Music Books for 1st Graders
We believe every child deserves access to quality reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of learning. Discover melodic music books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature instruments, songs, and rhythm perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through musical adventures.
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?
Make it Rain
Kaa lives in a dry, thirsty land where nothing grows. His special job is to walk from place to place, singing songs that call to the clouds and rain. One day, as Kaa sings his magical song, he hears a strange sound: Thump, thump, thump! A friendly dinosaur has come to join him! Can Kaa and his new dinosaur friend sing loud enough for the clouds to hear them?
Ballerina
Meet a young dreamer with big plans! She wants to become the best ballerina in the whole world. She imagines spinning and floating across stages everywhere, wearing beautiful dresses while crowds cheer for her amazing moves. But becoming a star dancer takes lots of hard work and practice. Will she have what it takes to make her ballet dreams come true? Follow along on this inspiring journey of determination and dance!
I Want to Sing!
Bug really wants to sing, but she just can’t figure out how! She meets many friends who try to help. Duck sings about rain, but Bug doesn’t like getting wet. Frog sings about the pond, but Bug can’t swim. Big Bird’s song is too long, and Sad Bird’s song isn’t fun enough. Will Bug ever find the perfect song to sing? Can a new friend help her find her voice?
I am a Train!
Meet a speedy blue train who loves zooming along the rails without a care in the world! But one night, things change when the train travels too far from home and finds itself in a strange, scary place. Will the train find its way back? Discover how an unexpected friend and a magical flute help turn fear into courage!
Inès Can Twirl!
Meet Inès, a talented dancer with fans who absolutely adore her! She performs in amazing costumes and dances on stage, from mysterious dances in the dark to magical performances. What special surprises await Inès as she takes the stage for her next incredible show? Follow along to discover the magic of dance!
The Elf
Tina has so many chores to do every day, and all she wants is time to play! She loves to sing while she works, making up her own songs. One magical day, she discovers a tiny elf sitting on an ear of corn in the field—an elf who can do chores in a flash! But when the elf disappears, Tina is heartbroken. Will the elf ever come back? And what will happen when Tina asks for help with all her work?
The Magic Loom
Kim wakes from her nap to a mysterious tapping sound. Following it outside, she discovers a magical loom just like her mother’s. But when Kim sits down to weave, something extraordinary happens—the loom comes alive! As it spins and sways, Kim is carried away on an incredible journey through the sky and sea. Where will the magic loom take her next?
Bop
Bop the bull is so excited for the big bull parade, but there’s one problem—he can’t seem to get the dance steps right! No matter how hard he tries, his knees won’t bend properly and his feet keep tripping him up. His big brother encourages him to keep practising and listen to the music. Will Bop be able to learn the dance in time for the parade?
Sad Tune
When a girl plays a sad, lonely tune on her flute, her tears transform into rain that spreads across the field. The animals hear the sorrowful song and wonder who could be so sad. What will they discover when they follow the mysterious melody to find its source?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a link between music and learning to read in 1st grade?
Research shows a strong connection between musical awareness and early reading. Gordon et al. (2015) found that musical rhythm perception in young children is linked to phonological awareness, a core skill for decoding words. Music books for 1st graders on Bookbot let children explore instruments, rhythm, and songs through decodable text matched to their phonics level, reinforcing the auditory processing skills that underpin both music and reading.
How can music stories for 5 year olds support phonics development?
Music stories for 5 year olds naturally draw attention to the sounds within words, which parallels how phonics instruction teaches children to segment and blend sounds. Rowe (2023) highlights that integrating music into literacy activities strengthens children’s sensitivity to rhyme, onset-rime, and syllable patterns. Bookbot’s music picture books for first grade are available on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to read and select titles offering word-by-word highlighted read-aloud.
What makes music books effective for 1st graders who are reluctant readers?
Music books for beginning readers tap into a child’s enjoyment of rhythm and song, which can overcome the resistance some first graders feel toward reading practice. Familiar, joyful content lowers anxiety and increases the willingness to attempt new words. Bookbot’s music books for 1st graders follow a structured scope and sequence so the text stays within a child’s decoding ability, building confidence with each story. For more strategies, see our guide on reluctant readers.
How should parents use music picture books for first grade at home?
Parents can read a music picture book aloud first, clapping along to rhythmic text or singing any song elements, then invite the child to re-read independently. A University of Chicago study found that shared digital reading improves literacy skills for young children. On Bookbot, many music books are available on the website, with select titles free to read online, making shared reading sessions easy to set up. See also our tips on laying the foundations for a love of reading.