Science Books for 1st Graders
We’re passionate about ensuring literacy is accessible to every child, as it is essential for a happy, successful life. Discover fascinating science books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature experiments, discoveries, and how things work perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through scientific exploration.
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!
Birds
Have you ever wondered why birds are so different from each other? Some are tall with big legs, while others are small and fluffy. Some can zip through the air to catch fish, while others strut around farms looking for scraps. From their funny flapping to their amazing bills, birds are full of surprises! What makes each bird so special? Open this book to discover the wonderful world of birds and all their quirks!
Caterpillars!
Meet some amazing caterpillars! These fascinating little creatures come in many different shapes and sizes. Some have bumpy spines, some have stripes, and some are covered in soft, fuzzy hair. Each caterpillar is special and unique. What makes these caterpillars so different from each other? Discover the wonderful variety of caterpillars in the world around us!
Curly or Not
Did you know that curly and straight things are all around us? From bouncy curls in hair to winding staircases, from animal tails that grip branches to snacks that coil like snakes, our world is full of amazing shapes! Join a curious girl as she discovers curls and straight lines everywhere she looks. What curly or straight things can YOU find in your world?
Drip, Drop!
When the rain comes down, pitter-patter, what adventures await? Join a curious girl and her mum as they discover the magic of a rainy day. Will they find fun ways to play in the wet weather? Discover how rain brings the whole family together and what happens to the world around them when the clouds open up.
Fly!
Birds can fly with their wings, and bugs can buzz through the air. But what about things that don’t have wings at all? Can they fly too? Look up at the sky and discover all the amazing things floating above you. Some have wings, some don’t, but they all find a way to soar. What about you - do you think YOU could ever fly?
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!
Did you know there’s a perfect hat for every occasion? From sunny beach days to snowy mountain adventures, from cooking in the kitchen to marching in parades, hats do so much more than just look cool! Some hats keep you warm, some keep you safe, and some are just for fun. How many different types of hats can you discover? Which hat would YOU choose to wear today?
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?
Is This the Sea?
Follow raindrops on an amazing journey! Starting as clouds in the sky, they fall as rain and travel through streams, rivers, and finally reach the vast sea. But what happens next? Discover the incredible cycle that keeps our planet alive in this fascinating tale of water, weather, and wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do science books strengthen reading comprehension for 1st graders?
Science books for 1st graders build the background knowledge that Scarborough’s Reading Rope (2001) identifies as essential for skilled comprehension. When a child reads about animals, weather, or plants, they create mental frameworks that make future texts on those topics easier to understand. Bookbot’s science picture books for first grade deliver this knowledge through decodable text matched to 1st grade phonics levels, so children build content knowledge and decoding skills at the same time.
Are science books for 5 year olds appropriate for children still learning to decode?
Science books for 5 year olds on Bookbot are written with controlled vocabulary that follows a phonics-based scope and sequence, progressing from CVC words to consonant blends and digraphs. The National Reading Panel (2000) confirms that systematic phonics instruction is most effective when children can apply it in meaningful reading, and science topics like dinosaurs, space, and ocean life provide exactly that motivation. Many titles are available to read for free on the Bookbot website.
Why is it important to introduce informational science text in 1st grade?
Early exposure to informational text prepares children for the academic reading demands they will face from 3rd grade onward. Wang (2025) highlights the role that varied text exposure plays in cognitive and literacy development during early childhood. Science books for beginning readers on Bookbot introduce features like labelled diagrams and simple factual sentences, all within decodable text that first graders can read independently. For more on how decodable books work, see our parent guide.
How can parents use science picture books for first grade to spark curiosity at home?
Parents can pair a science picture book with a simple hands-on activity, such as observing insects after reading about habitats or mixing colours after reading about light. Takacs and Bus (2020) found that multimedia and interactive elements significantly enhance learning from stories. Bookbot’s science books for 1st graders are available on the website, with many titles free to read online and select titles offering word-by-word highlighted read-aloud, making it easy to weave reading into everyday discovery.