Read-aloud time is one of the best times of the day in first grade! It’s a time when we can all relax, cuddle up with a good book, and explore new stories together.
But sometimes, it can be hard to find just the right book for your children readers. For that purpose, we’ve compiled a list of 17 fun 1st-grade read-alouds to make sure you’re never stuck for a good book again!
1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Charlotte’s Web is a classic read-aloud for a reason! This heartwarming story of friendship and sacrifice is sure to engage your young readers.
The book revolves around a young girl named Fern, who saves the life of a runt piglet named Wilbur.
When Wilbur is sent to live on a farm, he befriends a wise spider named Charlotte, who helps him avoid becoming dinner!
2. Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at Last!) by Barbara Park
The 18th book in the popular Junie B. Jones series, this read-aloud is a hilarious take on the first-grade experience. Junie B. is finally a first-grader, and while she’s nervous, she still can’t wait to start school.
But when Junie B. gets off on the wrong foot with her new teacher, she has to work hard to make things right again. This fast-paced and humorous story is perfect for reluctant readers.
3. The Foot Book: Dr. Seuss’s Wacky Book of Opposites by Dr.Seuss
If you’re looking for a fun read-aloud that will also help your little ones learn their opposites, look no further than The Foot Book! In this classic Dr. Seuss book, the left foot and the right foot take turns teaching us about opposite concepts like hot and cold, up and down, fast and slow.
With its simple text and humorous illustrations, The Foot Book is the perfect funny book for beginning readers.
4. Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
This funny and charming read-aloud is perfect for kids who are just starting to read independently. Hi! Fly Guy is the story of a young boy named Buzz and his pet fly, who go on all sorts of wacky adventures together. With its easy-to-read text and fun illustrations, This one is sure to impress your little ones, especially if they’re fans of gross-out humor.
5. Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe
Featuring a lovable cast of characters, Bunnicula is a fun and suspenseful read-aloud that’s perfect for mystery lovers. The story centers around a family who adopts a black rabbit they find in the theater one night.
When strange things start happening around the house, the family’s cat, Chester, becomes convinced that the rabbit is a vampire!
Can Chester save the day before it’s too late?
6. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Another Dr.Seuss classic, Green Eggs and Ham, is perfect for first graders. The simple text and memorable rhymes make it easy for little ones to follow along, and the illustrations are sure to keep them engaged.
The story follows a character named Sam-I-Am as he tries to convince another character to eat green eggs and ham.
Will he succeed? You’ll have to read to find out!
7. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
A lesson on personal development and self-confidence, Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is among the ideal read-aloud books for children.
The story follows a young girl named Molly Lou who, despite being teased for her height and teeth, learns to love herself just the way she is.
With its positive message and adorable illustrations, this read-aloud will be a hit with your emerging readers.
8. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
A favorite among both children and adults, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a hilarious read-aloud that’s perfect for kids who love food. The story follows the town of Chewandswallow, where food falls from the sky instead of rain. When the food starts getting out of hand, it’s up to one boy to save the day.
With its creative premise and delightful illustrations, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is sure to be so much fun with your first graders.
9. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
This funny and charming read-aloud is perfect for bedtime. The story follows a young chicken who can’t help but interrupt her father’s bedtime stories.
Every time he tries to tell her a story, she interjects with her own version of events. While this can be frustrating for her father, it’ll bring lots of laughs from your little ones.
10. Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osbourne
Are your first-graders fans of adventure stories? If so, they’re sure to love Dinosaurs Before Dark. The first book in the Magic Tree House chapter books, Dinosaurs Before Dark, follows siblings Jack and Annie as they are transported back in time to the age of dinosaurs.
With its fast-paced plot and exciting illustrations, even your struggling readers will be hooked from the beginning with this chapter book.
11. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
The perfect picture book that most kids love, Rosie Revere, Engineer, is perfect for your advanced readers. The story follows Rosie Revere, who dreams of becoming an engineer.
Though she faces some setbacks along the way, she never gives up on her dream. With its inspiring message and adorable illustrations, this one is perfect for reading aloud and reflecting on with your first-grade class.
12. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
Children’s literature wouldn’t be complete without a Mo Willems book, and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale is a perfect pick for first graders.
The story follows a young girl named Trixie who loses her beloved stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, and sets off on a mission to find him.
Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility and independence. With its sweet story and lovable characters, Knuffle Bunny is sure to become a favorite in your classroom.
13. Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman
Humor stories are always a hit with first-grade students, and Groundhog’s Day Off is no exception.
The story follows Phil, the groundhog, as he sets out to enjoy a day off from his shadow-predicting duties and the town that falls into chaos in his absence.
With its funny illustrations and lighthearted story, your first graders are sure to get a kick out of this one.
14. Grumpycorn by Sarah McIntyre
A great read-aloud book, Grumpycorn is a beautiful friendship story that’s perfect for first graders.
A unicorn wants to write a book, but he can’t seem to come up with any good ideas.His pals try to assist him, but he becomes irritated and transforms into a grumpycorn.
He apologizes when he realizes how horrible of a friend he’s been, and they all sit down to collaborate on the tale.
With its sweet message and lovely illustrations, Grumpycorn will inevitably engage your kiddos.
15. Wolf’s Coming! by Joe Kulka
Wolf’s Coming! is a hilarious picture book that’s perfect for this reading level. The story follows a group of animals who are terrified of a wolf coming to eat them.
They hide in their homes and turn off all the lights, but they’re in for a big surprise when the wolf finally arrives.
With its clever story, this one will have your first-grade students on the edge of their seats.
16. Jenny and the Cat Club by Esther Averill
This timeless classic is perfect for first graders. Jenny Linsky is a small black cat who lives in Greenwich Village and belongs to a club of other cats.
When the other club members start to exclude her, Jenny takes matters into her own hands and sets out to prove that she’s just as good as they are.
With its lovable characters and charming illustrations, your students are sure to fall in love with this book.
17. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Wrapping up our list is another cherished classic, The Mouse and the Motorcycle. The story follows a young mouse named Ralph who dreams of owning a motorcycle.
When he finally gets his hands on one, he sets off on a series of adventures that teach him some valuable lessons about responsibility.
Your students will love following along with Ralph’s escapades, and they’ll be eager to see what he gets up to next.
Jump In: You can complement this activity by providing your 1st graders with activities that will make them more engaged with their reading lessons. Check them out here — 11 Fun 1st Grade Reading Comprehension Activities (& Games).
Get Your Young Readers Engaged With These 17 Fun First-Grade Read Alouds!
These books are perfect for first grade because they all offer interactive options that help bring the stories to life.
From the classics like The Mouse and the Motorcycle to the newer titles like Grumpycorn, your students are sure to find something they’ll love. So make sure to add these 17 fun 1st grade read-alouds to your classroom library!
Last Updated on July 22, 2022 by Emily
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