Animal Books for 1st Graders
Pat And The Long Lunch
Pat the cat has no home, but he has a cosy tree, two singing birds, and a kind family next door who always leaves out food. But what happens when the family pack their bags and drive away? With a rumbling tummy and an open kitchen window, Pat spots his chance - but will one little cat really gobble up everything? This decodable reader practises the ’ng’ sound in words like ‘bang,’ ‘string,’ ‘king,’ and ’things.’
We Spy the Sly Bat
Someone has taken a huge bite out of the ripest guava on the tree - but who? Kina and Kale are on the case! Was it a caterpillar, a grasshopper, or maybe even the chicken? When every guess turns out wrong, the brave detectives decide to camp by the tree and wait. Could the sneaky biter only come out at night? This decodable reader builds confidence with open syllables, featuring words like ‘we,’ ‘go,’ ‘my,’ ‘fly,’ and ‘shy.’
Did the Fish Sink?
Meet Hank - a fish who does NOT just swim in circles! Ever heard of a fish who walks on land, naps in mud, and shrugs off hungry birds with a back full of sharp spines? When the pond dries up and his friends flop in the cracked gunk, what on earth will Hank do next? Climb aboard for a muddy, rainy, rule-breaking adventure. This decodable reader practises the nk phonogram in words like ‘bank,’ ‘drink,’ ’think,’ ‘sunk,’ and ‘wink.’
The Shy Calf
Kobi is a snow-white buffalo calf, and tonight he gets to lead the big New Year parade through the glittering city! But Kobi is shy, the crowds are loud, and Abi has made a very important promise: to stay by his friend’s side the whole way. Can a boy keep his word when the lanterns blaze and his tummy starts to rumble? This decodable reader practises open syllables in words like ‘go,’ ‘he,’ ’no,’ ‘shy,’ and ’try.’
Pep Thinks Big
Pep the bird has ENORMOUS plans for the village parade, and he is absolutely, definitely a genius - just ask him! But when a giant paint spill turns his wall into a masterpiece, Pep gets a dangerous idea. Why stop at one cart when he could paint every house in the village? Will his neighbors cheer, or will they chase him up the hill? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words such as ’this,’ ’them,’ ’these,’ ’they,’ and ’thinks.'
Shine Back at Me!
Have you ever stared at a frog and wondered if it’s staring right back? Every day, our curious narrator plays a secret game - catching the eye of a grinning cyclist, a stubborn cow who won’t budge, a sleepy cat on the gate, and tiny fireflies that glow like whispered secrets. But when night falls and the stars start to shimmer, could someone far, far away be playing the very same game? This decodable reader explores the ‘sh’ sound with words like ‘dash,’ ‘flash,’ ‘shine,’ and ‘wish.’
Who Stole My Shoe?
Poor Shep the caterpillar has lost a shoe - and with so many feet to keep warm, one bare toe is a BIG problem! Who could have taken it? Frog offers a floppy swim flipper, Hop hands over a pinchy red one, and Crab’s pointy shoe down by the shore is just plain painful. Will Shep ever find the perfect fit? This decodable reader practises the ‘sh’ sound in words like ‘shoe,’ ‘shore,’ ‘shine,’ ‘splash,’ and ‘hush.’
Ben and His Birds
Ben has one little bird, and its song is the sweetest sound he’s ever heard. But what if he had ten birds? Or a hundred? With his dad’s help, Ben fills the house with cages of every colour - but why won’t any of the birds sing? Can Ben figure out what his feathered friends really need before it’s too late? This decodable reader focuses on the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ’then,’ and ‘with.’
Zom Catches Lunch
Zom has a list, and right at the top is one big word: SEAFOOD! But have you ever tried to grab a slippery cod with your bare hands? Or tiptoed up to a spiky pufferfish? When Zom dives deep into the shimmering blue, he discovers that catching lunch is much trickier than it looks - and that something amazing might be waiting far below. This decodable reader practises the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘catch,’ ‘chomp,’ ‘munches,’ and ’torch.’
My Duck Races the Flock!
Can a wobbly little duck really beat a whole flock of sleek racing birds? Girl says yes - her duck is the fastest in town! But when Boy laughs and the giggles start, Duck will have to prove everyone wrong. Can one small duck, one big race, and one brave girl pull off the trick of a lifetime? This decodable reader practices the ‘ck’ sound in words like ‘duck,’ ‘flock,’ ‘quick,’ ‘clock,’ and ’trick.’