On Your Mark, Get Set…READ!
For Early Readers
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of sports, health, and wellness. 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
Arrorró, mi niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre
BR 17011
Fifteen traditional Latin American nursery rhymes and songs, some with finger-play activities, are presented in Spanish with English translations. PRINT/BRAILLE. Belpré Honor Book. 2004.
Barn Dance! by Bill Martin Jr.
BR 52075
Download Barn Dance!, DB 30856
Read by Ilona Dulaski. Reading time: 5 minutes.
Unable to sleep on the night of a full moon, a young boy follows the sound of music to the barn, where he finds the animals holding a dance. Told in the rhythmic cadence of a square dance caller. Print/braille. Illustrated by Ted Rand. 1986.
Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton
BR 53749
A bespectacled fiddle-playing cow and a pig twirling a sheep are featured in a barnyard dance. Print/Braille. Board book. 1993.
Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton
BR 51711
Hippopotamuses celebrate their belly buttons. Print/Braille board book. 2005.
Birds by Kevin Henkes
BR 51569
LP 2124
Fascinated by the colors, shapes, sounds, and movements of the many different birds she sees through her window, a little girl is happy to discover that she and they have something in common. Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. Braille added by Wolfner volunteers. Building Block Award nominee, 2011. 2009.
Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
Download Count the Monkeys, DBC02482
Read by Wendy Devilbiss. Reading time: 5 minutes.
The reader is invited to count the animals that have frightened the monkeys off the page. 2013.
Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
BR 51191
BR 51710
LP 2051
How many kisses does a tired baby need to change her from crying into sleeping? Print/braille by Wolfner volunteers, 2003. 2001.
Digger Dog by William Bee
Download Digger, Dog DBC01467
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 5 minutes.
Loving bones so much that he resolves to dig up the world's biggest bone, Digger Dog attempts to find the world's biggest diggers to complete the job and digs an incrementally larger hole before discovering a fantastic fold-out surprise. Building Block Award nominee, 2015. 2013.
Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
BR 51199
A duck decides to ride a bike and soon influences all the other animals on the farm to ride bikes too. Print/braille by Wolfner Volunteers, 2003. 2002.
Freight Train Donald Crews
BR 17043
LP 2069
A train of many colorful cars--red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black--starts slowly, then moves in a rainbow blur across the countryside. Bilingual book in English and Spanish. PRINT/BRAILLE. Caldecott Honor. 1978.
Good Thing You’re Not an Octopus! by Julie Markes
BR 51201
A little boy finds that his life is pretty easy compared to how it might be. Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Print/braille by Wolfner volunteers, 2003. 2001.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Download Green Eggs and Ham, BR 08956
Download Green Eggs and Ham, BR 16721
Download Green Eggs and Ham, BR 13450
BR 50772
BR 51492
Download Green Eggs and Ham, DB 34056
Download Green Eggs and Ham, DB 72997 (Spanish)
Read by John Horton. Reading time: 5 minutes.
Read by Maria Fernanda Lloreda. Reading time: 7 minutes.
Nonsense rhyme about a delightful creature named Sam-I-Am, and his efforts to get another to eat green eggs and ham. 1960.
Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
Download Hooray for Hat!, DBC01451
LP 2790
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 5 minutes.
Elephant wakes up in a grumpy mood, but a present on his doorstep--a hat--cheers him and he sets out to greet his neighbors who all, it seems, need hats of their own. Building Block Award nominee, 2015. 2014.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen
LP 2057
Rhyming text looks at the table manners of many dinosaurs. Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2005.
If You’re Hoppy by April Pulley Sayre
Download If You’re Happy, DBC05430
LP 2313
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 6 minutes.
Rhyming text reminiscent of the traditional song, "If you're happy and you know it," presents various animals that are hoppy, sloppy, growly, flappy, or slimy, scaly and mean. Building Block Picture Book Award nominee, 2012. 2011.
If You’re a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley
BR 51582
LP 2122
Monsters sing their own version of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement. Building Block Award nominee, 2011. 2010.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
BR 51562
A giant squid brags about being bigger than everything else in the ocean--almost. Print/braille by Wolfner Volunteers. 2007.
In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
BR 08945
BR 51333
Hummingbirds sip, bees hum, ants lug, moles scratch, beetles hurry, fireflies glow, and much, much, more as we tour the tall, tall grass with a fuzzy caterpillar. 1991.
Is Everyone Ready For Fun? by Jan Thomas
BR 51595
Download Is Everyone Ready For Fun?, DBC05431
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 3 minutes.
Chicken's cow visitors try to jump, dance, and wiggle on his couch, which is much too tiny for such exuberant activities. Building Block Picture Book Award nominee, 2012. 2011.
It’s a Tiger! by David LaRochelle
BR 60014
Download It’s a Tiger!, DBC01458
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 6 minutes.
A child imagines that he is in a story where he encounters a tiger at every turn. 2012.
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales
BR 16006
In this version of a traditional tale, Señor Calavera, a skeleton, arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take her to the next life. But after helping her count in English and Spanish as she makes her birthday preparations, he changes his mind. PRINT/BRAILLE. Pura Belpré Award. 2003.
Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr.
BR 51279
Describes the changing sounds of the rain, the slow soft sprinkle, the drip-drop tinkle, the sounding pounding roaring rain, and the fresh wet silent after-time of rain. 1988.
Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop by Anna Dewdney
BR 52087
Llama Llama does exercises and performs such activities as hops, jumps, thumps, bends, taps, stretches, and bows. 2012.
Mouse Mess by Linnea Riley
BR 12004
LP 2261
The sleeping little mouse wakes up when the family goes to bed. Since he is very hungry, he goes to the kitchen where he finds cookies and crackers, milk and cheese, and peanut butter and jam. And when he is full, he goes back to bed. But what a mess he has made. PRINT/BRAILLE. 1997.
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
BR 50806
A cow says moo. A sheep says baa. Three singing pigs say la la la! Sounds made by different animals. Print/braille board book in uncontracted braille. 1982.
The Seals on the Bus by Lenny Hort
BR 51070
Two children and their parents board a city bus. At the next stop, who should get on but a group of seals, who holler "errp, errp, errp" at the top of their lungs. Each time the bus stops a new kind of animal joins the passengers and adds to the din, to the children's delight and the parent's annoyance. But when several hissing skunks want to come aboard, even the children cry "help! help! help!" 2001-2002 Building Block Award book. Print/braille by Wolfner volunteers, 2002. 2000.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
BR 50922
BR 50980
Download The Tale of Peter Rabbit, DB 13917
Read by Patricia Beaudry. Reading time: 1 hour, 54 minutes.
Peter disobeys his mother by going into Mr. McGregor's garden and almost gets caught. 1903.
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
BR 51632
A group of sheep have misadventures while riding in a jeep. Print/Braille board book. 1986.
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
LP 2354
Tap, rub, touch, and wiggle illustrations to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and lose its leaves. 2013.
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. Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2008.
This Little Piggy by Tim Harrington
LP 2335
Expands on the traditional counting rhyme, revealing exciting things the second set of toes does which inspire the first set to try more "fun stuff" too. 2013.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
BR 06130
BR 12015
BR 51707
Download The Very Hungary Caterpillar, DB 24609
Read by Edward C. Stern. Reading time: 4 minutes.
A hungry caterpillar eats holes through plums, cheese, sausage, and other food and gets a stomach ache. Then something wonderful happens to the fat caterpillar. 1981.
Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli
BR 51829
Spaghetti is yummy, but worms - and blue crayons, and sand, and other things too gross to mention - are definitely yucky when tasted. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2000.
Kindergarten to Grade 3
Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park
BR 16048
A young girl helps her mother shop for food, cook the meal, and set the table for her favorite Korean dish--bee-bim bop! A story in rhyme. Contains step-by-step instructions for a child and an adult to prepare this rice dish topped with vegetables and meat. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2005.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell
BR 16018
An introduction to the human body, how it functions, and its need for exercise. Includes suggested activities to keep your body busy, healthy, and strong. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2004.
The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl
BR 50193
Download The Enormous Crocodile, DB 43544
Read by Earle Hyman. Reading time: 23 minutes.
An enormous crocodile who devises clever tricks to trap a nice, juicy child for lunch gets exactly what he deserves. 1978.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Download Giraffes Can’t Dance, DB 79890
Read by Billy Dee Williams. Reading time: 8 minutes.
Gerald the giraffe is too clumsy to dance with all the other animals at the Jungle Dance, until he finds the right music. Commercial audiobook. 2008.
Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, Throwing, and More by Jack Prelutsky
BR 18006
Short poems about enjoying sports--win or lose. Celebrates trying baseball, soccer, gymnastics, ice and sidewalk skating, swimming, running in races, basketball, and karate, among others. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2007.
How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure
BR 21004
A kitten learns to stretch, listen, and dream by imitating an older cat's movements and behavior. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2013.
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
BR 17334
When Mr. Tiffin brings in three pumpkins for a class counting project, Charlie, the smallest child in his class, chooses the smallest pumpkin. Counting the seeds by tens, Charlie's group is amazed that their little pumpkin has the most seeds of all. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2007.
I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel
BR 21044
Autobiography of Jazz Jennings, a transgender child, who recounts her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender status. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2014.
If I Ran the Circus by Dr. Seuss,
BR 02368
BR 16243
Download If I Ran the Circus, DB 60939
Read by Michael Kramer. Reading time: 12 minutes.
In this story told in rhyme, a young boy, Morris McGurk, imagines the fantastic animals and incredible acts that he will have in his Circus McGurkus, the world's greatest show. 1956.
Maybelle in the Soup and Maybelle Goes to Tea by Katie Speck
Download Maybelle in the Soup and Maybelle Goes to Tea, DB 77400
Read by Theresa Conkin. Reading time: 1 hour, 4 minutes.
Two stories of Maybelle the cockroach. In Maybelle in the Soup Maybelle is sick of crumbs and leftovers and wants to eat off of a plate. When the Peabodys host a dinner party, she decides this is her chance. But will Maybelle get caught? A Maybelle book. 2007.
Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
BR 08962
BR 51491
BR 53724
LP 1367
Download Mirette on the High Wire, DB 36482
Read by Madelyn Buzzard. Reading time: 9 minutes.
The Great Bellini, who crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope and stopped in the middle to cook an omelet; who crossed the Alps with baskets on his feet; and walked a flaming wire in Naples, is the gentle stranger staying at the widow Gateau's boardinghouse. Mirette, the widow's daughter, has befriended Bellini, and he has taught her to walk the wire. Now, she must teach him to overcome his fear. Caldecott Medal. 1992.
Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman
BR 12011
Moses and his classmates, who are deaf, go to a concert with their teacher. Performing with the orchestra is a percussionist who is also deaf. PRINT/BRAILLE. 1998.
Move! by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
LP 2064
Learn about how different animals move. 2006.
Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
BR 21010
Bored with the proper behavior of city life, Mr. Tiger has a wild idea that leads him to discover his true nature. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2013.
Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales
BR 21026
Lucha libre champion Nino has no trouble fending off monstrous opponents, but when his little sisters awaken from their naps, he is in for a no-holds-barred wrestling match that will truly test his skills. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2013.
Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake
Download Painter and Ugly, DBC05446
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 10 minutes.
Painter and Ugly, two sled dogs who are inseparable best friends, are put on different teams for the Junior Iditarod, but they manage to find their way back to one another for the big race. 2011.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin and James Dean
BR 21002
Download Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, DBC01459
LP 2804
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 6 minutes.
Pete the cat loves the buttons on his shirt so much that he makes up a song about them. Even as the buttons pop off, one by one, he still finds a reason to sing. A Pete the Cat book. Building Block Award Winner, 2013. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2012.
Rainbow Joe and Me by Maria Diaz Strom
BR 13091
Eloise loves to paint pictures in bright colors that she describes for her elderly blind neighbor Rainbow Joe. Joe tells her he too can make colors sing and promises one day to show her his own special way with them. And one Sunday, for a surprise, he does just that. PRINT/BRAILLE. 1999.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
Download The Recess Queen, DB 54344
Read by Susan McInerney. Reading time: 8 minutes.
Mean Jean is the biggest bully on the school playground until new girl Katie Sue arrives and challenges Jean's status as recess queen. 2002.
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.
Three Ninja Pigs by Cory Rosen Schwartz
BR 20046
A retelling of The Three Little Pigs. Tired of the big bad wolf blowing their houses down, each pig trains in a different martial art to prepare for battle with the wolf. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2012.
Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia
LP 2065
A parade of colorful construction vehicles doing their work means plenty of joyful noise! 2007.
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
LP 50180
Simple text and bright pictures show how butterflies use flowers and identifies several types of butterflies. 2001.