Free Adventure Books for 1st Graders
We’re passionate about ensuring literacy is accessible to every child, which is why these books are completely free. Discover free adventure books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our free children’s books feature brave heroes and thrilling quests perfect for beginning readers. Download free story books PDF or read childrens books online free.
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.
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?
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?
Cam Can Fly?
Cam is tired and falls asleep, but something magical happens! He discovers he can fly and soars higher and higher into the sky. He waves at birds, sees his house shrink below, passes planes and rockets, and reaches the stars themselves. But as Cam explores this amazing adventure, something unexpected happens. Will Cam’s incredible journey end the way he hopes?
The Ocean World
Sam is tired and looking for a place to rest, but the cold pond doesn’t seem right. When a friendly fish appears and invites Sam to swim along, an exciting journey begins. Where will their adventure take them? Dive in to discover what wonderful surprises await in the waters beyond the pond!
A Ride on a Spell
In the bustling streets of Delhi, a three-wheeled taxi driver and a grumpy passenger buy magical water from a mysterious boy. When they spill it on the car, something extraordinary happens—the little buggy’s wildest dream begins to come true! Will the magic last, and what will happen when the car takes flight through the clouds?
A Small Boat in a Big Lake
Ken and his friend decide to explore the big lake in a small boat. But scary things keep appearing! First, they see something that looks like a devil with evil eyes. Then a big, dark shadow swims under their boat. And what’s that shape with sharp teeth coming toward them? Are the stories about dragons and monsters in the lake really true? Grab your oars and join this exciting adventure to find out!
Come Back, Rex!
Benny’s energetic dog Rex escapes during their walk and takes off on a wild adventure! Will Benny be able to catch his speedy pup before he gets into more trouble? Join Rex on his exciting chase through the neighborhood in this fun-filled story about a boy and his mischievous dog.
Down by the Sea
Nip is a young crab who is so excited to visit the sea with her mum! As she explores the beach, she discovers all kinds of amazing crabs - one with a mammoth claw, a pale round crab with strong legs, and many more. But when Nip accidentally bumps into a grumpy crab, will she still have a good day? Join Nip on her seaside adventure and find out what friends she makes along the way!
Fill It Up!
She’s so thirsty, but there’s no water anywhere! The pail has just a drop, the pump is dry, and the tank is empty. Even the river has dried up because the trees drank it all! She searches everywhere - the dam, the sea - but nothing works. Then she spots one dark cloud in the sky. Will it be enough to bring the rain she desperately needs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free adventure books for my 1st grader?
Bookbot’s website offers free adventure books for 1st graders that you can read on the Bookbot website at no cost, and many include PDF downloads. The read-aloud mode highlights each word as it is spoken, which research by Takacs and Bus (2020) found strengthens early decoding skills. Every adventure story follows a phonics scope and sequence so your child practises the right skills at the right time.
How do adventure stories help 1st graders learn to read?
Adventure plots create suspense and curiosity that motivate first graders to keep decoding through unfamiliar words. This extra practice matters because Stanovich (1986) demonstrated that children who read more develop larger vocabularies, which in turn makes future reading easier – a virtuous cycle he called the Matthew Effect. Free adventure books for 1st graders on Bookbot channel that motivation into structured phonics practice with CVC words, blends, and digraphs appropriate for ages 5-6.
What reading level should free adventure books be for a first grader?
At the 1st-grade level, children are in what Chall (1983) calls the ‘initial reading and decoding’ stage, so adventure books should use decodable text that matches the phonics patterns a child has already learned. Bookbot’s free adventure stories for first grade are levelled from simple CVC words up through consonant blends and digraphs, and each book clearly shows its skill focus so parents can pick the right challenge.
Can my 1st grader read these free adventure books independently?
Yes. Because the text is decodable, first graders can sound out most words on their own rather than guessing or waiting for adult help. Ehri et al. (2001) confirmed that systematic phonics instruction – the approach behind every Bookbot book – produces significantly better word-reading outcomes than non-systematic methods. You can also use Bookbot’s free read-aloud feature with word-by-word highlighting to support your child when they need a little extra scaffolding.