Family Books for 1st Graders

What is making that tap-tap-tap sound while Kim tries to nap? When a dusty old loom starts shaking all on its own, Kim climbs aboard and suddenly she’s lifting off the ground, rising past rooftops and soaring into the clouds. Will she hold on tight as the loom dives, splashes, and swirls through a world bursting with colour? This decodable reader practises open syllables in words such as “fly,” “sky,” “we,” “me,” and “why.”

Kate’s best socks are GONE! Vanished from their special little box without a trace. Who would take them? And what is that trail of pink scraps leading to Mum’s sewing room? Armed with her looking glass and two mismatched socks, Kate sets off to crack the case of her missing favourites. But when she bangs on Mum’s door, the surprise waiting inside is not at all what she expected! This decodable reader practises the ‘wh’ sound in words like ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘where,’ ‘whew,’ and ‘which.’

When Allie spots an old photo of Mum with short hair, she decides she wants the very same style - right now! But what happens when a little girl gets hold of the craft scissors all by herself? Can noodles, green beans, or a pile of spinach really fix a haircut gone wrong? Allie’s about to find out, and her family is in for quite a surprise! This decodable reader practises the ‘sh’ sound in words like ‘dash,’ ‘fresh,’ ‘splash,’ and ‘wish.’

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.’

Tal just has to walk the calf home before dark - easy, right? But when his friends call him over for a game, the rope slips and the calf wanders off to munch grass. Later, no matter how hard Tal tugs, yanks, and jabs, that stubborn calf will not budge! Is Tal stuck on the hill forever? Will anything get this calf moving before dusk? This decodable reader practises short u with j, v, y in words like ‘just,’ ‘fun,’ ‘yank,’ ’tug,’ and ‘mum.’

Rob, Pam and Tim love causing mischief on the farm - until Dad’s magical mirror shows them three warty, green-skinned monsters staring right back! Can a fancy hat fix it? What about a super-speedy sprint, or the friendliest smile ever? The kids try everything to escape the horrible reflection, but the mirror keeps showing something nobody wants to see. What’s really going on? This decodable reader practises VCC/CVCC words such as ‘best,’ ‘gasp,’ ‘gold,’ and ‘kind.’

Sam and his sister are the greatest monster slayers in the whole world - brooms up, buckets ready, no beast too scary! But what happens when a new kind of monster sneaks in quietly, one you can’t whack or chase away? Can a hug, a chat, and a very smart doctor help Sam find his spark again? This decodable reader practises CCVC/CCVCC blends through words like ‘glum,’ ‘slept,’ ‘smart,’ ‘quick,’ and ‘still.’

Bird has waited three long weeks for her eggs to hatch, and today is the day! But when her tummy rumbles and she sneaks off the nest for just a quick snack, a big, curious dog comes sniffing around her hidden eggs. Can Bird get back in time? What will the dog do when the chicks start to hatch? And who will the tiny chicks call Mum? This decodable reader practises VCC/CVCC words such as ’nest,’ ‘fast,’ ‘felt,’ ‘help,’ and ‘went.’

Mum’s birthday is tomorrow, and Girl has a super secret plan: she’s going to make the most beautiful bead bracelet in the whole world! But there’s just one tiny problem - her three bead boxes are hidden all over her bedroom. Can Girl dig through the toy chest, the drawers, and a wobbly mountain of laundry to find them all? And what will Mum’s room look like by the end? This decodable reader focuses on the ‘ch’ sound in words like ‘chain,’ ‘check,’ ‘chest,’ and ‘bunch.’

It’s mango harvest day, and every single fruit matters! Can our hero balance a wobbly sack across the garden without a splat? Will Bing stop showing off before disaster strikes the tree? From baskets lowered on ropes to a bumpy boat ride at the floating market, there’s singing, sorting, and one very hopeful dog who’s just waiting for somebody to drop the big one. This decodable reader practises the ng sound in words like ‘bring,’ ‘sing,’ ’long,’ ‘strong,’ and ‘swing.’