Fantasy 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 magical fantasy books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature dragons, wizards, and enchanted worlds perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through imaginative adventures.
A Bunch of Squid!
Chad has big plans for the best garden on the street - until the sky starts doing something very strange. Swirls twist overhead, his shovel slips, and then… fish! Squid! Splattering down all around him! But what happens when the sky clears and there’s not a single drop of proof left behind? Will anyone believe Chad’s wild story? This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words such as ‘bunch,’ ‘catch,’ ‘chunk,’ and ’twitch.’
The Cursed Emerald Part 1
CHINK, CHINK, CHINK goes Steve’s pickaxe - just another boring day in the mine. But what happens when a strange green gem starts glowing in the wall? One touch, one flash, and suddenly Steve is standing under the stars with monsters closing in from every side. Can he outrun a spider, a skeleton, and a baby zombie riding a chicken? This decodable reader practises the ’nk’ sound in words like ‘clink,’ ‘sinks,’ ‘bank,’ ’thank,’ and ‘wink.’
Chip and the Sky Band
Have you ever looked up at the clouds and spotted something that looked just like a person waving back? When Chip points at the sky, a puffy cloud man appears - then cloud chums jigging, singing, and banging drums in a huge sky band! But what happens when the music turns into thunder and rain smacks everyone on the cheek? This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘chip,’ ‘chums,’ ‘catch,’ ‘bunch,’ and ‘watch.’
Skel and the Chase
Skel is a skeleton who never stops working! He chops, plants, runs, and hunts all day long. His friends Zom and Jack tell him to rest, but Skel refuses. He marches off on another hunt with his dog Bones, getting richer and richer. But when you don’t sleep, strange things start to happen… What are those spooky phantoms following Skel? Will he escape them?
Stop, Broom, Stop!
The Wind Princess is coming at sunrise, and everything at the Rainbow Tower must sparkle! But what happens when Kate reaches for the big magical broom and it growls, dodges, and zooms straight out the window with her still holding on? Can Kate tame a grumpy broom, or will the whole kingdom miss its chance to shine? Buckle up for a wild, bubbly ride above the clouds. This decodable reader practises the ‘sh’ sound in words like ‘brush,’ ‘dash,’ ‘splash,’ ‘fresh,’ and ‘shine.’
The Best Bunch
Zom has grown the biggest, best bunch of pumpkins ever, and he can’t wait to bake them into wonderful cakes. But one morning, a pumpkin is gone! The next day, two more vanish without a trace. Who - or what - is sneaking into the patch at night? Can Zom stay awake long enough to catch the mystery thief in the act? This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words such as ‘bunch,’ ‘catch,’ ‘chin,’ and ‘witch.’
Go, Troll Kite, Go!
Rain, rain, and more rain - will the sky ever clear? When the sun finally breaks through, it’s time to race outside with a homemade kite and a very special secret weapon painted right on the front: a troll queen with a golden crown and the biggest smile around. Can she soar higher than the monster kite and the fish kite too? Get ready to cheer! This decodable reader practises silent e words such as ‘kite,’ ‘glide,’ ‘shape,’ ‘smile,’ and ‘pride.’
Hold On, Kim!
What is making that tap-tap-tap sound while Kim tries to nap? When a dusty old loom starts shaking all on its own, Kim climbs aboard and suddenly she’s lifting off the ground, rising past rooftops and soaring into the clouds. Will she hold on tight as the loom dives, splashes, and swirls through a world bursting with colour? This decodable reader practises open syllables in words such as “fly,” “sky,” “we,” “me,” and “why.”
Yank, Nib, Yank!
When a hungry troll creeps out of the woods and snatches clever Nib right out of her cosy hut, can a single ball of red wool really outsmart a shaggy giant? Tied up in a tall tree with her brothers far away on the hills, Nib has only her quick fingers and a very sneaky plan. Will the wool lead help in time? This decodable reader practises short u with j, v, y in words like ‘jumps,’ ‘yanks,’ ‘huff,’ and ‘hush.’
No Thanks, Mobs!
Ned has a cosy house, a farm of carrots, and a sword he’s finally ready to use. But when the sun dips low and shadows stretch across the field, the monsters come creeping. Can one brave little hero stand up to zombies, rattling skeletons, and a giant spider all in one night? And what shiny surprise might be waiting inside? This decodable reader practises the ’th’ sound in words like ’thanks,’ ’thin,’ ’thump,’ and ’thwack.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How do fantasy books for 1st graders develop imagination while strengthening decoding skills?
Fantasy books for 1st graders transport children to magical worlds that demand active visualisation, which deepens cognitive engagement with the text. Research on narrative absorption (Frontiers, 2022) shows that stories that immerse readers lead to deeper processing and better comprehension. On Bookbot, fantasy picture books for first grade pair imaginative content with decodable text matched to 1st grade phonics patterns like CVC words and consonant blends, so children build decoding skills within stories that capture their imagination. Learn more about what is phonics.
What phonics level should fantasy stories for 5 year olds be written at?
Fantasy stories for 5 year olds in 1st grade should be written at a level that matches Chall’s (1983) initial reading and decoding stage, focusing on CVC words, consonant blends, and digraphs. Ehri et al. (2001) confirmed that children learn to read most effectively when text difficulty aligns with their current phonics knowledge. Bookbot’s fantasy books for beginning readers follow a structured scope and sequence so parents can select fantasy stories at exactly the right level, and books are available to browse on the Bookbot website by grade and skill level.
Can fantasy picture books for first grade help reluctant readers engage with books?
Fantasy picture books for first grade are particularly effective for reluctant readers because magical and imaginative elements create a strong pull to keep turning pages. Murphy Odo (2024) found that interest-driven reading materials significantly improve engagement in children who resist reading. Bookbot’s fantasy books for 1st graders use decodable text so even hesitant readers can experience success with every story. For more strategies on motivating reluctant readers, see our article on reluctant readers.
How do I choose between fantasy and fairy tale books for my 1st grader?
Fantasy books for 1st graders feature original imaginative worlds with dragons, wizards, and magical creatures, while fairy tale books retell classic stories with predictable structures. Both genres build comprehension and decoding skills, but Springer (2022) notes that narrative variety strengthens a child’s ability to understand different text types. Bookbot offers both fantasy and fairy tale picture books for beginning readers, all organised by phonics level, so you can follow your child’s interests. See our tips on 8 ways to boost reading motivation.