First Grade Summer Reading

Summer reading is a great way to get your child interested in books, on his or her own terms. For the best books for first grade summer reading, we turned to the nation’s finest independent bookstores to get their favorites, from classics to new releases, swashbuckling adventures to the just plain fun, silly, or sweet. Here are their recommendations for a summertime full of fantastic books:

Mr. Putter and Tabby (series) by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter and his old cat Tabby have wonderful, funny, warm-hearted adventures in this early reader series. Readers young and old will love them. Recommended by Tattered Cover Book Store, Denver, CO. Where to buy.

Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows

A humorous chapter book about two girls who become great friends in spite of their misgivings, and their entertaining adventures. Recommended by Powell’s Books, Portland, OR. Where to buy.

The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato

Sibling problems lead to species confusion for Henrietta and the results are hilarious. Recommended by Prairie Lights Books, Iowa City, IA. Where to buy.

Apples & Oranges: Going Bananas with Pairs by Sara Pinto

This is a perfect mix of delightful illustrations, art, philosophy and silliness found only in books for children. Recommended by 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL. Where to buy.

Zen Ties by Jon J. Muth

A giant panda named Stillwater teaches young children - through haiku - the importance of being kind to others. Recommended by Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Los Altos, CA. Where to buy.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

Illustrated by Robert Ingpen This reissue of the beloved classic takes one’s breath away. Robert Ingpen’s full color illustrations of the Tale of Ratty, Mole, Toad and Badger are simply stunning. Truly reflecting the richness of the text, this is a beautiful read for the entire family to enjoy. Nothing short of a treasure. Recommended by Kepler’s Bookstore, Menlo Park, CA. Where to buy.

Want to see more from Education.com’s book list? Here’s a collection of our favorite books for first grade:

The Giants and the Joneses by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Greg Swearingen (Henry Holt and Co. , 2005)

Both Jumbeelia and Colette are avid collectors, and they both tire of their collections fairly quickly. The big difference between them is just that: Jumbeelia is a giant, and she has finally found a magic bimplestock to climb down and collect some adorable igglyplops, or human beings namely, Colette and her siblings! With the help of a glossary, children will soon be bilingual in Giantese, and read-aloud has never felt so fresh and funny.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (Walker Books Ltd, 2004)

"Just make a mark and see where it takes you," Vashti's art teacher advises. When a simple dot gets kudos in class, Vashti ups her own antie and makes quite a splash at the art show.

The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (Dr. Seuss Green Back Books, 2003)

 A collection of subtle stories about tolerance and the value of being different. Do we love others even when they don't have stars upon thars? What are the drawbacks of naming twenty three sons "Dave"? And the pale green pants with nobody inside them...friend or foe?