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.
The Birch Patch
Have you ever stood beneath a tall birch tree and felt the cool shade on your face? Step into the forests of Minecraft, where each patch of trees holds charm, chill, and surprise! Why do players chop so much wood in their very first minutes? What hides behind the trunks of a dark oak forest, waiting to make you flinch? Grab your axe and reach for adventure! This decodable reader practices the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘birch,’ ‘chop,’ ‘chunk,’ and ‘patch.’
Ping and the Gang
Dive beneath the waves with Ping the fish! From warm, sunny reefs where pink things cling to the rocks, to icy seas where cod and squid hang on in the deep, the Minecraft ocean is full of wonder. But what happens when junk starts to wreck the sea? Can Ping, Tang, and their gang help life spring back to all things? This decodable reader practices the ’ng’ sound in words like ‘cling,’ ‘spring,’ ‘strong,’ and ‘brings.’
The Plant That Ate the Shed!
When Ladybug plants one teeny, tiny vine, she’s sure she’ll grow the most magnificent garden ever - but what happens when a little vine refuses to stop growing? Can Ladybug and her friends rein in the twisting tendrils before the whole world turns into one big green, flowery mess? With swallowed sheds, splitting stems, and watermelons the size of boulders, this wild garden tale is bursting with giggles. This decodable reader practices the ’nk’ sound in words like ‘pink,’ ’think,’ ’trunk,’ ‘junk,’ and ‘shrink.’
Red, Sun, and Sky!
Red, Sun, and Sky are three dinosaur friends with one colorful job: paint the gray neighborhood bright! But what happens when red splashes into yellow, or blue swirls with sun? And why does Blue Dinosaur keep warning his friends not to mix all three colors at once? Will the dinosaurs dare to break the biggest rule in the sky? This decodable reader practices open syllables in words like ‘fly,’ ‘my,’ ‘sky,’ ’try,’ and ‘we.’
Drop Them Both!
A rock and a feather, one in each hand - which one do you think will hit the ground first? The Boy is sure he knows the answer, but then he starts to wonder just how much heavier that smooth stone really is. With scales, flasks, and a very patient elephant, can he and Dad figure out the mass of almost anything, from a raindrop to the whole planet? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ‘both,’ ‘smooth,’ ’think,’ and ’thrusts.’
Not That Shade!
Ned the farmer has pigs, cows, and one very big problem - his new vest is dull, dull, DULL! Can a handful of red roses and a splash of gold really turn a plain vest into something fantastic? And what happens when Ned mixes the two together? Will he finally find a shade bold enough to wear into the dark? Join Ned and The Book for a colorful adventure. This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’think,’ ’this,’ ’these,’ and ‘both.’
Thump Thump Thump!
THUMP! Can you hear the dinosaurs coming? Meet a boastful T-rex and a whole crowd of amazing creatures - some big, some small, some thin, some with mighty long necks that stretch up to the clouds. Who hunts in packs? Who has tiny twins hiding in the plants? And which dinosaur might actually be related to a chicken? Stomp along and find out! This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thump,’ ’those,’ ’through,’ ’thanks,’ and ’three.'
Husks in the Shade
Could you survive where the sun is sharp and water is scarce? Step into the desert biome, where cacti stand alone, husks freeze in the shade, and sand stretches as far as the eye can see. What treasures might be buried beneath the dunes, and how do clever mobs stay cool when the heat blazes overhead? Grab your map and get ready to explore a land of hidden wonders. This decodable reader practices the ‘sh’ sound in words like ‘shade,’ ‘sharp,’ ‘shines,’ and ‘stash.’
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.