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Pre-K

Growing Reader

31 of the Best Level 1 Books for Early Readers

by Melissa Taylor

Photography by Seana Williamson

Growing readers want to read the best level 1 books — books with great stories and information that will keep them excited about reading. That’s why we’ve put together a master list of level 1 reading books for children. Here you’ll find excellent, engaging early reader books for your beginning readers.

These level 1 reading books feature short sentences, big type, and supportive picture clues. Often, you’ll see repetition in sentence structure as well as rhyme, both of which help the reader predict and decode new words.

Clara and Clem in Outer Space

Clara and Clem in Outer Space

by Ethan Long

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Clara and Clem are in for unexpected surprises when their robot made of blocks transports them into space.

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Sam and the Firefly

Sam and the Firefly

by P.D. Eastman

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Anyone who fell in love with Are You My Mother? and Go, Dog. Go! needs to get their hands on this lesser-known classic from P.D. Eastman. Kids will giggle through this story about an owl and a firefly zooming through the air, writing words against the night sky, and unintentionally creating chaos for everyone on the ground.

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Jungle Animals

Jungle Animals

by Camilla Gersh

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Learn about fascinating jungle animals from toucans to jaguars in this fact-based book with colorful photographs.

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Go, Dog. Go!

Go, Dog. Go!

by P.D. Eastman

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It’s a classic for a reason. Big and little dogs, red and green dogs all go to a dog party in this wild and crazy rhyming story.

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The Rock from the Sky

The Rock from the Sky

by Jon Klassen

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Beginning readers love the simple text, quirky illustrations, and dry humor of Jon Klassen’s books. In this story, a couple of animals debate the merits of standing in a particular spot. At the same time, they have the nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right. This extra-long picture book pairs well with Jon Klassen’s Hat Box.

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Cat Traps

Cat Traps

by Molly Coxe

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A cat sets a trap for a snack but continues to get something unexpected instead.

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Ten Apples Up On Top!

Ten Apples Up On Top!

by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Roy McKie

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These animals can do all sorts of amazing things while balancing apples on top of their heads in this beginning reader filled with both silly humor and illustrations.

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Otis's Busy Day

Otis's Busy Day

by Loren Long

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Spend a day on the farm with your child’s favorite little tractor! Kids who enjoyed the Otis picture book series or the animated television show will appreciate seeing the tractor’s friendly face and familiar farm animals in this story.

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One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

by Dr. Seuss

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Goofy rhyming stories help kids master new (and invented) words with Dr. Seuss’s unusual creatures and their antics.

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Max Finds an Egg

Max Finds an Egg

by Wiley Blevins, illustrated by Ben Clanton

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Max imagines the egg he finds is a dinosaur egg and takes very good care of it. What animal will be inside?

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Driving School (Elbow Grease)

Driving School (Elbow Grease)

by John Cena, illustrated by Dave Aikins

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Young readers who can’t get enough of the adorable monster truck named Elbow Grease will happily crack open this book. In this early reader story, Elbow Grease and his brothers head to driving school, where they learn to obey the rules and stay safe.

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At the Beach

At the Beach

by Alexa Andrews, illustrated by Candice Keimig

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Simple sentences describe the wonders of the ocean and beach.

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Garden Day!

Garden Day!

by Candice Ransom, illustrated by Erika Meza

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A brother and sister plant peas in their backyard and (with the help of their parents!) build a scarecrow to protect them in this early reader perfect for springtime.

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I Love Being Me!

I Love Being Me!

by Mechal Renee Roe

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Learning to read has never felt so good. Vibrant colors and joyful affirmations fill this leveled reader book from the creator of Happy Hair and Cool Cuts. The uplifting text will boost your child’s confidence in reading and themselves. Keep your eyes peeled for I Am Born to Be Awesome! coming out in January 2023.

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Penguin Problems

Penguin Problems

by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith

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Young readers will have a hoot over the gripes of a particularly sassy penguin. For starters, why does everyone have to wear the same outfit?

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Big Red Lollipop

Big Red Lollipop

by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

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Rubina can’t wait for her friend’s birthday party — until, that is, her mother insists that she take her little sister, Sana. Will the two be able to get along, even when Sana swipes Rubina’s party favor?

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Big Snowman, Little Snowman (Disney Frozen)

Big Snowman, Little Snowman (Disney Frozen)

by Tish Rabe, illustrated by RH Disney

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One of the easiest ways to encourage new readers is to give them a book featuring their favorite movie characters. Young children will love learning concepts and practicing their budding reading skills with the cast of Disney’s Frozen.

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Shh! We Have a Plan

Shh! We Have a Plan

by Chris Haughton

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Chris Haughton’s vibrant illustrations bring to life this rib-tickling story about a group of friends whose hijinks keep going awry. Keep an eye out for Haughton’s upcoming seaside story, Don’t Worry, Little Crab.

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Soccer Time!

Soccer Time!

by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Bob McMahon

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Learning to read independently and how to score a goal at the same time? That’s what you call a win-win.

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The Moon's Time to Shine (StoryBots)

The Moon's Time to Shine (StoryBots)

by StoryBots

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Learn about the moon with the help of your favorite StoryBots characters! From its orbit to its light, readers will discover many exciting, out-of-this-world facts about the moon.

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Bake, Mice, Bake!

Bake, Mice, Bake!

by Eric Seltzer, illustrated by Natascha Rosenberg

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Some talented mice whip up delicious baked goods at the Cakes and More bakery. Fair warning: this one might give your reader the munchies.

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It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny

It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny

by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Roger Bollen

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P.J. Funnybunny is on a mission to be anything other than a bunny. But bears, birds, possums, and skunks don’t seem to suit. Is it possible that being a bunny is perfect for P.J. after all?

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Big Shark, Little Shark

Big Shark, Little Shark

by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Tim Budgen

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Two hungry sharks go hunting for a snack in this Level 1 book about opposites. Rhyming text, colorful illustrations, and expressive characters make this story a favorite of beginning readers everywhere.

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Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors

Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors

by J. E. Morris

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Nervous about getting a shot at the doctor’s office, Maud imagines she’s a fish swimming serenely in the doctor’s aquarium. She gets so wrapped up in daydreaming that she doesn’t even notice that the scary part’s over.

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Little Critter: The Original Classics

Little Critter: The Original Classics

by Mercer Mayer

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This hardcover edition features all of the Little Critter classics. Its heft will make your beginning reader feel like a pro, and its heart will make them a Little Critter fan for life.

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I Will Race You Through This Book!

I Will Race You Through This Book!

by Jonathan Fenske

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From the creator of A Pig, a Fox, and a Box comes a funny, interactive reading adventure your child will want to experience again and again. Book-It Bunny loves running, and she wants to race you to the end of the book. But keep your eye on her because she’ll do whatever it takes to win.

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I Love My Grandma!

I Love My Grandma!

by Frances Gilbert, illustrated by Sue Dicicco

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Perfect for taking to grandma’s house, this sweet read celebrates family lineage, as a little girl realizes that her grandma had a grandma, too!

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A Piglet Named Mercy

A Piglet Named Mercy

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris van Dusen

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The prequel to Kate DiCamillo’s beloved Mercy Watson series is ideal for new readers. Whether they’ve grown up listening to older siblings read about Mercy’s escapades or they’re new to Deckawoo Drive, they’ll love every minute of this origin story.

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Can I Be Your Dog?

Can I Be Your Dog?

by Troy Cummings

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Arfy the mutt sends heartfelt (and hilarious) letters to everyone on Butternut Street, angling for a forever home. Who could say no to that cute face?

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Tyrannosaurus Rex (StoryBots)

Tyrannosaurus Rex (StoryBots)

by StoryBots

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If your child loves watching StoryBots on YouTube, they’ll enjoy this beginning reader book featuring the show’s colorful characters. From its body size to its diet, readers will learn about the king of the dinosaurs—tyrannosaurus rex!

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Llama Llama Loves to Read

Llama Llama Loves to Read

by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan

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Little Llama’s love for reading is contagious. Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan perfectly capture the exhilaration over that first time we start to recognize words.

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.