Animal Books for 1st Graders

Fish is grumpy. He’s tired of swimming, tired of bubbles, tired of fins! Could he be a rabbit instead? A bird? When a smiling cat says she’s a HUGE fan of fish, it sounds too good to be true - but is it? And who might become Fish’s very best chum in the end? Dive in and find out! This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘chum,’ ‘munch,’ ‘catch,’ ‘watch,’ and ’teach.’

Coach Vic has a big surprise hidden in an old trunk, and when he pulls out a shiny white ball, everyone’s eyes go wide - especially Dog’s! Can the kids learn to smash, dig, and serve without using their feet? And what happens when a wiggly pup decides volleyball looks like the best dog sport ever invented? Get ready for paws, pounces, and plenty of giggles! This decodable reader practises the ’ng’ sound in words like ‘bang,’ ‘spring,’ ‘strong,’ and ‘swings.’

May the fairy has one simple job: fly through the garden and pick her very favourite flower. Easy, right? But wait - which bloom is truly the best? The sunny daisies? The pinky-pink roses? That mysterious red bloom no one has ever seen? Even the bees can’t agree, and a zippy little bee keeps buzzing, ‘Pick one already!’ Can May ever choose just one? This cheerful decodable reader practises open syllables in words like ‘fly,’ ‘go,’ ’try,’ ‘why,’ and ‘me.’

Pang the cicada has the biggest job of his life - conducting the Dry Season Concert for the whole forest! His wings tremble, his knees wobble, and his glasses keep sliding down his nose. Can he get the choir to sing in tune? And what happens when something very wet and very unexpected starts falling from the sky at a DRY season concert? A decodable reader practising open syllables in words like ‘be,’ ‘fly,’ ‘my,’ ’try,’ and ‘we.’

Deep in a cool, green pond, Red loves looping, lunch, and his little pals - until something huge and toothy comes snapping out of the reeds! Can one small fish outswim a giant with row after row of sharp teeth? And when hiding isn’t enough, what wild, wonderful plan could possibly scare a Big Bad Fish away? This decodable reader practises VCC/CVCC words such as “fast,” “help,” “bolt,” and “past.”

Kara has the best idea ever: a surprise birthday party for Pip, her happy little pup! But what happens when Pip overhears the secret and decides he wants to help too? Can a puppy really plan his own surprise? From a finch on a branch to a bunch of bouncy chums marching up the path, this cheerful tale is packed with wagging tails and giggles. This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘branch,’ ‘bunch,’ ‘catch,’ and ‘march.’

High in a sunny tree, a proud mother crow has three hungry chicks yelling for breakfast - and nothing, not shiny buttons or sparkly beads, will fill their bellies! Can she swoop down and snatch a silvery fish before anyone notices? And when rival crows come screeching from the sky, will she hold on tight to her prize? A lively decodable reader practising CCVC/CCVCC blends through words like ‘grab,’ ‘snap,’ ‘flap,’ ‘spins,’ and ‘stop.’

Rain is drumming on the roof, and Sam just wants hot coffee and a good book - but have you ever tried to keep one quiet cup away from a muddy bull, a nosy cat, and a whole gang of soggy animals? When the puddles call and the rain won’t stop, what is a boy with a cold coffee supposed to do? This decodable reader practises the ’ng’ sound in words like ‘bang,’ ‘sing,’ ‘song,’ ‘strong,’ and ’thing.’

Poor Bee is lost! Can Elephant, who once found a peanut under a rock, help him find his way back to his buzzing friends? First she pops him in a bird’s nest - yikes! Then a dark cave full of glowing eyes - eek! Will these two mismatched pals ever track down the cosy golden hive Bee calls home, and what happens when the helper gets lost too? This decodable reader practises silent e words such as ‘brave,’ ‘chase,’ ‘home,’ ‘hive,’ and ‘smiles.’

The Baobab drops its fruit for everyone who asks politely, and there is always enough to share. But when a greedy hyena named Fisi decides he wants all of it before dawn, will his shouting and scheming get him a single pod? Can a clever girl and a patient tree teach him that you cannot steal what is freely given? Find out what Fisi finally learns. This story practises the /ŋ/ sound with words like ’long’, ‘bring’, ’thing’, ‘fangs’, and ‘springs’.