Free Funny Books for 1st Graders
We’re committed to removing barriers to literacy by providing free books that children love. Discover free funny books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our free children’s books feature silly characters and laugh-out-loud moments perfect for beginning readers. Download free story books PDF or read childrens books online free.
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.
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!
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?
An Odd Day
When a man sets out to dig in the dirt on an ordinary day, something extraordinary happens. The sky begins to glow, and then something impossible occurs—fish start falling from above! What could cause such a strange and magical event? Join this curious digger as his day takes an unexpected turn in this delightfully odd adventure.
Allie's Haircut
Allie finds a picture of her mum with short hair and decides to give herself a haircut to look pretty too. But oh no—the scissors don’t cooperate, and Allie’s new look is a disaster! Will Allie find a way to fix her hair? Find out what wild things she tries and how her mum helps her see herself in a whole new way.
He Can Spy…
Kojo has a big reading test coming up at school, and he’s determined to do well! As he practices his homework, he spies all sorts of funny characters - a grandad in a bucket hat, a grandma in bright clothes, a hen wearing a headscarf, and even a cat with a necktie! Some words are tricky, but Kojo knows how to break them down. Can you help Kojo spy all the silly words hiding in his homework?
If Dinos Did not Die...
What if dinosaurs never went extinct? Imagine going to the park and seeing a T-Rex on the swings! Would dinosaurs be friendly neighbors who go shopping with us? Or would they stomp through our streets and gobble up all our food? This fun book explores what life might be like if giant dinos still roamed the Earth. Could humans and dinosaurs ever live together?
No Pals
Tiger loves being alone and doesn’t want any friends—she’s fierce, independent, and prefers the peace and quiet of her solitary life. But when all the other animals mysteriously disappear, Tiger finds herself in an unexpected situation. What will happen when Tiger’s peaceful world changes? Find out in this wild tale about independence and surprise.
Pig
A girl at the park smells something stinky and discovers what she thinks is a muddy pig! She has the best time running, splashing in puddles, and climbing trees with her new smelly friend. When the sun starts to set, she decides to sneak the beast into her house to keep playing. But Mom spots the muddy mess everywhere! What will happen when this stinky creature finally gets a bath?
The Dog Got Out!
When the dog escapes outside, an exciting adventure begins! Follow the pup as it explores the neighborhood, makes new friends, and discovers all sorts of fun surprises. What wild escapades will the energetic dog get into before the day ends? Find out in this playful tale of a dog on the loose!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free funny books for my 1st grader?
Bookbot’s website has a growing collection of free funny books for 1st graders you can read free on the Bookbot website, and many include PDF downloads. Each funny story is built on decodable text that follows a systematic phonics progression, so your child practises genuine reading skills while laughing along with silly characters.
Why are funny books effective for reluctant 1st-grade readers?
Humour turns reading from a chore into a reward, which is especially powerful for reluctant readers. When a child giggles at a joke, they want to keep going – and that extra practice matters. Murphy Odo (2024) found that interest-driven reading significantly improves engagement and outcomes for early readers. Bookbot’s free funny stories for first grade harness that laughter to build fluency, one decodable page at a time.
How do free funny picture books for 5 year olds support phonics development?
Every free funny picture book for 5 year olds on Bookbot is carefully levelled to a first-grade phonics scope and sequence, covering CVC words, consonant blends, digraphs, and beyond. The humorous content keeps children motivated to decode unfamiliar words rather than skipping them. The National Reading Panel (2000) confirmed that systematic phonics instruction paired with connected, engaging text is the most effective way to teach early reading.
Can my 1st grader read these free funny books independently?
Yes, when matched to the right phonics level. Bookbot labels every free funny book with its specific skill focus so you can choose stories your child can decode on their own. Ehri et al. (2001) showed that children taught with systematic phonics read words more accurately and independently than those taught with other methods. If your child wants a little extra help, the free read-aloud feature highlights each word as it is spoken.