Nonfiction Books for 1st Graders
Every child deserves stories that spark curiosity and build a foundation for lifelong learning. Discover informative nonfiction books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature real-world facts and true stories perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through fascinating information.
Foxes!
Discover the amazing world of foxes! From their clever ears to their swift movements, foxes are fascinating creatures. Learn about how these smart animals live in the wild, what they eat, and how fox kits grow up. Did you know foxes can be as clever as dogs? Read on to explore the secrets of these incredible red foxes!
Hats!
Hats come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s a perfect hat for every occasion! From sunny days to cold foggy mornings, from work to play, hats are everywhere. But what makes each hat so special? Discover the fun and fabulous world of hats and all the adventures they bring!
Hens
Meet a variety of hens in this fun discovery book! From spotted hens to fluffy red ones, each page introduces a different hen with its own special qualities. Some hens are busy, some are silly, and some are downright grumpy. As you turn the pages, you’ll learn amazing things about what hens can do. Can you spot all the different kinds of hens and discover what makes each one unique?
Kittens!
Meet a playful kitten and its adventures! From napping on its back to chasing flies, this curious kitten explores the world with a furry pup pal by its side. Watch as kittens tumble through the park, get silly scares, and snuggle with their mom. What exciting adventures will this kitten discover next? A purr-fect story about growing up!
Little Book of Big Facts: Orangutan
Did you know orangutans aren’t monkeys? These amazing creatures swing through the trees of Indonesia with their long, powerful arms! Discover what makes orangutans so special—from their favorite foods to their incredible climbing skills. Learn fascinating facts about these smart and adorable forest dwellers.
Little Book of Big Facts: Sun Bear
Did you know there’s a bear that doesn’t live on the sun? Meet the amazing sun bear! These small but mighty creatures have some surprising secrets. What do you think they eat? Where do they make their homes? Join us as we discover the incredible world of sun bears and learn what makes them so special!
Pups!
Meet the cutest pups in this delightful picture book! From a tiny pup in a cup to a playful pup with its favorite toys, these adorable puppies get into all sorts of fun adventures. Watch as they play, snuggle, and explore their world. But wait—there’s a surprising twist at the end! What could it be? Turn the pages to discover all the puppy surprises waiting for you!
Little Book of Big Facts: Irrawaddy Dolphin
Did you know dolphins aren’t fish? Meet the amazing Irrawaddy dolphin and discover how these intelligent creatures breathe air, hunt for food, and live together in river mouths. Learn fascinating facts about one of nature’s smartest animals and why people love them so much!
Little Book of Big Facts: Sumatran Tiger
Meet the amazing Sumatran tiger! This big cat has striking orange and white stripes and lives deep in the forests of Sumatra. Did you know tigers have enormous fangs and are incredibly strong hunters? Discover fascinating facts about how these magnificent creatures live in the wild and why so many people love them.
Off!
Have you ever thought about what life would be like without lights? Discover how lights brighten our world and help us do amazing things every day. From finding our way to having fun, lights play an important role in our lives. Join this adventure to explore the wonderful world of light!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should 1st graders read nonfiction alongside fiction?
The NCTE highlights that early exposure to informational text builds the comprehension strategies children need for academic reading in later grades. Nonfiction books for 1st graders introduce text features like headings, labels, and captions while teaching real-world facts. On Bookbot, nonfiction picture books for first grade use decodable text matched to 1st grade phonics patterns, so the informational content stays accessible to beginning readers.
How do nonfiction books for 1st graders free online help close the knowledge gap?
Nonfiction books for 1st graders free online give every family access to the background knowledge that drives reading comprehension. Manu et al. (2019) found that access to reading materials is one of the most important factors in early literacy outcomes. Bookbot’s website offers nonfiction for 5 year olds with many titles free to read online and select titles offering word-by-word highlighted read-aloud, removing barriers for families who cannot afford a large book collection.
Are nonfiction picture books for first grade too difficult for children still learning phonics?
Not when the text is decodable. Bookbot’s nonfiction books for 1st graders follow a structured scope and sequence that controls vocabulary from CVC words through consonant blends and digraphs. Ehri et al. (2001) showed that systematic phonics instruction is most effective when children can practise decoding in meaningful texts, and nonfiction topics like animals, space, and weather provide exactly that kind of engaging context.
How can parents make the most of nonfiction books for beginning readers at home?
Parents can preview the topic with a quick conversation, let the child read the decodable text independently, and then discuss what was learned. This before-during-after approach builds comprehension and vocabulary. A University of Chicago study found that shared digital reading significantly improves literacy outcomes for young children. Many nonfiction books are available on the Bookbot website, and our guide on laying the foundations for a love of reading offers more strategies.