Best Children's Books for:
Guided Reading Level G /
DRA Level 12
Below are the best early reader books that are written at Guided Reading Level G / DRA Level 12 books. (It's the same level--just some schools use the one book leveling system and others use the other.) In general, kids read books on this level in first grade. (Ideally, first graders start at level C-D / DRA 4-6 and keep progressing in reading to end of levels I-J / DRA 16. However, every child is different, so check with your child's teacher to determine his/her exact level).
We sincerely hope this lists will be a
helpful resource for teachers in need of guided reading books or for
parents looking for books for their own children to read. And if we've
left your favorite off our lists, please let us know! Note that as an Amazon
Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Elephant and Piggie series:
We LOVE this series. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! It's probably our favorite, and every year without fail it becomes our students favorites as well!! There are almost three dozen books in this hilarious series about two best buddies--an elephant and a pig. Of these books, many but not all are written at level 12 / G, including: My Friend is Sad, There Is a Bird On Your Head, Should I Share My Ice Cream?, My New Friend Is So Fun!, A Big Buy Took My Ball!, I Really Like Slop!, I Am Invited to a Party!, Happy Pig Day!, and I Will Take a Nap. (Many of the remaining books are written at level H / 14.) Click here to see Elephant and Piggie books on Amazon
Noodles series:
There are dozens of books in this adorable series about an energetic, determined little puppy named Noodles. Specially written for early readers, all books in this series are written with Kindergarteners and 1st graders in mind (Guided Reading levels D-H / DRA 6-14). Of this series, many but not all are written at level 12 / G, including: I Lost My Tooth, I Love School!, Don't Cut My Hair, I Love Christmas! , I Love Colors!, and I Can Help. Click here to see Noodles books on Amazon
Pete the Cat reader series:
The creators of the SUPER popular Pete the Cat series has now come out with some early reader books featuring the cool, kooky cat. Each year, we read several of our favorite (regular sized) Pete the Cat books to the kids for a few weeks, then hand off these early reader versions to them, and watch as they BEAM with pride that they can read Pete books too! :) Of the early reader books, some but not all are written at level 12 / G, including: Pete the Cat and the Bad Banana, Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth, Pete the Cat and the Tip Top Tree House, Pete the Cat and the Lost Pet. Click here to see Pete the Cat reader books on Amazon
Biscuit reader series:
Biscuit books are written with young kids in mind, and many but not all are written at level G / 12. This includes: Biscuit Wins a Prize, Happy Birthday Biscuit, Biscuit and the Baby, Biscuit's Valentine's Day, and Happy Easter Biscuit. (Most remaining series books are written at level F/10.) Click here to see Biscuit books on Amazon
Yuck! Stuck in the Muck!
A dog and a duck set off a muddy chain of events in this cute level G/12 reader.
There's a Mouse
in the House!
When a mouse comes to a house to stay, how will the family react? A classroom staple!
Mouse Loves School
An adorable little mouse visits a human school for the first time and loves everything about it! Part of a great series.
Please Write Back
A cute alligator writes
a letter to his grandma, then can't wait to get a reply back.
The Carrot Seed
A timeless classic about the patience needed when planting. We read it to our classes each spring.
The Chick that
Wouldn't Hatch
An unhatched egg
goes on a rolling adventure across the farm. Great illustrations!
Gus Gets Scared
Gus is excited to camp in the backyard in his brand new tent...that is, until it gets cold and dark out!
Gus Makes a Gift
Gus has a great idea about what to give his mom on Mother's Day, but soon worries it's not going to turn out.
Barbie: I Can Be a Pet Vet
A cute book for Barbie fans and any kids who want to see a day in the life of a vet.
Brave Bear, Little Bear
Based on the Disney movie Brave, this early reader takes Merida on a quest that proves her bravery.
Beef Stew
A young girl is eager to find a friend to come over and share the yummy beef stew her mom is making.
Axel the Truck: Beach Race
A spunky little truck goes up against the big guys in a beach race. Does he have what it takes to win?
David Gets
in Trouble
A mischievous boy gets in a load of trouble, but then learns to say sorry instead of "it's not my fault."
David Goes
to School
A little boy has a hard
time following the rules.
Great discussion starter for the beginning of the school year.
Pie Rats Ahoy!
In this cute Richard Scarry book, pie rats (who are pirates, get it) steal Uncle Willy's pie. Will Busy Town every be safe again?
Mittens at School
Nick brings Mittens to school for show and tell and chaos breaks out! Great for the beginning of the year.
Brand New
Pencils, Brand
New Books
Gilbert is nervous for the first day of 1st grade. Makes of a great back-to-school read.
Sir Small and the Dragonfly
A tiny knight rescues
the kidnapped princess
in the town of PeeWee, where everything is teeny tiny.
Mittens
A scared kitty is
rescued and taken
to a new home, but must find a special place for himself there.
Rubble to the Rescue
In this cute Paw Patrol book, Rubble wants to be a super hero, but finds he needs some help from his buddies.
The Cows are in the Corn
Kooky rhyming story about animals running amok (goats in the oats, pigs in the figs, rams are in the yams...)
Little Big Horse:
Where's My Bike?
A friendship is tested with Little Big Horse's friend borrows his bike and breaks it.
Ant Hill:
Big Heart!
Ants create a fancy, big valentine, and then decide on the perfect person to give it to. A cute book for Valentine's Day.
My New Boy
Very sweet story from a dog's point of view about the joy in finding just the right kid. Pet lovers will love this switch in perspective!
I'm a Caterpillar
A caterpillar explains the stages of the butterfly life cycle. Cool textured-paper collage illustrations! We love this series!
I'm a Seed
A girl plants two seeds and then watches them grow, showing the plant life cycle. Full of cool textured-paper collage illustrations!
The Counting Race
First graders work together to come up with a way to count to 10 in one second. Robin Hill School series book.
The Berenstain Bears By the Sea
The bear cubs want to go swimming, but first they must do chores. Will they ever finish?
First Grade Friends: The Class Trip
A cute story that also teaches a lesson on being safe. Part of the First Grade Friends series.
More Spaghetti, I Say!
Kids get a real kick out of this rhyming story about two monkeys, one of which absolutely LOVES spaghetti.
Robot, Go Bot!
A girl and a robot are the best of friends, but when the girl starts to order the robot around, will the friendship last? Teaches a good lesson.
Wall E: Smash Trash!
Based on the movie, this book is fun and cute and would work well even for kids who haven't seen the movie.
The Big Red Sled
Little Fred sneaks out to go sledding with his buddies, but how will he find his way home.
What's That, Mittens?
When curious kitten Mittens hears scratching near a fence, he goes to investigate and discovers a new friend.
Clifford and the Halloween Parade
When he can't decide what to be for Halloween, the kids come up with a fun idea!
Clifford Makes the Team
Clifford wants to play baseball with the gang, but what can he use for a bat? A tree, a utility pole, a pipe?
Clifford's Valentines
What's a big dog to do when he receives so many Valentines from his friends. Luckily he has an idea!
Farm Animals
A cute and informative early reader about the different animals you find on a farm, with a few details included about each one.
Follow Me, Mittens
Mittens gets distracted by a butterfly while on a walk with Nick and gets lost. What will he do? (Cats go on walks?)
Happy Halloween Mittens
When Mittens tries to help Nick decorate for Halloween, he ends up making a mess instead.
Naughty Little
Monkeys
a rhyming alphabet book that tells what happens when 26 zany monkey are left in a house alone. Yikes!
The Fat Cat Sat
on the Mat
The fat cat sat on the mat. "Get off!" said the rat. But the fat cat just sat. Will the rat get the fat cat off the mat?
The Great Race
Who will win when the animals on the farm have a race? This one is by David McPhail--we love his books!
Buzz Said
the Bee
Hilarious tale that results in a big pile of animals! Kids love this classic early reader!
Marvin K.
Mooney, Will You Please Go Now?
Dr. Seuss book full of funny, crazy types of transportation.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Animal sounds -- really for preschoolers but good reading practice
return to list of books by Guided Reading Level or books by DRA Level or books for first graders