STEM Books for 1st Graders
We’re committed to helping every child discover the joy of reading through stories they love. Discover inspiring STEM books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature engineering, technology, and problem-solving perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through hands-on learning themes.
Super Shooter Ned
Ned has just discovered a magical bow, but mastering it won’t be easy! When mysterious bad things threaten his world, Ned must practice hard and learn new skills to protect what matters. Will Ned be able to use his bow in time to save the day? Join Ned on his exciting journey of growth and determination!
Farmer Ned Starts Off
Farmer Ned’s stomach is rumbling—his home has no food! A mysterious Book appears with a plan: grow food from seeds. But there’s a problem standing in Ned’s way. Can Ned figure out what he needs to do to make his seeds grow? Join Ned on an exciting journey as he discovers the secrets of farming and learns how to care for growing things!
I am a Bot
Meet a friendly robot who lives in a scientist’s lab and loves building clever machines! One day, the robot creates something special—a pet dog named Sparky who can grow bigger and smaller. But when an older robot named Cog decides she wants a pet too, she brings home a real cat called Whiskers. Two very different pets in one busy lab! Can a robot dog and a real cat learn to share their home together?
Ned Gets Metal
Ned and The Book are on an exciting adventure to explore a mysterious cave! With a torch to light the way and clever problem-solving skills, they face unexpected challenges and discover amazing treasures. What will Ned find in the darkness, and how will he use his discoveries? Join Ned on this thrilling quest where bravery and creativity lead to wonderful surprises!
Ned Makes a Home
Ned lives in a tiny shed, but he dreams of something bigger! With logs and stone, Ned gets to work building his very own home. He creates a cozy room with a soft bed to rest in. But wait—Ned says there’s still one more thing he needs to add. What special finishing touch will Ned put on his brand new home?
Ned is a Wizard
Ned has a big dream—to become a wizard! A mysterious book guides him on an amazing quest to find black rock and master the secrets of magic. With each step, Ned gets closer to his goal. Will Ned discover what it takes to become a real wizard? Join him on this magical adventure to find out!
Ned's Metal Pal
Ned wants a friend, but where will he find one? With help from a mysterious Book, Ned discovers he can build his very own pal! Together, they gather special materials and create something magical. But will Ned’s creation be the friend he’s always hoped for? Read on to discover what happens when Ned brings his metal pal to life!
The Hungry Hen
Dr Can Do is building an amazing bamboo-cutting machine to fuel his workshop furnace, but a cheeky chicken keeps getting in the way! Will Dr Can Do finish his invention before the persistent hen causes more chaos? Follow along as this clever inventor and his friend Jill try to outsmart an escape artist chicken in this fun tale of creativity and problem-solving.
Archie Can Invent!
Meet Archie, a creative kid who loves building and inventing! From helpful household bots to an amazing art-making machine, Archie uses cogs, tubes, and his imagination to create incredible inventions. He stays active by riding his bike and working hard on his projects. But what will Archie dream up next? Will his creations help others or just bring him joy?
Callum Can Speed!
Meet Callum, a young racer who loves cars more than anything! He’s won lots of races before, but now he has a big dream - to build his very best car ever. Callum gathers all the parts he needs and carefully puts his new creation together. When race day arrives, he starts all the way back in tenth place! Can Callum zoom past the other drivers and prove that his homemade car is truly the fastest?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it valuable to introduce STEM reading during the 1st grade decoding stage?
First graders are at what Chall (1983) calls the ‘initial reading and decoding’ stage, making it the ideal time to pair phonics practice with content that builds curiosity. Takacs and Bus (2020) found that enriched, multimedia-supported reading experiences enhance learning outcomes for young children. Bookbot’s STEM books for 1st graders use decodable text aligned to a structured scope and sequence, so children explore science, technology, engineering, and math without encountering words they have no strategy to decode.
How do STEM books for 5 year olds build the vocabulary needed for later school success?
STEM books for 5 year olds introduce specialised terms for concepts like simple machines, patterns, habitats, and measurement in context, which makes the words memorable. Stanovich’s Matthew Effect research (1986) shows that early vocabulary advantages compound over time, so children who encounter STEM vocabulary in 1st grade are better prepared for the academic language of later grades. On Bookbot, STEM picture books for first grade are available on the website, with many titles free to read and select titles offering read-aloud features.
Are STEM books for beginning readers too difficult for children still learning phonics?
Not on Bookbot. STEM books for beginning readers are levelled by phonics skill, progressing from CVC words through consonant blends and digraphs, so the text complexity matches what a 1st grader can decode. The National Reading Panel (2000) emphasises that systematic phonics instruction works best when children apply their skills in meaningful reading contexts, and STEM topics like robots, bridges, and animals provide exactly that kind of engaging context.
How can parents support their 1st grader's STEM reading at home?
Parents can extend a STEM picture book by trying a simple related activity, such as building a tower after reading about engineering or sorting objects after reading about patterns. Manu et al. (2019) found that access to books and a supportive home literacy environment are among the strongest predictors of reading achievement. STEM books are available on the Bookbot website, with many titles free to read, and our guide on laying the foundations for a love of reading offers more ideas for building reading into daily life.