Year 1 reading list

Ages 5 to 6 · Key Stage 1

Children are learning to read for themselves, so mix books they can read with books you read to them. Rhyme and repetition help, and so do favourites read many times.

Loved by many

• The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. A tiger arrives at teatime and eats everything in the house.
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. A cross boy sails to an island of wild things. Good for talking about feelings.
• Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. A rhyming journey home through the seasons.
• Elmer by David McKee. A patchwork elephant and a story about being different.
• Peace at Last by Jill Murphy. A tired father bear searches the house for somewhere quiet to sleep.
• Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers. A boy and a penguin, and a quiet story about friendship.
• Alfie Gets in First by Shirley Hughes. Everyday trouble with a locked door, told with warmth.
• Look Up! by Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon. A modern favourite about Rocket, who loves the stars, in rhyming text.

Recent prize winners

• Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron. Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2026, overall winner and Illustrated Books.
• The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please. Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2025, winner.
• There's Nothing Faster Than a Cheetah by Tom Nicoll and Ross Collins. Lollies 2025, picture book winner (chosen by children).

At home

Read the same favourite again and again. Then ask your child to read a page back to you, or to tell the story from the pictures.