Free Books for 1st Graders
We’re passionate about ensuring literacy is accessible to every child, which is why these books are completely free. Access free kids books online designed for 1st graders ages 5-6. Read childrens books for free featuring phonics patterns perfect for first grade. Download free story books PDF or enjoy free read aloud books online with printable childrens stories.
Tire Trouble
An old tire rolls away from a broken-down car, searching for a new purpose. Will it find the perfect fit with a truck, a bike, or a horse and cart? Follow this determined tire on an exciting journey down the road as it discovers where it truly belongs.
A Spot to Nap
A sleepy sloth climbs higher and higher up a tall tree searching for the perfect spot to nap. But every branch seems to have someone—or something—already occupying it! Will the sloth ever find a cozy place to rest? Join this determined little climber on a funny adventure filled with unexpected encounters.
The Sea Dragon
Bam and his friends are having fun at the shore when suddenly the ground begins to shake. A massive sea dragon appears, sending big waves crashing onto the beach! The dragon seems very angry. Bam has his trusty flute with him, but can music really calm a fierce sea dragon? Will Bam be brave enough to try?
Pup Hears a Noise
Pup is trying to take a nap, but a mysterious sound keeps waking him up. Chirp! Chirp! What could be making that noise? Pup sets off on a search through the grass, meeting different animal friends along the way. He finds Trunk, Spike, and even some birds, but none of them are making the chirping sound. Can Pup discover who is responsible for all that noise so he can finally get some rest?
The Little Fish Goes Deep
Every day, a little fish swims in the shallow sea with his mother, staying far from the mysterious deep water. But the little fish is curious - what amazing things might be hiding in the darkness below? When his mother says no, the little fish makes a daring choice to explore anyway. He discovers beautiful colours and strange new fish, but then he spots something that looks like a dark boulder… Will the little fish escape the dangers of the deep?
There Are Ants!
Ants have invaded the house, and they’re on a mission to find food! Watch as these tiny explorers search high and low, sniffing out sweet treats and slipping through tiny spaces. They check out roller skates (silly ants, that’s not food!), discover yummy candy and cookies, and follow mysterious smells around the kitchen. But will they find enough food to bring back to their home? Join these busy little ants on their delicious adventure!
My Comb
While visiting a farm, a curious child discovers that many birds wear beautiful feather crowns called combs. The proud rooster shows off his fancy red comb, the peacock displays his wonderful feather crown, and even the heron has her own special crest. But none of the birds will share their crowns! When the child asks for a comb crown too, each bird says no. What will this creative kid do to get a crown of their own?
Flip, Flop!
The fish is sad because it doesn’t think it’s good at anything. It tries to fly with its fins but can only swim. It meets a cat that wants to eat it, but the fish escapes. It then meets a frog that wants to learn how to swim.
The Butterfly Garden
Diya is shy and loves butterflies, but she’s nervous about talking in class. When her school visits the park, something magical happens—her passion for butterflies gives her the courage to speak up! Will Diya discover that sharing what she loves can help her make new friends and find her voice?
Where Is My Shoe?
Oh no! A little caterpillar has lost one of his many shoes, and he’s having the worst day ever! He asks his friends for help - Frog, Grasshopper, and Crab all offer to lend him their shoes. But frog shoes are for swimming, grasshopper shoes are too big, and crab shoes are way too sharp! Tired and shoeless, the caterpillar curls up for a nap. But something strange is happening to him… What could it be?
Frequently Asked Questions
What free formats are available for 1st grade books on Bookbot's website?
Bookbot’s website offers free online books for 1st graders that can be read directly on the site, with many titles also offering PDF downloads, printable versions, or read-aloud features with word-by-word highlighting. Takacs and Bus (2020) found that multimedia reading features like highlighting significantly benefit young children’s literacy development. Each free book follows a phonics-based progression so children practice CVC words, blends, and digraphs while reading stories across genres including adventure, animals, fairy tales, and more. Learn more about what are decodable books.
Are free books for 1st graders on Bookbot as effective as purchased reading programs?
Bookbot’s free books to read for 1st graders follow the same research-based phonics progression as the full library, making them just as effective for building decoding skills. Snow, Burns, and Griffin (1998) identified consistent practice with appropriately leveled texts as critical for preventing reading difficulties, and Bookbot’s free collection provides exactly that. Each free short story for 1st graders is organized by Bookbot’s scope and sequence so parents and teachers can select the right level with confidence.
How can families use free online books for 1st graders to build a daily reading routine?
Families can use free online books for 1st graders to establish a consistent daily reading routine because the books are accessible on any device at any time with no cost barrier. A UChicago study found that access to a digital library for shared reading measurably improves literacy skills in young children. Even 10 to 15 minutes of daily reading with short books for 1st graders free can make a meaningful difference in fluency and confidence. For more tips on building motivation, see 8 ways to boost reading motivation.
Why does Bookbot offer free books for 1st graders when the app is a paid subscription?
Bookbot offers books for 1st graders free on its website because the organization believes every child deserves access to high-quality reading materials regardless of family circumstances. The National Reading Panel (2000) established that systematic phonics instruction is essential for early readers, and Bookbot’s free website books deliver that instruction through decodable stories, with many titles also including PDF downloads or read-aloud features. The paid Bookbot app provides additional interactive features, but the website books ensure no child misses out on structured reading practice. See what is phonics for more on this approach.