Nonfiction Books for 1st Graders
Every child deserves stories that spark curiosity and build a foundation for lifelong learning. Discover informative nonfiction books for 1st graders ages 5-6. Our children’s books feature real-world facts and true stories perfect for beginning readers. These picture books and storybooks build reading confidence through fascinating information.
The Plant That Ate the Shed!
When Ladybug plants one teeny, tiny vine, she’s sure she’ll grow the most magnificent garden ever - but what happens when a little vine refuses to stop growing? Can Ladybug and her friends rein in the twisting tendrils before the whole world turns into one big green, flowery mess? With swallowed sheds, splitting stems, and watermelons the size of boulders, this wild garden tale is bursting with giggles. This decodable reader practices the ’nk’ sound in words like ‘pink,’ ’think,’ ’trunk,’ ‘junk,’ and ‘shrink.’
Drop Them Both!
A rock and a feather, one in each hand - which one do you think will hit the ground first? The Boy is sure he knows the answer, but then he starts to wonder just how much heavier that smooth stone really is. With scales, flasks, and a very patient elephant, can he and Dad figure out the mass of almost anything, from a raindrop to the whole planet? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ‘both,’ ‘smooth,’ ’think,’ and ’thrusts.’
Foxes!
Discover the amazing world of foxes! From their clever ears to their swift movements, foxes are fascinating creatures. Learn about how these smart animals live in the wild, what they eat, and how fox kits grow up. Did you know foxes can be as clever as dogs? Read on to explore the secrets of these incredible red foxes!
Hats!
Hats come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s a perfect hat for every occasion! From sunny days to cold foggy mornings, from work to play, hats are everywhere. But what makes each hat so special? Discover the fun and fabulous world of hats and all the adventures they bring!
Kittens!
Meet a playful kitten and its adventures! From napping on its back to chasing flies, this curious kitten explores the world with a furry pup pal by its side. Watch as kittens tumble through the park, get silly scares, and snuggle with their mom. What exciting adventures will this kitten discover next? A purr-fect story about growing up!
Little Book of Big Facts: Orangutan
Did you know orangutans aren’t monkeys? These amazing creatures swing through the trees of Indonesia with their long, powerful arms! Discover what makes orangutans so special—from their favorite foods to their incredible climbing skills. Learn fascinating facts about these smart and adorable forest dwellers.
Little Book of Big Facts: Sun Bear
Did you know there’s a bear that doesn’t live on the sun? Meet the amazing sun bear! These small but mighty creatures have some surprising secrets. What do you think they eat? Where do they make their homes? Join us as we discover the incredible world of sun bears and learn what makes them so special!
Pups!
Meet the cutest pups in this delightful picture book! From a tiny pup in a cup to a playful pup with its favorite toys, these adorable puppies get into all sorts of fun adventures. Watch as they play, snuggle, and explore their world. But wait—there’s a surprising twist at the end! What could it be? Turn the pages to discover all the puppy surprises waiting for you!
Hens
Meet a flock of fascinating hens, each with their own unique personality and adventures! From pecking in the yard to sitting on nests, these feathered friends are busy all day long. Watch as they strut, cluck, and care for their chicks. But what happens when an unexpected visitor wants to join the fun? Discover the wonderful world of hens and their barnyard friends!
Little Book of Big Facts: Irrawaddy Dolphin
Did you know dolphins aren’t fish? Meet the amazing Irrawaddy dolphin and discover how these intelligent creatures breathe air, hunt for food, and live together in river mouths. Learn fascinating facts about one of nature’s smartest animals and why people love them so much!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should 1st graders read nonfiction alongside fiction?
The NCTE highlights that early exposure to informational text builds the comprehension strategies children need for academic reading in later grades. Nonfiction books for 1st graders introduce text features like headings, labels, and captions while teaching real-world facts. On Bookbot, nonfiction picture books for first grade use decodable text matched to 1st grade phonics patterns, so the informational content stays accessible to beginning readers.
How do nonfiction books for 1st graders free online help close the knowledge gap?
Nonfiction books for 1st graders free online give every family access to the background knowledge that drives reading comprehension. Manu et al. (2019) found that access to reading materials is one of the most important factors in early literacy outcomes. Bookbot’s website offers nonfiction for 5 year olds with many titles free to read online and select titles offering word-by-word highlighted read-aloud, removing barriers for families who cannot afford a large book collection.
Are nonfiction picture books for first grade too difficult for children still learning phonics?
Not when the text is decodable. Bookbot’s nonfiction books for 1st graders follow a structured scope and sequence that controls vocabulary from CVC words through consonant blends and digraphs. Ehri et al. (2001) showed that systematic phonics instruction is most effective when children can practice decoding in meaningful texts, and nonfiction topics like animals, space, and weather provide exactly that kind of engaging context.
How can parents make the most of nonfiction books for beginning readers at home?
Parents can preview the topic with a quick conversation, let the child read the decodable text independently, and then discuss what was learned. This before-during-after approach builds comprehension and vocabulary. A University of Chicago study found that shared digital reading significantly improves literacy outcomes for young children. Many nonfiction books are available on the Bookbot website, and our guide on laying the foundations for a love of reading offers more strategies.