First grade author studies are a perfect way to organize your library lessons. Pick an awesome author or illustrator, read 2-4 of their books, teach a related library skill, and your plans are done for the year! These books make great read alouds AND students will want to check them out after.

Tips for First Grade Author Studies:

• First grade lessons focus on drawing and writing. I always love to do a lesson at the beginning of the year to show how they can improve their drawings on their activities.
• Research skills are excellent to teach for first grade! They don’t have to take multiple classes, and you can use books or computers.
• If you’re looking for a simple research website with animal eBooks for K-1 students, check out my research website here: www.notesheep.com
• Check each student’s work before you let them move on to the next activity.

First Grade Author Study – LeUyen Pham

Ready for some fun books that will also fly off the shelves? Time to study the author and illustrator LeUyen Pham!

Favorite Books:

Itty-Bitty Kitty Corn

Bear Came Along

The Itchy Book

Grace for President

Shaking Things Up

Outside, Inside

First Grade Author Study – Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

One of my favorite duos! They create a variety of books with beautiful illustrations!

Favorite Books:

The Old Truck

The Old Boat

Somewhere in the Bayou

It’s a Sign

Elbert in the Air

COMING NOVEMBER 2025: The Old Sleigh!

First Grade Author Study – Melanie Watt

You cannot go wrong with Melanie Watt and Scaredy Squirrel. Some kids are familiar with this character already but there are so many in the series to read aloud, plus the new comic versions! 

Favorite Books:

Scaredy Squirrel

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping

Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell

Chester

Chester’s Back

First Grade Author Study – Steve Jenkins

I love reading aloud nonfiction and Steve Jenkins is one of the greatest. Read the book, have students research an animal with a book or database, and have students do something creative with the facts they learned.

Favorite Books for First Grade:

What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?

Biggest, Strongest, Fastest

Creature Features

Actual Size

Never Smile at a Monkey

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo?

*I love his By the Numbers series for older students!