• Summer Reading, Incoming 1st Grade

    First Grade Summer ReadingSummer reading should be fun. These reading lists have been prepared by the librarians of the Santa Monica Public Library in collaboration with the Elementary Library Coordinators and Librarians of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The lists provide a selection of good books that kids enjoy. Reading levels are suggestions only, as every student learns to read at his or her own speed.

    You can help by reading with your child and encouraging his or her own interests. Reading takes lots of practice and encouragement. Set aside 15 to 30 minutes every day for your child to read with you. Have fun with the books and help instill the joy of reading in your child. Some titles are also available as audiobooks so families can enjoy a good book together.

    For extra summer fun, visit your local public library for reading programs, many of which offer activities and prizes. Have a wonderful summer vacation and read, read, read! 


    Picture Books (XXF)

    Z Is for Moose, by Kelly Bingham
    Moose is very eager to be in the alphabet book Zebra is putting together.

    Oh, No! by Candace Fleming
    A series of animals fall into a deep hole, only to be rescued at last by a very large rescuer.

    Boot and Shoe, by Marla Frazee
    Two dogs live in the same house but spend their days on different porches until a squirrel mixes things up.

    Kitten’s First Full Moon, by Kevin Henkes
    Kitten thinks the moon is a bowl of milk, and tries to reach it.

    How Rocket Learned to Read, by Tad Hills
    A bird teaches Rocket the dog how to read by showing him the alphabet. (Also Rocket Writes a Story)

    Hooway for Wodney Wat, by Helen Lester
    Rodney’s classmates make fun of him because he cannot pronounce his name, until he drives away the class bully.

    Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes (series), by Eric Litwin
    Pete sings about his new shoes as they change from white to red, blue, brown, and then get wet.

    Goin’ Someplace Special, by Pat McKissack
    A young African-American girl braves obstacles to get to one of the few integrated places in town: the public library.

    The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak
    In this book with no pictures, the reader must say every silly word, no matter what.

    Not a Stick, by Antoninette Portis
    An imaginative pig shows what a stick can be. (Also Not a Box)

    Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
    After being sent to bed without supper for behaving badly, Max dreams he sails to the land of the wild things.

    Caps for Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina
    Monkeys steal a peddler’s caps while he takes a nap under a tree.

    Yoko Learns to Read, by Rosemay Wells
    Yoko finds the key to reading. (Also other Yoko books)

    Hilda Must Be Dancing, by Karma Wilson
    Hilda Hippo tries quieter activities instead of dancing.


    Easy Readers (XXE)

    Biscuit Goes to School (series), by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
    Biscuit the puppy follows a bus to school where he takes part in the activities of the class.

    Pup and Hound (series), by Susan Hood
    Hound tries to find something to eat for his new friend, Pup.

    Fancy Nancy at the Museum (series), by Jane O'Connor
    Nancy wants to be extra fancy for a trip to the museum.

    Follow Me, Mittens (series), by Lola M. Schaefer
    Distracted by a butterfly, Mittens becomes lost on his walk.

    Smash! Crash! (series), by Jon Scieszka
    Best friends Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan sometimes get into trouble.

    My Friend Is Sad (series), by Mo Willems
    When Gerald the Elephant is sad, Piggie is determined to cheer him up.


    Non-Ficton

    X567.9 MARA
    Tyrannosaurus Rex
    Describes the way of life of the tyrannosaurus rex. Part of the Rookie Readers About Dinosaurs series.

    X591.4 JENKINS
    Actual Size
    This book describes the size and weight of animals and parts of animals.

    X597.3 THOMSON
    Amazing Sharks
    Presents lots of facts about sharks. An “I Can Read” book.

    X634.11 ZIEFERT
    One Red Apple
    Follow the life cycle of an apple: from fruit growing on the tree to market, to seed, to tree, and finally to a new apple.

    X811 SHANNON
    Busy in the Garden
    Short poems and riddles about gardening