Every Hero Has a Story
For Early Readers
May 2015
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of heroes and superheroes. This list includes audio, braille, and large print titles and is recommended for those reading at a preschool through 2nd grade reading level up to a kindergarten through 3rd grade reading level.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through WolfPAC. Identification numbers for braille books begin with BR, large print books begin with LP, and audiobooks begin with DB or MDB. All audiobooks and available braille books listed are linked to the Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading.
Preschool to Grade 2
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon
BR 20019
Superhero Awesome Man can fly straight as an arrow, shoot positronic rays from his eyes, and hug mutant Jell-O. But he has something exciting to tell you: his secret identity! Illustrated by Jake Parker. Print/braille. 2011.
Bob by Tracey Campbell Pearson
BR 51209
While looking for someone to teach him how to crow, a rooster learns to sound like many different animals and finds that his new skills come in handy. Print/braille by Wolfner Volunteers, 2003. 2002.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
BR 09944
BR 50164
Uses rhyme, rhythm, and repetition to describe a variety of animals, each one a different color. Print/braille. 1983.
Chicka, Chicka Boom, Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
BR 07943
LP 2042
Delightful alphabetical rhyming chant telling of the day when the letters of the alphabet decide to race up the coconut tree. "Chicka, chicka boom, boom! Will there be enough room?" Print/braille. 1989.
Clifford’s Good Deeds by Norman Bridwell
Download Clifford’s Good Deeds, DB 78608
Read by Stephanie D’Abruzzo. Reading time: 12 minutes.
Clifford has a good heart, but whenever he tries to do good deeds for others, they always seem to backfire. But finally the big red dog manages to save the day. Commercial audiobook. 1975.
Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz
LP 2054
Daddy and Baby count the hugs they share throughout the day. 2005.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss
BR 08953
BR 15320
BR 16723
LP 2161
Dr. Seuss adds nonsensical rhymes to the alphabet to make it fun for children to learn letters and their sounds. Print/braille. 1963.
The Firefighters by Sue Whiting
BR 19003
Mrs. Iverson's class puts out an imaginary fire on their playground. After the students rest, Mrs. Iverson surprises them with a visit from real firefighters. The children learn what to do in a burning building: "get down low and go, go, go!" Print/braille. 2008.
Fireman Small by Wong Herbert Yee
LP 1490
Because Fireman Small is the only fireman in his neighborhood, he works day and night, rescuing animals and putting out fires. Between emergencies, tired Fireman Small returns to station number nine, slowly walks upstairs, "closes the curtains, gets in bed, and pulls the covers over his head." 1994.
Froggy Goes to the Doctor by Jonathan London
BR 51410
Froggy isn't looking forward to his check-up because he might get a shot but when it's over and he's pronounced a very healthy frog, Dr. Mugwort is the one who dreads Froggy's next visit. Print/braille. 2002.
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen
LP 2075
What if a dinosaur catches the flu? Rhyming text describes how sick dinosaurs might behave. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2003.
I Like it When…by Mary Murphy
BR 51509
The young penguin in this board book edition of Mary Murphy's perennial favorite likes holding hands, dancing, eating new things, reading, and having all sorts of fun with an affectionate and caring older penguin. Perfect for little ones--and for the ones they love! Print/braille by Wolfner Volunteers, 2006. 1997.
In Grandma’s Arms by Karen Katz and Jayne C. Shelton
LP 2238
In Grandma's arms, you can go anywhere! From deserts to forests, and up through the sky-- come along on an adventure as reading takes this little girl and her grandma around the world. 2008.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
BR 51656
BR 51786
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. Print/braille. 1993.
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems
BR 18015
Her daddy in tow, Trixie hurries to school to show off her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny. But an awful surprise awaits her: someone else has the exact same bunny! Sequel to Knuffle Bunny (BR 16029). Print/braille. 2007.
The Little School Bus by Carol Roth
BR 51414
A bright, yellow school bus picks up some quirky passengers as it goes cavorting through the countryside into the town. Paparone uses witty details in her illustrations to convey subplots that are going on in this fun filled book. Print/braille by Wolfner Volunteers, 2003. 2002.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber
BR 51284
Download Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, DB 28122
LP 1361
Read by Mary O’Neal. Reading time: 12 minutes.
Lyle the crocodile is very happy living with the Primm family on East Eighty-Eighth Street. But Mr. Grumps and his cat, Loretta, are very unhappy with Lyle's presence. Mr. Grumps even has Lyle put in the zoo! But there will soon come a day when Mr. Grumps and Loretta cannot thank Lyle enough. Print/braille. 1965.
Maisy Goes to the Hospital by Lucy Cousins
BR 17332
When Maisy the mouse bounces too high on a trampoline and hurts her leg, she visits a hospital for the first time. There, Dr. Duck and Nurse Comfort take good care of her. Print/braille. 2007.
Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins
LP 1948
Maisy goes to the library in search of a book about fish and a quiet place in which to read it. 2005.
Mommy Hugs by Karen Katz
LP 2052
Mommy and Baby count the hugs they share throughout the day. 2006.
My Father’s Hands by Joanne Ryder
BR 15006
A young girl enjoys examining the small creatures that her father finds in the garden and brings to her cupped in his hands. They share the wonders of a pink worm, a round beetle, a snail, and a praying mantis. Print/braille. 1994.
My Mom by Anthony Browne
LP 1811
A child describes the many wonderful things about "my mom," who can make anything grow, roar like a lion, and be as comfy as an armchair. 2005.
No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) by Jean E. Pendziwol
BR 50023 (Uncontracted)
When a young girl's new dragon-friend sneezes and starts a fire in the house, we learn all about fire safety and what to do in case of a fire. Print/braille book. 1999.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme by Nadine Bernard Westcott
BR 7533
This play rhyme tells how to make that perennial favorite, a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. Print/braille. 1987.
Shhhhh! Everybody’s Sleeping by Julie Markes
Download Shhhhh! Everybody’s Sleeping, DBC01469
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 5 minutes.
A young child is encouraged to go to sleep by the thought of everyone else sleeping, from teacher to baker to postman. 2005.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
BR 20037
Zookeeper Amos McGee always takes time to visit his good friends the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl. But one day, Amos stays home because he is sick--and receives an unexpected visit. Print/braille. Caldecott Medal. 2010.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
BR 08904
Tacky the penguin does not fit in. He is not sleek, graceful, and formally groomed like his companions--Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. He is loud, awkward, and gaudy. But when the hunters come, Tacky proves himself a good bird to have around. Print/braille. 1988
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
BR 18039
LP 2046
Babies born in different countries and in different circumstances have in common ten little fingers and ten little toes. Print/braille. 2008.
The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky
BR 51575
LP 2119
Download The Terrible Plop, MDB11051
Read by Dan Deidrich. Reading time: 10 minutes.
When a mysterious sound sends the whole forest running away in fear, only the littlest rabbit is courageous enough to discover what really happened. Pictures by Andrew Joyner. Building Block Award nominee, 2011. Print/braille. 2009.
Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland
BR 50127 (Uncontracted), BR 51084
A small stray dog is accepted into a household full of cats by learning to "fit in," but when his mistress is hurt, he demonstrates that being a dog is not all bad. 2002 Building Block Award nominee. Print/braille by Wolfner volunteers, 2002. 2001.
Kindergarten to Grade 3
Bill and Pete: The Complete Series by Tomie DePaola
Download Bill and Pete, DB 48265
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 29 minutes.
William Everett Crocodile ("Bill") has a best friend (also a personal toothbrush), a bird named Pete. In these three adventures, Pete helps Bill escape being turned into a suitcase, they apprehend a jewel thief, and they rescue Egyptian animals from captivity in New Orleans. 1998.
Brave Norman: A True Story by Andrew Clements
BR 51621
BR 51731
Norman, a blind golden retriever, saves a girl from drowning in the ocean. Standard print text included with braille. Pets to the Rescue series. Print/braille without pictures. 2001.
Crictor by Tomi Ungerer
BR 16357
Madame Bodot is surprised to receive a boa constrictor for a birthday present, but soon she is knitting a long sweater for him and taking him to the school where she teaches. Then one night Crictor repays her kindness with his bravery. Print/braille. 1958.
Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin
Download Diary of a Fly, DB 74657
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 10 minutes.
A young fly talks about her day-to-day life. She eats regurgitated food, studies leaping backward in flight school, copes with her 327 brothers and sisters, and dreams of being a superhero. 2007.
Doctor De Soto by Judy Sierra
BR 05462
BR 16526
BR 50571
BR 51232
LP 1380
A kind mouse dentist and his shrewd wife outfox a dangerous patient who wants to try out his new gold teeth on them! Newbery Honor Book. Print/braille. 1982.
Don’t Forget, God Bless our Troops by Jill Biden
Download Don’t Forget, God Bless our Troops, DB 75883
Read by Gabriella Cavallero. Reading time: 27 minutes.
Educator and wife of Vice President Joe Biden based this children's story on her own granddaughter's experience. Young Natalie misses her father, who is away fighting a war, and keeps him in her heart and prayers as she tries to be brave. Includes resources for support. 2012.
The Incredible Life of Balto by Meghan McCarthy
Download The Incredible Life of Balto, DB 75592
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 22 minutes.
Chronicles the saga of Balto, the sled dog who became a hero in 1925 after he helped deliver life-saving medicine from Nenana to Nome, Alaska. Recounts Balto's sale to a traveling show and the outpouring of support that led to his rescue. 2011.
John Henry by Julius Lester
BR 9934
John Henry was a beautiful, strong African American boy. As a man, John Henry met mean Ferret-Faced Freddy and beat him in a race. Then he tackled a huge boulder that was blocking a road, and a rainbow smiled on his work. Next he tried to beat a drill that was cutting into a mountain to let the train pass through. This was his last contest, but you might still hear him singing, "I got a rainbow." Print/braille. 1994.
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
BR 50153
This is the exciting true story of young Abbie Burgess, who single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm in 1856. Print/braille with no pictures. Reading Rainbow Book. 1985.
Librarian on the Roof! by M. G. King
Download Librarian on the Roof! DB 75685
LP 2312
Read by Faith Potts. Reading time: 15 minutes.
Account of librarian RoseAleta Laurell, who climbed onto the roof of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas--and stayed there for a whole week! Details RoseAleta's determination to raise the twenty thousand dollars needed to give the library a fun and fully stocked children's section. 2010.
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
BR 17035
Download Library Lion, DB 63583
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 14 minutes.
When a lion visits the library, Miss Merriweather's main concern is whether he is obeying the rules. All is well until an emergency arises, causing the lion to break the rule about silence. Print/braille. 2006.
Madeline series by Ludwig Bemelmans
Mad About Madeline: The Complete Tales by Ludwig Bemelmans
Download Mad About Madeline, BR 13202
A collection of all six rhymed stories about Madeline. The first--published in 1939--introduces Madeline, the smallest of twelve girls who live together in Paris with Miss Clavel. She has various adventures involving animals, gypsies, travel, a boy called Pepito, and a magical Christmas. 1993.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
BR 3644
Download Madeline, DB 44292
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 4 minutes.
A story in rhyme about a little girl in a Paris boarding school who manages to have a lively time in spite of appendicitis. Print/braille. 1939.
Madeline’s Rescue by Ludwig Bemelmans
BR 05901
Download Madeline’s Rescue, DB 44293
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 6 minutes.
Another story about little Madeline in Paris, this time being rescued from the Seine by a dog named Genevieve. Print/braille. Caldecott Medal. 1953.
Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans
Download Madeline and the Bad Hat, DB 44294
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 6 minutes.
The Spanish ambassador moves next door to Madeline's Paris boarding school. Instead of being a good playmate to the twelve girls, the ambassador's prankish son, Pepito, is what Madeline calls a "bad hat." 1956.
Madeline and the Gypsies by Ludwig Bemelmans
Download Madeline and the Gypsies, DB 33513
Read by Madelyn Buzzard. Reading time: 7 minutes.
Madeline and Pepito are left and forgotten on the top of the Ferris wheel during a terrible storm. Taken in by a Gypsy Mama, they travel and perform with their new friends until they find Miss Clavel again. 1958.
Madeline in London by Ludwig Bemelmans
Download Madeline in London, DB 33084
Read by Madelyn Buzzard. Reading time: 8 minutes.
Madeline, the other girls, and Miss Clavel travel from Paris to London to visit their former neighbor, Pepita, on his birthday.1961.
Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
BR 06372
Download Madeline’s Christmas, DB 23245
On Christmas Eve Madeline is the only one who is not sick in bed at Miss Clavel's school. Although she must do all the cooking and cleaning, the spunky little girl is not too busy to arrange a special Christmas treat for her beloved schoolmates. 1985.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
BR 10039
BR 16447
Download Make Way for Ducklings, DB 42913
Read by John Horton. Reading time: 8 minutes.
Five helpful Boston policemen stop busy city traffic so that Mrs. Mallard can move her family of eight ducklings from their island in the Charles River to their new home in the Public Garden. Print/braille. Caldecott Medal. 1941.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold by Cynthia Ryland
Download Mr. Putter and Tabby Catch the Cold, DB 56601
LP 2447
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 9 minutes.
Mr. Putter's cat, Tabby, can't comfort him when he catches a cold. Then their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, has the good idea to use her dog, Zeke, for some special deliveries. Mr. Putter and Tabby series. 2002.
New York’s Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne
BR 14050
Tells of the heroic deeds of the New York City firefighter Mose Humphreys during the 1840s. The book explains how the real-life fireman became a legend. Print/braille. 2002.
Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Brian Dennis, Mary Nethery, and Larson Kirby
BR 19028
BR 51585
Download Nubs, MDB11086
Read by Dan Deidrich. Reading time: 18 minutes.
Describes the bond that developed between a marine major stationed in Iraq and an injured dog that was named Nubs because his ears had been cut off. Print/braille. Missouri: Show Me Award Nominees, 2011- 2012. 2009.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
BR 10015
LP 1351
Officer Buckle knows lots of safety tips, and he loves to share them with the students at Napville School. But nobody seems to listen to him. Then one day, the Napville police department gets a police dog--Gloria. Office Buckle takes her along the next time he goes to Napville School, and this time the children listen. But why? Print/braille. Caldecott Medal. 1995.
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and P. Kahumbu
Download Owen and Mzee, DB 62663
LP 2450
Read by Dan Deidrich. Reading time: 18 minutes.
Describes how a baby hippopotamus, Owen, was stranded alone on the Kenyan coast after the tsunami in 2004. Discusses the rescue effort to deliver Owen to Haller Park, an animal sanctuary, where he met Mzee, a solitary, 130-year-old tortoise, who became a substitute mother. 2006.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
BR 50840
BR 53771 (Uncontracted)
A turned-around fairy tale about a clever princess, a rather supercilious prince, and an over-confident dragon. Print/braille. 1980.
Ringo Saves the Day! A True Story by Andrew Clements
BR 51653
BR 51780 (Uncontracted)
A young woman and her husband are glad that they gave a stray kitten a home when it saves their lives by alerting them to a gas leak. Pets to the Rescue series. Print/braille without pictures. 2001.
Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner
BR 06602
Download Robert the Rose Horse, DB 23542
Read by Patricia Beaudry. Reading time: 9 minutes.
Robert is a horse with a problem: roses make him sneeze. He sneezes his way out of every job he gets--until he becomes a police horse. 1962.
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
Download Stone Soup, DB 50548
Read by Chuck Young. Reading time: 8 minutes.
When three hungry soldiers in a strange land ask some villagers for food, they are told there is none. So the soldiers decide to show the townspeople how to make soup from water and three round stones. Caldecott Honor Book. 1947.
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Eve Bunting
BR 51289
Download The Story of Ruby Bridges, DB 41709
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 10 minutes.
In 1960, when Ruby Bridges was six, a judge ordered that she be allowed to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. Prayer helped her stay calm when angry crowds followed her to school and when all her classmates were kept home by their parents. Print/braille. 1995.
Super Hair-O and the Barber of Doom by John Rocco
BR 20044
A boy who believes he gets his strength from his hair fears he has lost his superpowers when a villain cuts his curls off. Print/braille. 2013.
Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends: A True Story by Andrew Clements
BR 51781 (Uncontracted)
BR 51892
When Jim falls through the ice on a frozen lake, his dogs figure out a way to save him. Pets to the Rescue series. Print/braille without pictures. 2002.
Toys Go Out series by Emily Jenkins
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
Download Toys Go Out, DB 64692
Read by Kristin Allison. Reading time: 1 hour, 23 minutes.
Six stories relate the adventures of three best friends--Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic--who happen to be toys belonging to a little girl. In "The Serious Problem of Plastic-ness," Plastic discovers what toy she is with the help of TukTuk the towel. 2006.
Toys Dance Party by Emily Jenkins
Download Toys Dance Party, DB 67947
Read by Kristin Allison. Reading time: 2 hours, 14 minutes.
Six stories about three best friends who happen to be toys. Plush sea creature StingRay, Lumphy the stuffed buffalo, and Plastic, a ball, encounter a fearsome shark, enjoy a dance party, and face rejection as the Girl grows up. 2008.
Toys Come Home by Emily Jenkins
Download Toys Come Home, DB 75768
Read by Kristin Allison. Reading time: 1 hour, 47 minutes.
Six tales trace the adventures that brought the toy friends to the Girl's house. Stuffed StingRay arrives as a birthday gift but feels unwelcome by the stuffed walrus, Bobby Dot. 2011.
A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry
BR 06122
Download A Tree is Nice, DBC02496
Read by Jessica Whitsitt. Reading time: 3 minutes.
A simple text explains in childlike terms why trees are nice to have around and to be around. Caldecott Medal. Print/braille. 1956.
The True Story of Pocahontas by Lucille Recht Penner
Download The True Story of Pocahontas, BR 12810
This is a short account of the brave young Native American who helped the English settlers of Jamestown, Virginia. Describes how her involvement with the colonists changed her life. 1994.
Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
BR 53610
Download Violet the Pilot, MDB10055
Read by Dan Deidrich. Reading time: 12 minutes.
Young Violet's only friend is her dog, Orville, until one of her homemade flying machines takes her to the rescue of a Boy Scout troop in trouble. Print/braille. Show Me Award nominee, 2010-2011. 2009.
The Wall by Eve Bunting
BR 08959
A young boy and his father come from far away to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and find the name of the boy's grandfather who was killed in the war. A group of girls in school uniforms comes by. "Is this wall for the dead soldiers...?" one of them asks. "The names are the names of the dead. But the wall is for all of us," the teacher answers. Print/braille. 1990.
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
BR 15017
Explains how a lot of animals use their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouths, and feet in very different ways. A glossary provides more information about these animals. Print/braille. 2003.
Wild About Books by Judy Sierra
BR 16024
When librarian Molly McGrew drives her bookmobile into the zoo by mistake, she first attracts the animals to reading with a book by Dr. Seuss. A story in rhyme. Print/braille. 2004.