First grade is a crucial time for children to develop their reading and writing skills, and chapter books can be a great tool to aid in this process. Unlike traditional picture books, chapter books have more complex storylines, longer lengths, and illustrations that can help engage young readers.
Reading is a fundamental skill that can help children succeed in school and in life. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best chapter books for 1st graders that are easy to read, with straightforward language, captivating artwork, and exciting plotlines. By encouraging your child to read these books, you can help them develop a love for reading and improve their reading comprehension skills.
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Chapter Books For 1st Graders Picks
1. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
Join Narwhal and Jelly, a happy-go-lucky duo, on their exciting adventures in the vast ocean! Despite their simple interests, such as loving waffles, partying, and going on adventures, Narwhal and Jelly are full of charm and personality.
In this captivating three-volume set of hilarious graphic novels, you’ll see how Jelly discovers the joys of having Narwhal as a best friend in the first book. From there, the two buddies, along with their delightful sea creature pals, embark on exciting escapades that will leave you in stitches.
2. The Infamous Ratsos
Big Lou, the father of Louie and Ralphie Ratso, frequently remarks that there are two types of people: the rough and the gentle. Like Big Lou, Louie and Ralphie are incredibly tough, and they’re going to show it. But every time the Ratso brothers strive to prove how tough they are, they unintentionally wind up doing nice things.
What will Big Lou do if he discovers that they have been behaving in a weak manner all across the Big City? This creative and unexpectedly heartwarming chapter book demonstrates that being harsh all the time can be truly challenging, making it ideal for emerging and hesitant readers.
3. Sparkly New Friends: An Acorn Book
Unicorns are mythical creatures with magical horns, while yetis are large, shaggy, and possess magical abilities. Yetis love snowball battles, but unicorns are not interested. However, both unicorns and yetis share a passion for sparkles, magical rainbows, and, most importantly, having best friends. These hilarious tales with their vivid illustrations and easy-to-read language are the perfect way to introduce 1st graders to the joy of reading!
4. Jigsaw Jones Boxed Set
This boxed set includes not one, not two, but five thrilling mysteries to solve. Jigsaw Jones is a top-notch detective who knows that cracking a case is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. With his trusty sidekick Mila by his side, they’re ready to tackle any mystery that comes their way.
Jigsaw Jones and Mila have seen it all, from missing hamsters to spooky haunted houses. But with Jigsaw’s keen eye for detail, his top-secret detective notebook, and Mila’s sharp mind, they’re always ready to take on a new case. Join them on their adventures as they piece together clues, interview suspects, and solve mysteries that will keep you guessing until the very end.
5. A New Friend (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse)
Spring has finally arrived at Silverlake Forest in Sophie Mouse’s debut book, The Adventures of Sophie Mouse! The air is filled with the aroma of honeysuckle and tree bark, and the animals are out of their dens. After a long winter break, Sophie Mouse is eager to return to school.
Sophie enjoys meeting new animals, so it’s even better that there is a new student in the class! However, the group gasps as Owen appears since he is a snake. Nobody has the courage to approach Owen in class, play with him during recess, or even just talk to him. Can Sophie convince her pals that Owen is actually not that scary?
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are ideal for beginner readers since they have simple language and images on virtually every page.
6. Pa Lia’s First Day: A Jackson Friends Book
It hasn’t been a good first day for Pa Lia Vang at her new school, Jackson Magnet. She feels alone in the world. She is unable to locate her second-grade classroom. And then she causes difficulty for the only person who has been kind to her. Will Pa Lia ever be accepted? Michelle Edwards tackles the worries kids frequently have in a novel environment with comedy and empathy in this first chapter book of the Jackson Friends series.
7. The World According to Humphrey
By observing another species, you can discover a lot about life. When Humphrey was originally taken to Room 26, he was informed of this. Along with experiencing fun in class, this fantastic hamster also gets to spend each weekend with a new student, including Speak-Up-Sayeh and Lower-Your-Voice-A.J.
Humphrey quickly picks up reading, writing, and even shooting rubber bands (only in self-defense, of course). Humphrey’s life is practically ideal, with lots of friends to support him, experiences to enjoy, and a cage with a lock that doesn’t latch. If only Mrs. Brisbane, the teacher, wasn’t trying to harm him!
8. Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Get ready to meet Mercy Watson, a pig like no other! To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just any ordinary pig, but a superstar of the pig world. And if there’s one thing that Mercy loves more than anything, it’s buttered toast! Whenever she gets a chance, she snuggles up with the Watsons in bed and enjoys the toasty, buttery goodness.
But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Like that one time when Mercy jumped on the bed and SPLAT! CRACK! The bed collapsed, and Mercy had to run for the “fire brigade.” Or maybe she had a different kind of emergency in mind, like a sudden craving for her neighbor’s sugar cookies?
Join Mercy on her hilarious and heartwarming adventures, perfect for young readers who are just starting to explore the world of chapter books.
9. The Crazy Cousins (Hey Jack!)
One in a collection of stories for kids that is relatable, enjoyable, and grounded in real life. They are ideal for newly independent readers since they have word art or graphics every other page and don’t contain large blocks of text or daunting vocabulary.
10. Charlie & Mouse: Book 1
A winning introductory chapter book, two creative brothers, and four humorous children’s stories. Join Charlie and Mouse as they create the bedtime banana, invite the neighbors to a party, sell some pebbles, and chat to lumps. This book is ideal for 1st graders moving on from picture books because it uses comedy and creativity to present a colorful image of brotherhood that kids will enjoy in a chapter book style.
11. Fun, Fun, Fun! (Croc and Ally)
Croc and Ally are the best of buds, but sometimes they don’t see eye to eye. Nonetheless, they both know that their friendship is the most important thing! With hilarious humor, eye-catching illustrations, and lovable characters, this early reader tale encourages children to read and become lifelong bookworms.
Croc can be cranky, while Ally is usually happy-go-lucky. Croc notices something amiss, but Ally always knows how to fix the problem. In “Fun, Fun, Fun,” the inseparable friends resolve their disagreements while swimming, shopping for hats, and dealing with a pesky bug.
This book is perfect for emerging readers with its three short stories, easy-to-understand language, and delightful pictures.
12. Junie B. Jones Complete First Grade Collection Box Set
Step right up and get ready to giggle with Junie B. Jones, the wittiest first-grader on the block, in this one-of-a-kind boxed set containing eleven books and collectible paper dolls. Get a glimpse into Junie B.’s chaotic and comical classroom shenanigans that will have you laughing until your sides hurt.
Join Junie B. Jones as she navigates through her first-grade year with the help of her friends and family. With this special boxed set, you can experience all eleven first-grade novels and play with exclusive collectible paper dolls found nowhere else!
13. Wallace and Grace Take the Case
This series features full-color illustrations and captivating plots that will keep kids engaged and entertained.
Join Wallace and Grace, a delightful owl duo, as they solve puzzling mysteries in their first adventure. When a rabbit claims to have seen a ghost in the garden, the owl team investigates and follows the clues that lead them to a surprising discovery. But the garden is still unsettled, and it’s up to Wallace and Grace to figure out what’s causing all the commotion.
This series is a great way to introduce 1st graders to the world of chapter books, and its lovable characters and engaging storytelling will encourage them to become lifelong readers.
14. Sam and Charlie
Sam is pleased to have a new buddy when Charlie moves in next door to him, even if she is a female. Sam, or Sam Too, as the other Sam begins to refer to her, is the name of Charlie’s younger sister. Jewish people Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) aim to live by the maxim “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The significance of friendship and its ups and downs are highlighted in the five short stories and vibrant pictures in this book.
15. Tooth Trouble (Ready, Freddy)
Junie, beware—there’s a new child in town! It’s Freddy Thresher, a 1st grader who is aware that the world is a jungle. A brand-new chapter book series from an experienced elementary school teacher!
Freddy Thresher is struggling with a major issue. He is the only student in his class without missing teeth! Freddy is desperate to get his name added to the Big Tooth, just like the other first-graders in Mrs. Wushy’s class. Therefore, when Max “The Meanie” Sellars refers to Freddy as a baby, Freddy makes the decision that he will lose that tooth, no matter what, even if it means getting punched in the face at recess or getting into even more problems with Mom!
16. Eva’s Treetop Festival: A Branches Book
Young girls who adore friendship tales including animal characters will adore this delightful New York Times bestseller early chapter book series!
This collection is part of Scholastic’s Branches early chapter book series, which caters to newly independent readers. These books will increase readers’ comfort and endurance with their simple writing, captivating subject matter, quick-moving narratives, and images on every page. Branches books foster reader development!
When Eva Wingdale offers to plan a spring event at the school, she falls into trouble. There is NO WAY she will do everything on time, not even with the assistance of her best friend Lucy. Will Eva have to turn to Meanie McMeanerson, a.k.a. Sue, for assistance? Or will it be necessary to postpone the festival? With Rebecca Elliott’s owl-adorable full-color drawings throughout, this book is written like Eva’s journal!
17. My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy Is Crazy!
Miss Daisy, a 2nd-grade teacher at Ella Mentary School, is in over her head in the first My Weird School novel. She isn’t even capable of adding or subtracting!
However, the students, much like A.J. and his pals, are thinking about other things. If their class reads a million pages of literature, Principal Klutz has offered to let them transform the school into a video game arcade for a whole night!
The wildly famous My Weird School series by Dan Gutman is ideal for both reluctant readers and word aficionados. Don’t miss A.J. and the gang’s funny exploits!
18. Monster and Boy
With this captivating new chapter book series from author Hannah Barnaby and artist Anoosha Syed, you’ll fall in love with the bond between Monster and Boy.
The boy begins to scream when he first encounters the Monster (who resides under the bed), and the Monster immediately consumes him. It marks the start of a wonderful friendship!
The narrative is brought to life by lovely two-color graphics and is told in a pleasant, friendly tone. This chapter book, full of fun and adventure, is excellent for newly independent readers as well as children who are transitioning out of picture books.
19. Hi, Jack!
Hi Jack. He has a tree house for a home. Snacks, small-time larceny, and lipstick graffiti are some of his passions. Jack also cares deeply about his pals; he simply occasionally expresses this affection in a peculiar way.
This series will bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books, and fill the Elephant and Piggie-shaped hole in young readers’ hearts. It is the ideal read-aloud due to its snappy, rhythmic prose.
20. Boris on the Move: A Branches Book
Meet Boris! He resides in Hogg Bay with his parents. Their house is a van that has been around the world before. Then one morning, a shock hits Boris. Is it possible? Does the van actually move? Is Boris finally going on an adventure? However, when Boris finds himself traveling to a wildlife sanctuary rather than the jungle safari he had anticipated, he ends up having a memorable journey. Because life never quite goes as planned for this tiny warthog.
Should My First Grader Be Reading Chapter Books?
Most first graders are developmentally ready to start reading chapter books. This includes being able to read independently for sustained periods of time, as well as being able to understand and follow the plot of a story. If your child is interested in reading chapter books, it’s worth giving it a try. You can always go back to simpler books if it’s too challenging.
What Reading Level Should A 6-Year-Old Be?
Most 6-year-olds are able to read familiar stories and use pictures and context to figure out unfamiliar words (1). They can usually recognize and read simple words and phrases. However, their reading comprehension and speed are still relatively low.
What Are Early Chapter Books?
Early chapter books are stories written specifically for young readers who are just beginning to read independently. These books usually have shorter chapters and simpler language than traditional novels, making them more accessible to new readers, especially for 1st graders. Early chapter books can be a great way to encourage kids to keep reading, and they often feature engaging, relatable characters that young readers can easily connect with.
