marcus Pfister
Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean, but his refusal to share his shimmering scales makes him lonely. Through this vibrant and colorful book, children learn the value of sharing and friendship, making it a great choice for teaching social skills.
Theme: Friendship, Sharing
The Seasons of Arnold's Tree
By Gail Gibbons
This educational story takes children on a journey through the seasons with Arnold and his tree. As the tree changes, young readers are introduced to the concepts of seasons, weather, and nature’s cycles, making it a great introduction to science and the world around them.
Theme: Nature, Science
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
By William Steig
When Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble that grants wishes, things don’t go as expected. This imaginative tale explores the themes of love, family, and learning to appreciate what you have. A unique story that captivates readers with its heartfelt message and magical elements.
Theme: Fantasy, Wishes
There’s a Nightmare in My Closet
By Mercer Mayer
A young boy bravely faces the nightmare in his closet, only to discover that it’s not so scary after all. This playful and comforting story helps children confront their nighttime fears in a lighthearted and imaginative way, making it perfect for bedtime reading.
Theme: Overcoming Fears, Imagination
Tikki Tikki Tembo
By Arlene Mosel
This lively retelling of a Chinese folktale tells the story of a boy with an extraordinarily long name, Tikki Tikki Tembo, and the consequences that come with it. With its rhythmic repetition and adventurous spirit, this story is a fun read for young readers while introducing them to a different culture.
Theme: Folklore, Adventure
The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle
The Very Busy Spider is hard at work spinning her web, despite the constant interruptions from other animals. This beautifully illustrated and rhythmic book teaches children about focus, persistence, and the beauty of nature, while reinforcing early reading skills.
Theme: Animal Friends, Persistence
Leo the Late Bloomer
By Robert Kraus
Leo isn’t learning to read, write, or draw like his friends, but with time and encouragement, he eventually blooms. This reassuring story helps children understand that everyone grows and learns at their own pace, making it perfect for young readers who might need a confidence boost.
Theme: Patience, Growth
The Velveteen Rabbit
By Margery Williams
This beloved classic follows the story of a stuffed rabbit that becomes real through the love of a child. With its rich themes of love, acceptance, and transformation, this emotional tale resonates with readers of all ages and introduces children to deeper literary themes.
Theme: Classic, Love, Imagination
Whose Mouse Are You?
By Robert Kraus
A little mouse embarks on a mission to find his family when they go missing, showing young readers how to be resourceful and independent. This simple yet engaging story emphasizes problem-solving, making it a great read for curious minds.
Theme: Family, Problem-Solving
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
By Barbara Robinson
The Herdman kids are known as the rowdiest children around, and when they get involved in the annual Christmas pageant, chaos ensues. This hilarious and heartwarming holiday story teaches kids about the true meaning of Christmas and the power of empathy.
Theme: Holiday, Humor
Arthur Writes a Story
By Marc Brown
Arthur struggles to come up with a story for his homework assignment, but he learns that creativity comes from within. A wonderful introduction to storytelling and the creative process, this book encourages kids to express their ideas freely and with confidence.
Theme: Creativity, Writing
Bread and Jam for Frances
By Russell Hoban
Frances the badger loves eating bread and jam so much that she refuses to eat anything else—until she learns the importance of trying new things. This charming story teaches children the value of variety and balance in life.
Theme: Food, Growing Up
Charlie Needs a Cloak
By Tomie de Paola
Charlie is a shepherd who needs a new cloak, and he sets out to make one himself. This gentle and charming tale teaches children about self-sufficiency, creativity, and the seasons.
Theme: Problem-Solving, Winter
George and Martha
By James Marshall
These two lovable hippos navigate the ups and downs of friendship with warmth, humor, and compassion in five short stories. Their adventures are full of important life lessons about trust and understanding.
Theme: Friendship, Humor
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
By Laura Numeroff
This beloved story follows the chain of events that occurs when you give a mouse a cookie, making it a fun and hilarious way to teach children about cause and effect. Its repetitive structure and playful tone make it a favorite among early readers.
Theme: Cause and Effect, Humor
Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth
By Lucy Bate
Little Rabbit has a loose tooth, and everyone has advice on how to pull it out. This delightful story addresses the common childhood experience of losing a tooth, with a fun and lighthearted approach to change and growing up.
Theme: Growing Up, Change
The Napping House
By Audrey Wood
In this cumulative, rhythmic story, everyone in the house is fast asleep—until one little flea causes a commotion! A whimsical and funny book that helps young readers with counting and pattern recognition.
Theme: Counting, Humor
Rechenka’s Egg
By Patricia Polacco
In this heartwarming Russian folktale, Babushka, a kind old woman, prepares for the Easter egg festival by painting beautiful eggs. When a goose accidentally breaks one, it magically lays a beautiful egg in return. This story introduces readers to themes of kindness, forgiveness, and the importance of tradition.
Theme: Folklore, Tradition
Stone Soup
By Marcia Brown
In this classic folktale, three hungry soldiers teach a village the value of sharing when they make a magical "stone soup." Through cooperation and generosity, the villagers learn that they can all have enough when they work together. This story is a wonderful lesson in community and kindness.
Theme: Folktale, Sharing
Tacky the Penguin
By Helen Lester
Tacky is an odd bird—he’s loud, clumsy, and not like the other penguins. But when hunters come to the penguin colony, it’s Tacky’s unique qualities that save the day. This charming story celebrates individuality and shows children that being different can be a strength.
Theme: Humor, Individuality
The Three Little Pigs
By Steven Kellogg
This beloved story follows the chain of events that occurs when you give a mouse a cookie, making it a fun and hilarious way to teach children about cause and effect. Its repetitive structure and playful tone make it a favorite among early readers.
Theme: Fairy Tale, Problem-Solving
Two Bad Ants
By Chris Van Allsburg
Two ants leave the safety of their colony in search of sugar and end up in a human kitchen, where they experience the world from an ant’s perspective. This imaginative story offers a unique viewpoint, teaching kids about curiosity, bravery, and the consequences of straying too far from home.
Theme: Adventure, Perspective
The Woman Who Outshone the Sun
By Alejandro Martinez
Based on a Mexican folktale, this story follows Lucia Zenteno, a woman so beautiful that even the river follows her. When villagers reject her, the river disappears, and they learn a powerful lesson about respect for nature and people. This story promotes empathy, compassion, and cultural understanding.
Theme: Folklore, Compassion
Caps for Sale
By Esphyr Slobodkina
This playful story about a peddler, some monkeys, and a bunch of caps is a humorous take on problem-solving and perseverance. The peddler must outsmart the mischievous monkeys who have stolen his caps, making this a delightful read for early readers who enjoy fun and mischief.
Theme: Folk Tale, Humor
Are You My Mother?
By P.D. Eastman
A baby bird falls out of its nest and goes on an adventure to find its mother, encountering a variety of animals and objects along the way. This heartwarming story about family and identity is perfect for young readers, teaching them about perseverance and love.
Theme: Adventure, Family
Nate the Great
By Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Nate the Great is a boy detective who solves mysteries in his neighborhood. In this fun and engaging book, Nate must use his problem-solving skills to help his friend find her lost painting. This book is a great introduction to the mystery genre for early readers.
Theme: Mystery, Problem-Solving
Hey Reading Rangers,
Remember to log your reading every day in your Weekly Reading Log. Once completed, get it signed by a parent and redeem your points at our Motivation Station for fun rewards! Happy reading!
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