1st Grade picture-book AR Books
AR levels 1–2 · 36 books
Browse these 36 1st grade picture-book AR books. Each entry includes the AR reading level, quiz point value, and word count to help students and parents find the right fit.

Are You My Mother?
P. D. Eastman
A newly hatched baby bird sets off to find his mother, asking every creature and machine he meets the same big question. With simple, repetitive text and playful illustrations, this classic early reader builds confidence for beginners. Young children love the humor and the satisfying rhythm as the little bird explores his world. Perfect for read-alouds and brand-new readers learning sight words.

Jesse Bear, what will you wear?
Nancy White Carlstrom
This classic rhyming picture book follows cheerful Jesse Bear from morning to bedtime as he "wears" sunshine, puddles, hugs, and cozy pajamas through a day of play. The playful, repeating patterns and bouncy rhythm make it perfect for reading aloud and for young children to chime in. Ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and emerging readers, it celebrates daily routines, independence, and the warmth of family. Gentle humor and lively illustrations keep little listeners engaged from start to finish.

Dog's Colorful Day
Emma Dodd
A cheerful white dog gets into colorful, messy adventures that encourage kids to name colors and count from one to ten. With simple, repetitive text and bright, bold illustrations, this read-aloud is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early kindergarten. It reinforces early math and color recognition in a playful, giggle-worthy way. Families and teachers love how the predictable pattern invites participation and builds confidence in new readers.
Guess how Much I Love You
Sam McBratney
Little and Big Nutbrown Hare explore the world around them and point out bright, familiar colors in nature. Short, gentle text and warm illustrations make this a cozy read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s perfect for early color recognition, vocabulary building, and sharing quiet moments before bed. Fans of the original Guess How Much I Love You will enjoy seeing the beloved characters in a simple, playful concept book.

Is Your Mama a Llama
Deborah Guarino
This playful, rhyming picture book follows a young llama who asks different baby animals to guess who their mothers are. The gentle riddles invite kids to predict the answers from clues, building confidence and vocabulary. With a warm, repeating structure, it’s perfect for read-alouds and for emerging readers to join in. Ideal for preschool to early elementary children who love animals and guessing games.

Silly Suzy Goose
Petr Horacek
Suzy Goose wishes she could be like all the other animals—loud like a lion, tall like a giraffe, and springy like a kangaroo—until an unexpected scare helps her see the value of being herself. With bold, bright artwork and playful repetition, this picture book invites children to move, make animal sounds, and read along. It’s a reassuring, fun tale perfect for preschool and early elementary readers. Kids enjoy the lively animal comparisons and the cheerful message of self-acceptance.

Cowboy Bunnies
Christine Loomis
Cowboy Bunnies follows a lively crew of bunny cowpokes as they ride the range, rope and round up, then wind down for a cozy goodnight. Told in bouncing, rhyming text with bright, playful art, it’s a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime. Young listeners love the rhythm and repetition, while emerging readers enjoy the simple, catchy language. Great for preschool and early elementary kids who like animals, cowboys, and silly fun.

Monkey do!
Allan Ahlberg
A playful, rhyming picture book where a cheeky monkey invites little readers to copy simple, silly actions. Short, bouncy lines and bright illustrations make it perfect for toddlers and emerging readers to chant along and move. It’s great for storytime, building early language skills, and burning a little wiggle energy. Kids love the call-and-response rhythm and the giggly animal antics.

Tiny Little Fly
Michael Rosen
A mischievous little fly zips past a great big elephant, hippo, and tiger—each certain they can swat him—only to be outsmarted again and again. Michael Rosen’s playful, rhythmic text pairs with bold, oversized animal illustrations for a lively read‑aloud. Young listeners will love the repetition, sound effects, and chance to predict what happens next. Perfect for preschool and early readers who enjoy funny animal stories and energetic language.
A Day with Barney
Mary Ann Dudko, Margie Larsen
Spend a cheerful, busy day with Barney as he helps young friends move through everyday routines—wake-up, playtime, and getting ready for bed. Simple sentences, bright scenes, and familiar activities make this an inviting read for preschoolers and early readers. Kids enjoy the friendly guidance, songs-and-play vibe, and the comfort of predictable daily moments. It’s a gentle, confidence-building book for children just starting to read on their own or with a caregiver.
Alligators All Around Board Book
Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak’s playful alphabet book follows an alligator family as they act out each letter from A to Z with humor and zest. Short, catchy phrases and lively art make it a perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers learning their letters. The sturdy board book format is great for little hands, and the classic Sendak wit keeps grown-ups smiling, too. Ideal for early literacy and letter recognition without feeling like a lesson.
Are You a Cow?
Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton’s playful board book invites little ones to guess different animals before reminding them that the best thing to be is themselves. With simple, rhythmic questions and funny animal illustrations, it’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers just learning to identify animals. The repetition and call-and-response format make it engaging for read-alouds and early language development. Families love its gentle message of self-acceptance and Boynton’s signature humor.

Bearum scarum
Vic Parker, Emily Bolam
This bouncy, rhyming picture book follows a boisterous little bear through a day of noisy, harum-scarum fun. Emily Bolam’s bright, friendly art pairs with playful rhythms that make it a lively read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers. Young listeners will recognize big energy and feelings while the story gently nudges toward calming down and being considerate. Perfect for storytime and for kids who love animal tales with lots of sound and movement.
Besos for Baby
Jen Arena
This sweet bilingual board book follows a baby showered with kisses from family, friends, and friendly animals. With simple Spanish words woven into the English text, it’s an inviting first step into language learning for little ones. Bold, cheerful art and repetitive phrasing make it a delightful read-aloud for babies and toddlers. Parents and caregivers will love sharing the cuddly moments and practicing Spanish together.

Bing’s Snowy Day (Bing)
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Bing can’t wait to get outside and play when the world turns snowy! With simple, reassuring text and bright illustrations, this picture book follows Bing as he learns about the fun—and little frustrations—that come with winter weather. Perfect for preschoolers and early readers, it captures everyday adventures, big feelings, and gentle problem-solving. Fans of the CBeebies series will love seeing familiar characters in a cozy, read-aloud story.

Blue's beach day
Jeff Borkin
Blue heads to the beach for a sunny day of fun and uses paw print clues to figure out what she wants to do next. Simple sentences, bright art, and interactive questions invite young readers to look closely and make predictions. It’s a gentle, early reader adventure perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners building confidence. Fans of Blue’s Clues will enjoy the familiar game-like format and cheerful, summery setting.
Bluey: Bad Mood
Penguin Young Readers Licenses
Bingo wakes up in a grump, and soon the whole Heeler house feels the ripple of her bad mood. With Mum’s guidance and Bluey’s playful ideas, the family tries simple strategies to turn the day around. Young readers will recognize big feelings and see gentle, practical ways to handle them. Perfect for preschoolers and early readers who love Bluey’s humor, heart, and everyday family adventures.
Bus Stops
Taro Gomi
This playful picture book follows a city bus as it makes its rounds, dropping off all kinds of passengers—from ballplayers to performers—at their stops. Young readers are invited to spot details and count groups of riders, turning each spread into a gentle seek-and-find. Gomi’s bright, witty illustrations encourage observation and conversation about everyday life in a city. It’s a charming pick for preschoolers and early readers who love vehicles, counting, and looking closely.

Can You Growl Like a Bear?
John Butler
This gentle, rhyming picture book invites little ones to copy animal sounds—from bears that growl to owls that hoot—as they wind down for bedtime. Soft, detailed animal illustrations and playful prompts make reading interactive for toddlers and preschoolers. The repetitive, call-and-response text supports early literacy and sound awareness. It’s a cozy pick for shared read-alouds before lights out.
Fall in the Country
Sue Tarsky
This cheerful picture book invites young readers on a country walk in autumn, spotting and counting animals, flowers, and insects along the way. Repetitive, rhythmic text supports early readers and reinforces number and color recognition. Bright, detailed illustrations encourage seek-and-find engagement that keeps kids turning pages. It’s an inviting choice for preschool and early elementary children learning about seasons and early math.
Get Ready Books #1: You Can Do It! (PAW Patrol)
Random House
Marshall, the brave PAW Patrol fire pup, learns that even heroes feel nervous sometimes—and that it’s okay to ask for help. With Ryder and the team by his side, he discovers simple ways to face worries and build confidence. This short, colorful story is perfect for preschool and early elementary readers who love PAW Patrol and stories about feelings. Parents appreciate its gentle social-emotional lessons and kids enjoy the familiar characters, action, and stickers.
Get the Sillies Out!
Nickelodeon Staff
Plex the yellow robot tries to take a group photo, but his friends are too wiggly and giggly to stand still. This playful story invites kids to jump, shake, and shimmy to get the sillies out before settling down. Simple, rhythmic text and bright art make it perfect for preschoolers and early readers, especially fans of the show. It’s a fun, movement-friendly read that helps little ones practice self-control and cooperation.

Guess how Much I Love You
Sam McBratney
Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare play a sweet bedtime game, trying to show who loves the other more. With gentle, repetitive text and warm illustrations, this classic picture book captures the tender bond between caregiver and child. Perfect for read-alouds, its soothing rhythm and memorable refrain make it a comforting choice at bedtime. Ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers who enjoy cozy, love-filled stories.
Hooray for Hoppy
Tim Hopgood
When Hoppy the rabbit wakes up to the first day of spring, he uses all five senses to explore the changing world around him. Simple, rhythmic text and bright, cheerful art invite young readers to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch signs of spring. Perfect for preschool and early elementary children, it gently introduces the senses and the season. Kids enjoy the playful bunny, interactive feel, and clear, repeatable patterns that make joining in easy.

How can you dance?
Rick Walton
This playful picture book invites kids to find a way to dance in every situation, from blustery weather to wiggly moods. Short, rhythmic lines pair with lively illustrations to spark movement, mimic animals and objects, and turn feelings into motion. Perfect for read‑alouds, classroom brain breaks, and storytime, it encourages self-expression and confidence. Young readers love the silly prompts and the chance to get up and groove.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read?
Jane Yolen
Big, lovable dinosaurs make silly mistakes with books—like splashing them in the tub or tossing them around—before learning the right way to treat and enjoy them. With gentle guidance from Mama and Papa, they discover reading routines, book care, and the joy of shared bedtime stories. Simple, rhythmic text and bold, funny art make this a perfect pick for preschoolers and new readers. Includes helpful reading tips for families.

It's Snowing!
Olivier Dunrea
This gentle picture book celebrates the magic of the first snowfall. With simple, rhythmic text and Dunrea’s warm, expressive art, young listeners watch small animals explore, play, and discover what snow can do. It’s perfect for toddlers and early readers who are just beginning to recognize words and love seasonal stories. Families enjoy reading it aloud on cozy winter days and talking about their own snowy adventures.

Mary Had a Little Lamb
Mary Ann Hoberman, Nadine Bernard Westcott
This playful picture book gives the classic nursery rhyme a fresh, funny twist as Mary’s devoted little lamb follows her right into school. Bouncy, rhyming text and cheerful illustrations turn an ordinary day into a giggle-filled adventure. It’s a lively read-aloud that invites kids to sing along, spot silly details, and enjoy the joy of pets and school life. Perfect for preschool through early elementary readers who love familiar songs with extra humor.

Ollie's Halloween
Olivier Dunrea
Ollie and the goslings get ready for a not-too-spooky night of costumes, pumpkins, and treats. With simple, rhythmic text and charming illustrations, this gentle Halloween tale is perfect for toddlers and early readers. It celebrates the fun of dressing up, exploring with friends, and the cozy excitement of autumn. Families love it for its warm tone and easy read-aloud flow.

Secret seahorse
Stella Blackstone
A tiny seahorse hides on every page as readers dive through a colorful underwater world. Rhyming, gently flowing text pairs with rich stitched-collage art to introduce sea creatures and ocean habitats. Young children love the seek-and-find element and the soothing rhythm, making it perfect for read‑alouds and early independent reading. Great for kids who enjoy ocean life, spotting details, and learning new vocabulary.

Some things change
Mary Murphy
This gentle picture book celebrates the many ways the world changes—seasons shift, little ones grow—while reassuring children that some things, like love, stay the same. With bold, high-contrast art and simple, rhythmic text, it’s perfect for toddlers and early readers. Families will appreciate the comforting message and the cozy read‑aloud moments it invites. Ideal for preschool to early elementary children beginning to explore reading on their own.

Splash!
Ann Jonas
A lively concept picture book about counting creatures around a pond, Splash! invites young readers to notice who’s in the water—and who jumps in next. With bold, graphic art and simple, rhythmic text, the numbers go up and down as animals appear and disappear with a splash. It’s perfect for preschool and early elementary learners practicing counting, addition, and subtraction in a playful way. Kids love predicting the next splash and spotting details in the vibrant illustrations.

Too Many Tickles!
Thomas Taylor
From morning giggles to bedtime belly laughs, this playful picture book follows a family where everyone has their own special kind of tickle. Simple, bouncy text and colorful illustrations invite young listeners to join in the fun. It’s perfect for read‑alouds with toddlers and preschoolers who love silly, interactive stories. Kids enjoy the rhythm, repetition, and the warm parent‑child moments on every page.

Who Hoots?
Katie Davis
This playful picture book invites young readers to guess which animals make which sounds and do which actions. With silly mix-ups and bright, bold art, children giggle their way to the right answers while learning about animal traits. The repetitive, question-and-answer pattern is perfect for read-alouds and for emerging readers to chime in. Great for preschool through early elementary kids who enjoy interactive, humorous books.

Why I Love the Earth
This sweet board book gathers children’s own words about why our planet is so special, paired with warm, friendly animal illustrations. Little readers celebrate colors, places to explore, and the friends and creatures that share our world. Simple, affirming text makes it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, especially around Earth Day. Families will enjoy the gentle message of gratitude and wonder for nature.

WOW! It's Night-Time
Tim Hopgood
A curious little owl explores the nighttime world, spotting the moon, bats, foxes, and more while counting from one to ten. Simple, rhythmic text and bold, friendly art invite preschoolers to notice details in nature and practice early counting skills. It’s a cozy, confidence-building read that works beautifully for bedtime or storytime. Perfect for young listeners who loved WOW! Said the Owl and are ready to discover what happens after dark.