SEL Books for 1st Graders
Best Buds
Jen and Bud do everything together - making art, sharing snacks, and laughing until their bellies hurt. But what happens when a rough day at school leaves Jen feeling small and jumbled up inside? Can a snuggly pal help when words feel too big? And what about when best pals splash each other one splash too many - is there any pancake big enough to fix it? This decodable reader practices short u with j, v, y through words like ‘bud,’ ‘just,’ ‘yum,’ and ‘yuck.’
Can Dad Help?
Tim just wants to shoot hoops, but Dad says homework comes first - and today’s homework is letters! Can Dad help Tim tame those tricky, sneaky letters that never seem to sit still? With an old wooden board, a piece of chalk, and a little patience, will Tim finally crack the code? And what happens when two curious cats decide they want to learn too? This decodable reader practices CCVC and CCVCC blends in words like ‘grips,’ ‘grabs,’ ‘prints,’ and ‘grins.’
Don't Cry, Blue Train!
Blue Train has a secret - every night, when the station is dark, he zooms past cacti and races under stars so bright they look like pinpricks in the sky. But what happens when he flies too far and finds himself lost in a strange forest with scowling trees and a very purple elephant? Can a boy with a flute help him find the way home? This decodable reader practices open syllables in words like ‘by,’ ‘cry,’ ‘fly,’ and ’try.’
Nakita Can Help!
Meet Nakita, a caring helper who makes a difference! When she discovers an injured elephant stuck in a pit, she springs into action. Will Nakita be able to help this gentle giant feel better? Join her on an exciting adventure filled with compassion and teamwork!
Spencer Can Advance!
Spencer loves sports and staying active! When disaster strikes his community, Spencer springs into action to help. Will Spencer and his friends be able to make a difference when families need them most? Join Spencer on an inspiring journey of community service and teamwork.
Why Is She Stuck?
Rose the sheep is plump, happy, and heading home after a sunny summer on the hill - but oh no, the farmer has built a tiny new gate, and Rose is stuck fast! Can yoga squish her smaller? Will running slim her down? What about swimming? Three weeks of wobbly tries later, why is Rose still exactly the same size, and what clever idea pops into her head? This decodable reader practices open syllables in words like ‘my,’ ’try,’ ‘she,’ ‘so,’ and ‘why.’
Who Made the Lamps Blink?
The festival night glows pink and gold, until something grumpy up in the sky decides nighttime belongs to IT - and starts flicking switches all over town! One by one, houses go dark, streetlights blink out, and even the carnival falls silent. Who is turning off the lights, and can anyone stop them before a little rowboat drifts into danger? This decodable reader practices the ’nk’ sound in words like ‘blink,’ ‘pink,’ ‘sink,’ and ’think.’
The Sad Girl's Song
Why is the rain so sad today? High in the sky, Beck’s flute is playing the loneliest song, and even the clouds can’t help crying along. Down in the garden, Bee, Bird, and two curious rabbits feel the drops on their noses and know something is wrong. Can a tiny team follow the music and find the girl behind the tears? This decodable reader practices the ‘ck’ sound in words like ‘back,’ ‘check,’ ‘flick,’ ’neck,’ and ’track.’
Don't Run!
Behind the pink curtains, a puppeteer is ready for the perfect show - but what happens when the wrong backdrop turns a fancy lady’s quiet evening into a jungle adventure? With a huge tiger on the loose and a calm doctor who refuses to panic, can anyone convince the Rich Lady to run? Kids will giggle as every plan goes delightfully sideways. This decodable reader practices silent e words such as ‘hide,’ ‘cute,’ ‘shine,’ ‘smile,’ and ‘wide.’
Will It Come?
Meet Cuckoo, a clever bird who can fly higher than hawks and balance on the thinnest twig - but there’s one thing she simply cannot do. Her call has vanished! Where could it have gone? Has she lost it in the meadow, the farm, or the forest? Will Cuckoo ever find her voice again? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ’there,’ and ’thump.'