Classroom Recommendations K-1st

The Youth Services Librarians from Happy Valley, Milwaukie Ledding, and Oak Lodge Libraries have pulled together some of their favorite books that would be great additions to classroom libraries. Below are single titles, though most are linked to series. They are sorted by suggested grade level, but feel free to "shop" high and low!

You might also be interested in:
Classroom Recommendations 2nd-3rd

Classroom Recommendations 4th-5th


Updated July 27, 2023
L
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Happy Valley Library
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Charlie & Mouse even better
Snyder, Laurel
Paper Book
Heartwarming follow-up to the award-winning beginning chapter book Charlie & Mouse This funny story teaches the importance of family, humor, and a big heart : In this follow-up to Laurel Snyder's award-winning beginning chapter book Charlie & Mouse, the two...
We will find your hat! : a conundrum
Candy James (Group)
Paper Book
Elephant & Piggie meets Narwhal and Jelly in this hilarious new early-reader graphic novel series about Archie & Reddie, two fox friends who have wild fun! In this second book, Reddie is all set to go to a party, but Archie can't leave without his favorite hat--so they must search through...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Sir Ladybug
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
From Caldecott Honoree and two-time Geisel Award-winning author-illustrator Corey R. Tabor, this is a fresh and funny young graphic novel series sure to delight readers. Perfect for fans of Catwad, Bird & Squirrel, and Narwhal & Jelly. Ladies and gentlebugs, presenting the duke of the...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Narwhal : unicorn of the sea
Clanton, Ben
Paper Book
"The most lovable duo since Frog and Toad." --Dav Pilkey, bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants The funny and adorable New York Times bestselling kids graphic novel series starring happy-go-lucky, waffle-loving Narwhal and his somewhat cynical...
I did it!
Emberley, Michael
Paper Book
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner! Learning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own. Can I do it? I can't do it. I want to do it. I did it!...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

The first case
Gumpaw, Felix
Paper Book
In this first installment of the Pup Detectives graphic novel series, the pup detectives of Pawston Elementary join forces to solve the crimes happening all around them. Can they nab the lunchtime bandit who's been stealing all the best snacks from the cafeteria? Puppy PI Rider...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Frog meets dog
Trasler, Janee
Paper Book
Discover Frog and Dog, a laugh-out-loud series for beginning readers! A Best Book of 2020 by the Chicago Public Library National Cartoonists Society Winner for Best Book Illustration Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early reader...
Tag team
Rau?l the Third
Paper Book
"Wildly imaginative and creative! Your kids will go loco for El Toro!" --Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series From New York Times bestselling, three-time Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Raúl the Third, Tag Team features El...
See the dog : three stories about a cat
LaRochelle, David
Paper Book
What happens when a cat tries to be a dog? With this second wry primer, the creators of See the Cat return to demonstrate that standing in for a friend can be trickier than expected. The dog is sick today, but have no fear--the cat is happy to take his place! But when the...
Sydney & Taylor explore the whole wide world
Davies, Jacqueline
Paper Book
Best-selling author Jacqueline Davies tells the story of two unlikely friends: Sydney and Taylor, a skunk and a hedgehog who strike out to discover the great unknown, despite how afraid they are of it. Charming full-color illustrations and a laugh-out-loud story make this chapter book ...
Yasmin the scientist
Faruqi, Saadia
Paper Book
Everyone seems to have an idea for the science fair except for Yasmin! After some failed experiments, Yasmin's snack break with Nani inspires an idea. Together they use kitchen science for sweet success!
Pizza and Taco : who's the best?
Shaskan, Stephen
Paper Book
The first in a hilarious young graphic novel series about Pizza and Taco. Two best friends, lots of toppings...but only one of them can be the BEST, right? Fans of Narwhal and Jelly will eat this book up...and be hungry for more! Best friends are the BEST! But WHO is the BEST? Is...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Happy paws
Fang, Vicky
Paper Book
Meet rock star Layla and her team of Bots!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will...
Geraldine Pu and her lunchbox, too!
Chang, Maggie P.
Paper Book
Meet spunky, funny, and friendly Geraldine Pu as she takes on a bully and makes a new friend in this first book in a new Level 3 Ready-to-Read Graphics series! Geraldine Pu's favorite part of school is lunch. She loves her lunch box, which she calls Biandang. She can't wait to...
Zip, zoom!
Lyons, Kelly Starling
Paper Book
Ty can't wait to ride his brand-new scooter at the park. Other kids zip and zoom by like race cars, but all Ty can do is wobble! Ty wants to give up, but a new friend helps Ty give it another try. A 2021 Geisel Honor Book! Celebrate imagination and the power of persistence in Ty's Travels:...
Vivi loves science : wind and water
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
"Rivals those of DreamWorks or Disney in cuteness and charm while also providing information."--Kirkus Reviews Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, part of a series about girls who love science, Vivi and her classmates go on a field trip to the ocean to investigate tide...
The funny book
Madan, Vikram
Paper Book
Bobo and Pup-Pup both love books! This FUNNY book is by Geisel Honor winner, Vikram Madan. Perfect for fans of Elephant & Piggie who are ready to graduate to two new buddies! A super funny book has Pup-Pup laughing out loud!! Bobo wants to read it so he can laugh...
The spider
Gravel, Elise
Paper Book
Part of a series of hilarious nonfiction about disgusting creatures, this book looks at the spider. It covers such topics as the spider's habitats (pretty much everywhere but outer space), the silk it spins (it can trap prey and makes a nifty bowtie), and its parenting practice (female spiders carry...
Fitz and Cleo
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
The dynamo team behind Llama Destroys the World invites you to meet the stars of their first graphic novel--Fitz and Cleo! If you're a fan of Narwhal and Jelly or Owly, get ready to fall head over heels for this brother-and-sister duo. Fitz and Cleo are siblings by...
Baloney and friends
Pizzoli, Greg
Paper Book
In this easy-to-read graphic novel from an award-winning creator, four funny animal friends and their wacky adventures "will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories" (Dav Pilkey). "A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready...
Cornbread & Poppy
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
An IndieBound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year * A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."--Booklist, starred review ★"Cornbread and Poppy are endearing...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Doggo and Pupper
Applegate, Katherine
Paper Book
An old dog has to welcome a new puppy to the household, in this chapter book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate with a brightly colored palette from Charlie Alder. Doggo is used to things being a certain way in his family. He likes routine. Cat...

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

Picture perfect
Jules, Jacqueline
Paper Book
Sofia is sick of looking exactly like her sisters. She wants to stand out! And when school picture day comes around, Sofia thinks of the perfect way to make that happen.

*NEW TITLE TO LIST*

https://alsc-awards-shelf.org/
Award-winning books, recordings, apps, & websites for children from the American Library Association.
https://ola.memberclicks.net/bccca-home

2nd-3rd grade reading level, but excellent ideas for all readers, students can vote on their favorite title each spring


Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.