Free Science 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 science books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our free children’s books feature experiments, discoveries, and how things work perfect for beginning readers. Download free story books PDF or read childrens books online free.
Animal Friends
Did you know that some animals wake up farmers, carry secret messages, or even help flowers make seeds? From roosters that crow at dawn to clever birds that build amazing nests, animals do incredible things to help people and nature. Some protect our homes, while others make the soil better for growing plants. Which helpful animal will surprise you the most? Open this book to discover the amazing ways our animal friends make the world a better place!
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?
Magnet Magic!
Rin discovers a mysterious block that sticks to some things but not others. She’s curious about what this strange object can do! Will it stick to her cat? Her ruler? Join Rin as she explores the magical powers of her mysterious discovery and learns surprising secrets about the world around her.
Not the Same
Meet two tiny creatures who seem so different but share surprising secrets! One is fuzzy, one is not. One is short, one is tall. They munch on the same snacks and both need their rest. But here’s where it gets really interesting - they each build very different homes and come out completely transformed! Can you guess what these two amazing animals are? Read along to discover the wonderful ways they’re alike and different!
Off!
We flip switches and lights come on. We see them twinkling in windows at night and glowing along busy roads. But have you ever stopped to think about how much we really need lights? What would happen if all the lights suddenly blinked out one day? Could we still play games, read books, or even stay safe? Discover why lights are more important than you might think!
Roar Roar Dinosaurs
Roar! Did you know that dinosaurs had feathers and that some hunted together in packs? Discover how scientists use fossils and clever detective work to unlock the secrets of these amazing creatures. What incredible dinosaur facts will you learn?
The Internet
The internet is a web that we use for both work and fun. It has films, tunes, and sites that we can use. We must use the internet for most jobs.
Turn!
Wheels are everywhere—on skateboards, ferris wheels, clocks, and diggers! But what if wheels didn’t exist? Discover how wheels change our world and explore what life would be like without them. Would we still be able to do all the things we do today?
Vines
Vines are long plants that can grow up or to the side, and can be used to hold food. They can also grip onto surfaces and tuck into small spots. Vines can get big and take over land.
What's the Scoop on Pee and Poop?
Pat the rat has a big question: where does pee and poop go after you flush? There’s only one way to find out—dive into the toilet and follow the water! Join Pat on his underground adventure through pipes and tanks as he meets a friendly sewer rat who shows him the secrets of wastewater treatment. What happens to all that yucky stuff? Can dirty water ever become clean again?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do science books support reading development in 1st graders?
Science texts introduce factual content that builds the background knowledge Scarborough (2001) identified as essential for skilled reading. At the same time, the NRP (2000) confirmed that systematic phonics instruction is most effective when embedded in meaningful content. Bookbot’s free science books combine both: children decode words about animals, weather, and the human body rather than abstract drills. For more on how phonics and content work together, see what are decodable books?.
What formats are these free science books available in?
Every science book on Bookbot is free to read on the Bookbot website. Many also include PDF downloads, and select titles offer a read-aloud feature with word-by-word highlighting. A University of Chicago study found that free digital libraries significantly improve literacy outcomes for young children, so removing cost barriers makes a real difference.
What reading levels do the free science books cover?
The books span the full range of 1st grade phonics — from basic CVC words (like bug, web, pod) through consonant blends and digraphs. Each book is tagged by phonics level so you can pick the right match for your child. Our scope and sequence page explains how the levels build on one another.
Can science books help reluctant 1st grade readers?
Yes. Many children who resist fiction will happily read about volcanoes, insects, or how the body works. Wang (2025) found that interest-driven reading significantly predicts decoding gains in young children, and Stanovich (1986) showed that any increase in reading volume fuels a positive cycle of vocabulary and fluency growth. For more strategies, see our guide on reluctant readers.