The 7 Best Books for First Graders in 2021

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Our Top Picks

"Henry and Mudge: The Complete Collection" at Amazon

"The 25 books series will amuse your child and allow her to learn small life lessons right alongside the giant dog and his boy."

"Scholastic Hello Reader Series, Levels 0, 1 and 2" at Amazon

"An inexpensive series of reads for a number of different reading levels, from books with one word per page to short sentences."

"First Grade, Here I Come!" at Amazon

"With easy-to-read print and text full of common sight words, this book should ease your child's mind about the first grade."

"Chrysanthemum" at Amazon

"The dilemma this book poses is one first-graders need to figure out: How to be yourself when other kids don't always appreciate it."

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" at Amazon

"Each beautifully illustrated book in this series explores a circular theme that keeps your child guessing."

"Frog and Toad: Collection Box Set" at Amazon

"The "Frog and Toad" books are classics that have appealed to children for generations and are best suited for kids 4 to 8."

"The Listening Walk" at Amazon

"Perfect for children 4 to 8 who are in the process of discovering the multitude of sounds in their environment."

After children leave kindergarten, parents should consider giving them a reading list for the summer. There are a number of excellent books for students entering first grade to choose from. These books will help them practice their literacy skills and can be a great way to help them prepare for any fears they may have as they move on to a new grade level.

Here are the best books for first graders that you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

Henry and Mudge The Complete Collection

Henry is a boy and Mudge is a dog with a love of crackers and tremendous loyalty to his fun-loving owner. The 28 books in the "Henry and Mudge" collection will amuse your child and allow her to learn small life lessons right alongside the giant dog and his boy.

Each book typically contains three chapters which, much like the "Frog and Toad" books, are standalone stories. The books are best suited to kids ages 5 to 7.

Scholastic Hello Reader Series, Levels 0, 1 and 2

Scholastic has done a wonderful job of putting together an inexpensive series of reads for a number of different reading levels. Children entering first grade will usually do best with levels zero through three.

These work their way up from one word per page to short sentences, using a number of familiar-looking words. The books vary in topic, from non-fiction to silly stories and rhymes, to basic stories about animals and children.

First Grade, Here I Come!

Henry the mouse is uncertain about the first grade at first. However, as he tells his mother about his first day, he realizes that for every bad thing that happened, there was something good as well.

With easy-to-read print and text full of common sight words best for kids 3 to 5, this book should ease your child's mind about the first grade. It can also give her the opportunity to show off her reading skills at their best.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum loves her name, but the other children make fun of her. The dilemma this book poses is one all first-graders need to figure out: How can you be yourself when the kids around you don't always appreciate it?

If your child likes this book, it's time to move on to other Kevin Henkes books. You will find "Owen," "Wemberly Worried," and the series of stories about Lilly (and her purple plastic purse) to be just as fun. The books are best suited for kids ages 4 to 8 years old.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

This beautifully illustrated, predictable textbook is just the first in a whole series of "If you..." books that are best for children 4 to 8 years old. Other titles include "If You Give a Moose a Muffin," "If You Take a Mouse to School," and "If You Give a Cat a Cupcake."

Each book explores a circular theme that keeps your child guessing. What happens if you give a mouse a cookie? What will he want next, and how will it lead back to him wanting another cookie? Your child will have a lot of fun trying to figure out how the animals in these books will work back to the original item they were given.

Frog and Toad Collection Box Set

The "Frog and Toad" books are classics that have appealed to children for generations. The books about this lovable and goofy pair are split into chapters, each one containing a complete story, making it easy for your child to read a little about their antics and put the book down for later. The books are best suited for kids 4 to 8 years old.

The Listening Walk

This fiction book is perfect to accompany those summertime walks. In the book, a little girl and her father go for a walk together and discover the amazing sounds that the world around them makes. "We're going on a listening walk. Shhhhh. Do not talk. Do not hurry..." Perfect for children 4 to 8 who are in the process of discovering the multitude of sounds in their environment.

What to Look for in Books for First Graders

Reading Level

The books you find should be full of familiar words and small, simple sentences to help them build upon their reading skills. Most children's books mention an age range or reading level that can help you determine whether the book will suit your little one.

Relatable Topics

Take note of your child's hobbies, interests, and favorite book genres when picking out new books. This can keep them engaged and excited about reading. Also, consider educational content. You want to find books that will help them learn and identify new things.

Design

The books should have large, easy-to-read text and illustrations that are easy to identify and remember. If the print is too small it may be hard for them to read. Simpler illustrations help spark conversation. Your child will point, touch, and discuss what they saw in their book if they see it in real life.