Animal Books for 1st Graders
Oh No, My Nest!
Bird has built the perfect nest at the tip-top of the tallest tree - but then BUMP! An elephant comes scratching, and her twigs start to wobble. Can Bird find a safe spot on a stone wall? What happens when two giant eyes peek through the leaves? After three nest disasters, will Bird ever find a home where nothing can bump or bother her again? This decodable reader practises open syllables in words such as ‘my,’ ‘sky,’ ‘fly,’ ‘go,’ and ‘why.’
No Pals on the Path
Tig loves her quiet pond - no noisy pals, no fuss, just sunshine and snacks… or so she thinks. But when she tries to grab a mouse, a fawn, and a whole herd of deer, every creature bolts before she can blink. Why does everyone run from Tig? And when the forest goes silent, will she still want to be all alone? This decodable reader practises the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ‘path,’ and ’through.’
A Snug Hut for Us!
Poor Pokey just wants a snug spot to sleep, but everywhere he goes, the other cats shout “No room!” Can one soggy little cat find somewhere warm before the storm rolls in? And when lightning cracks the sky and those same grumpy cats come running for help, what will Pokey do? A cozy, rainy-night tale about kindness when it matters most. This decodable reader practices short u with j, v, y in words like ‘jumps,’ ‘hut,’ ‘snug,’ ‘yelps,’ and ‘us.’
Not That Kind of Fan!
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.’
Duck on the Hunt!
Dora the duckling goes EVERYWHERE with her big red umbrella - to breakfast, to the park, even to the bath! But one rainy morning, it’s vanished. Can a squirrel’s bushy tail, a frog’s lily pad, or a mouse’s tin can help a very soggy duck find what she’s lost? Will Dora ever track down her favourite polka-dot treasure? This decodable reader practises short u with j, v, y in words like ‘junk,’ ‘just,’ ‘up,’ and ‘yup.’
Pups Get Fish
Mum Otter has a big day planned for her wiggly pack of pups - swimming, hiding, and finally, FISHING! But can four bouncy little otters stay still long enough to learn? What happens when they spot a net in the river, a snapping trap in the grass, and a crocodile with its jaws wide open? And will anyone actually catch a fish before lunch? This decodable reader practises the ck phonogram in words like ‘pack,’ ‘quick,’ ‘snack,’ ‘rock,’ and ’tricks.’
Don't Sink, Mum!
Clank! The school bell rings and every mum and dad in Animal Town starts to run - but poor Mama Bear is always, always last. Can she really learn to ride a wobbly red bike without tumbling into the river? Will Baby Bear ever be picked up on time? Hop on, hold tight, and find out how fast a brave bear can pedal! This decodable reader practises the nk sound in words like ‘bank,’ ‘blink,’ ‘honk,’ ‘pink,’ and ‘clunk.’
Just One!
May the fairy has one simple job: fly through the garden and pick her very favorite 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.’
Cat Is Struck!
Brat Cat has a List, and Brat Cat always finishes her List - chickens to feed, sheep to brush, fences to mend. But what happens when an arrow comes flying out of nowhere and thunks right into her shoulder? Who would dare attack a busy cat on a perfectly good Tuesday? Can she grab her bow and save the day? This decodable reader practises short u with j, v, y in words like ‘sun,’ ‘struck,’ ’trunk,’ and ‘yes.’
His Big Gig
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 practicing open syllables in words like ‘be,’ ‘fly,’ ‘my,’ ’try,’ and ‘we.’