Imagine Early Readers
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of fairy tales, fantasy and mythology. This list includes audio, braille, and large print titles and is recommended for those reading at a preschool through second grade reading level up to a kindergarten through third 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 print/braille books begin with BR, large print books begin with LP, and audiobooks begin with DB or DBC. All audiobooks are linked to the Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading.
Preschool to Grade 2
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat
BR22032; 1 volume of print/braille.*UEB
After falling off the wall, Humpty Dumpty is very afraid of climbing up again, but he is determined not to let fear stop him from being close to the birds. Show-Me Award Nominee 2019-2020. For preschool-grade 2. 2017.
La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya
DBC07053
Read by Deanna Sarkar. Reading time: 9 minutes.
BR22048; 1 volume of print/braille.*UEB
A rhyming bilingual fairy tale about a girl who must detect a pea beneath a mountain of mattresses if she is to marry the prince. Includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the text. For preschool-grade 2. 2017.
Lucía the Luchadora and the Million Masks by Cynthia Leonor Garza
DB93712
Read by Faith Potts. Reading time: 22 minutes.
In Lucía the Luchadora, a little girl gets mad when the boys on the playground insist that girls can't be superheroes. In Lucía the Luchadora and the Million Masks, Lucía helps her little sister, Gemma, choose her own lucha libre mask. For preschool-grade 2. 2018.
Mary Engelbreit's Nursery and Fairy Tales Collection by Mary Engelbreit
LP002578; 191 pages.
These enchanting nursery and fairy tales are brought to life in this remarkable treasury. For preschool-grade 2. 2014.
Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz
DBC06515
Read by Lesley LePage. Reading time: 8 minutes.
BR060106; 1 volume of print/braille.*UEB
In this twist on "Little Red Riding Hood," a certain wolf trains to be a ninja in order to catch his prey, but he is not the only one mastering the martial arts. Show Me Award Nominee, 2016-2017. For preschool-grade 2. 2014.
Oh So Brave Dragon by David Kirk
DBC01453
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 6 minutes.
LP002793; 40 pages.
BR060006; 1 volume of print/braille.*UEB
Dragon knows he is supposed to be brave and is ready to try out his fearsome roar, but when he hears something that scares him, he turns to his forest friends for help in finding the noise and renewing his courage. Building Block Picture Book Award nominee, 2015. For preschool-grade 2. 2014
The Rockabilly Goats Gruff by Jeff Crosby
LP002534; 32 pages.
Three billy goats outwit a troll that lives under the bridge they must cross on their way to Nanny Mary's Shimmy Shack. For preschool-grade 2. 2014.
Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea
DB89867
Read by Jared Goldsmith. Reading time: 6 minutes.
When Unicorn moves to the neighborhood, Goat's envy turns to admiration and finally to friendship. For preschool-grade 2. 2013.
Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky: An African Folktale by Elphinstone Dayrell
LP001488; 32 pages.
An African folktale tells how the sun and water once lived on earth as friends. Unfortunately, because the sun failed to build his house large enough, he and his wife, the moon, were driven into the sky when the water came to visit them. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.
Kindergarten to Grade 3
The Bossy Gallito = El Gallo de Bodas: A Traditional Cuban Folktale by Lucía M. González
DB40244
Read by Lucinda Hart Gonzalez. Reading time: 27 minutes.
LP003233; 32 pages
In this Cuban folktale, a bossy rooster dirties his beak when he eats a kernel of corn and must find a way to clean it before his parrot uncle's wedding. Includes a glossary of Spanish words and information about the different birds in the story. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
BR20048; 1 volume of print/braille.
A boy and a dog learn about the love dragons have for tacos—and the danger of spicy salsa as a topping. For grades K-3. 2012.
The Elves and the Shoemaker by Jim LaMarche
DBC09611
Read by John R. Ashcroft. Reading time: 6 minutes.
A poor shoemaker becomes successful with the help of two elves who finish his shoes during the night. For grades K-3. 2003.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
BR20047; 1 volume of print/braille.
With a supply of yarn that strangely never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in her town. Suddenly, an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself. For grades K-3. 2012.
The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane Auch
DBC06091
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 12 minutes.
An out-of-work princess applies to become the bride of Prince Drupert, but first she must pass several tests, including a cooking contest. For grades K-3. 2002.
Strega Nona: An Old Tale by Tomie De Paola
DB44296
Read by Laura Giannarelli. Reading time: 30 minutes.
LP050109; 32 pages.
BR17034; 1 volume of print/braille.
BR050942; 1 volume of print/braille.
A magic pot causes trouble for a villager who disobeys Strega Nona, the owner of the pot. For grades K-3. 1975.
The Three Armadillies Tuff by Jackie Mims Hopkins
DBC06348
Read by Mary Grace Newman. Reading time: 9 minutes.
LP001281; 32 pages.
In this humorous version of "Three Billy Goats Gruff," three armadillo sisters encounter a strange creature in a culvert when they try to go dancing. Show-Me Book Award nominee, 2004-2005. For grades K-3. 2002.
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
BR20046; 1 volume of print/braille.
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. For grades K-3. 2012.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
DB31436
Read by George Backman. Reading time: 6 minutes.
LP050093
BR051628; 1 volume of print/braille.
Alexander T. Wolf, also known as the Big Bad Wolf, gives his own outlandish version of what really happened when he tangled with the three little pigs. For grades K-3. 1989.