Very Young Readers

Cassettes

Amanda Pig, Schoolgirl RC 45806

by Jean Van Leeuwen 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

Amanda Pig has been waiting to start school her whole life. When the day finally arrives, she is

very happy and excited. But the little pig sitting next to her on the bus does not seem happy at

all, and Amanda Pig is determined to cheer her up. For preschool-grade 2. 1997.

Animal Crackers: A Delectable Collection of Pictures, Poems, and Lullabies for the Very Young

RC 44226

by Jane Dyer 

read by Madelyn Buzzard

1 cassette

Collection of verse includes Mother Goose rhymes and contemporary poems about children,

animals, the seasons, and things to eat. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

The Bat in the Boot RC 43779

by Annie Cannon 

read by Madelyn Buzzard

1 cassette

Two children find a baby bat in a boot in their garage. With their parents' help, they feed and take

care of the tiny bat until night comes. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

Bit by Bit RC 43627

by Steve Sanfield 

read by Gordon Gould

1 cassette

A tailor finds a beautiful piece of cloth and makes himself a coat. He loves the coat so much he

wears it out. Then he makes a jacket out of what's left of the coat. As he wears that out, the tailor

must think of smaller and smaller items to make from the cloth. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Danny and the Dinosaur RC 45823

by Syd Hoff 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

When Danny goes to visit the museum he sees Indians, and bears, and guns, and swords, and

then he sees dinosaurs--his favorite thing. Danny thinks it would be nice to play with a dinosaur,

but the ones he sees are not real. Then he hears a voice that says, "I think it would be nice to play

with you." For preschool-grade 2. 1958.

Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp RC 45821

by Syd Hoff 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

When Danny takes his huge friend, the dinosaur, to summer camp, everyone has a great time. For

preschool-grade 2. 1996. 

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs RC 45278

by Sam McBratney 

read by Bob Askey

1 cassette

An old mouse cares for three young mice in a cellar. One day, instead of going on their usual

outside adventures, the little mice ask their guardian to take them to the dark spot at the top of

the stairs to see if a monster really lives there. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

An Extraordinary Egg RC 44650

by Leo Lionni 

read by Madelyn Buzzard

1 cassette

Three frogs live on Pebble Island. When one of them discovers a beautiful white egg, she brings

it home to the others, who are sure it is a chicken egg. Instead, when the egg hatches, out crawls

a long, scaly creature that walks on four legs. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

Fireflies, Peach Pies, and Lullabies RC 43613

by Virginia Kroll 

read by Catherine Byers

1 cassette

Francie's great-grandmother can't remember how to do things anymore, and Francie is afraid

people will remember Great-Granny Annabel only as an empty shell of a person. But at

Great-Granny Annabel's funeral, Francie finds a way to help everyone remember something

special. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Grandpa's Song RC 43610

by Tony Johnston 

read by Ed Blake

1 cassette

Grandpa is big and happy and loves to sing in a very loud voice. He makes up the best song in

the world, which is about him singing. When Grandpa begins to forget things, his grandchildren

help him remember his songs. For preschool-grade 2. 1991.

Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur! RC 45822

by Syd Hoff 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

Danny is six years old today, and he is in a hurry to see his friend the dinosaur. He wants to

invite him to his birthday party. When he finds his friend, Danny learns that the dinosaur just had

a birthday himself the day before--he was one hundred million years old. For preschool-grade 2.

1995.

Home on the Bayou: A Cowboy's Story RC 45520

by G. Brian Karas 

read by L.J. Ganser

1 cassette

Ned is upset when his mother moves them out of cowboy country to live with Ned's grandfather

on the bayou. Because Ned's mother ruined his lasso, he must take the garden hose to his new

school to demonstrate his cowboy roping skills. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

How Thunder and Lightning Came to Be: A Choctaw Legend RC 40960

retold by Beatrice Orcutt Harrell 

read by Marilyn Gleason

1 cassette

Based on legends the author heard from her Choctaw mother and grandfathely birds, Heloha and

her fast-moving mate, Melatha, plan a way to warn people on earth about coming storms. They

discover that when Heloha's eggs roll around their cloud home, a loud rumbling is heard. And

when Melatha rushes to catch the eggs, he streaks across the sky. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Humphrey and Ralph RC 44398

by Katharine Andres 

read by M.E. DePalma

1 cassette

When Ralph's baby brother Humphrey is born, Ralph isn't jealous of him because Humphrey

can't do anything except sleep. But soon Humphrey begins learning how to do all sorts of things,

and Ralph must struggle to stay ahead of him. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

If Anything Ever Goes Wrong at the Zoo RC 40962

by Mary Jean Hendrick 

read by Marilyn Gleason

1 cassette

Every Saturday Leslie tells a different zookeeper that the animals are welcome at her house on

the hill if there is ever a problem at the zoo. One rainy evening, there is a knock at the door, and

one by one the zookeepers bring their zebras, monkeys, elephants, and more. The zoo is flooded!

For preschool-grade 2. 1993.

In the Night Kitchen RC 43615

by Maurice Sendak 

read by Christopher Hurt

1 cassette (Reissue)

Mickey's dream tumbles him into the night kitchen, where three singing bakers mistake him for

milk. Mickey sets them straight and flies to the Milky Way in an airplane made of dough to find

milk for the bakers. For preschool-grade 2. A Caldecott Honor Book. 1970.

Inch by Inch: The Garden Song RC 43794

by David Mallett 

read by John Polk

1 cassette

A youngster takes his rake and hoe and, inch by inch and row by row, plans to make a garden

grow. For preschool-grade 2. 1975.

Iron John: Adapted from the Brothers Grimm RC 44081

by Eric A. Kimmel 

read by John Lescault

1 cassette

Young Prince Walter is raised in the forest by a "wild man," Iron John. When Walter is grown,

he leaves the forest to work as a king's gardener and falls in love with one of the servants.

However, Walter keeps returning to the forest so that Iron John can provide special help in

making his dream come true. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

It's Not My Turn to Look for Grandma! RC 44535

by April Halprin Wayland 

read by Madelyn Buzzard

1 cassette

One morning Ma asks Woolie to fetch Grandma, but it's "not his turn." Throughout the day, his

sister and brothers each go for Grandma, who is too busy with her ducks and her dirty old dog.

Finally, as the shadows eat up the day, Woolie's turn comes, and so does Grandma. For

preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Jig, Fig, and Mrs. Pig RC 45352

by Peter Hansard 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

Little Jig is a poor servant pig who works for bad-tempered Mrs. Pig and her spoiled son, Fig.

One day while fetching heavy pails of milk, Jig (knowing she will be punished) gives a drink to

an old pig she meets on the road. But the stranger is a wizard and has a reward for Jig that will

make up for her miserable employers. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

A Kiss for Little Bear RC 44900

by Else Holmelund Minarik 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

Grandmother is so happy with Little Bear's picture that she sends him back a kiss. The kiss is

passed from Grandmother to Hen to Cat to Little Skunk to a pretty little girl skunk, who passes it

back to Skunk, before it finally gets to Little Bear, and the skunks have a lovely wedding. For

preschool-grade 2. 1968.

Lilly's Secret RC 43583

by Miko Imai 

rend Coco are having tea when Coco says she thinks Lilly's paws look weird. No one has ever

mentioned her funny paws before, and now Lilly is embarrassed to go on a walk with her friend,

Joey. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

A Lion Named Shirley Williamson RC 45296

by Bernard Waber 

read by Pam Ward

1 cassette

The zoo director misunderstands a telephone call and thinks his new lion is named Shirley

Williamson. This brings the lion much attention, but the other lions are peeved so the director

decides to change Shirley's name to Bongo. Losing her popularity encourages the lion to escape.

For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

The Long, Long Letter RC 44390

by Elizabeth Spurr 

read by Susan McInerney

1 cassette

When a little boy's mother gets a card from his Aunt Hetta begging for mail, his mother sits

down to pen "a long, long letter, one she will not forget!" And it is a long message--for his

mother writes through fall, winter, spring, and summer. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

Mama, Coming and Going RC 44605

by Judith Caseley 

read by Pam Ward

1 cassette

After Jenna's baby brother is born, Jenna's mother has so many things to keep track of she doesn't

know whether she's coming or going. Instead of getting upset when Mama makes mistakes,

Jenna does her best to help fix them. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

Martha Blah Blah RC 43776

by Susan Meddaugh 

read by Madelyn Buzzard

1 cassette

Ever since Martha the dog started eating Granny Elsie's alphabet soup, she has been able to talk.

Now Granny Flo takes over the soup company and decides to leave some letters out of the soup

cans. But when Martha has her first bowl of the new soup, something happens to her voice.

Sequel to Martha Calling (RC 40816). For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

My Many Colored Days RC 42897

by Dr. Seuss 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

A rhyming tale in which a child describes his moods on different days. "Some days are yellow.

Some are blue." The child feels different on different days, but always goes back and older

readers. 1996.

My Very First Mother Goose RC 45285

edited by Iona Opie 

read by Pam Ward

1 cassette

A collection of over sixty of the most popular nursery rhymes that bring joy and music to

everyone's ears. Includes such favorites as "Jack and Jill" and "Humpty Dumpty," as well as

some lesser-known rhymes. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

Night Rabbits RC 43625

by Monica Wellington 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

The day is ending, but two little rabbits are still awake. They hop through the garden and into the

cornfield and the orchard. And along the way they meet a raccoon, an owl, and a fox. Then the

thunder and crashing of the rain send them home to snuggle and cuddle. For preschool-grade 2.

1995.

No! No! No! RC 44048

by Anne Rockwell 

read by Bruce Huntey

1 cassette

A little boy knows it's a bad day from the minute he wakes up. He doesn't like his cereal, even

the toothpaste tastes terrible, and his mother makes him wear a horrible plaid shirt and his

raincoat. And that's just the beginning. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

The Oldest Elf RC 45274

by James Stevenson 

read by Bob Askey

1 cassette

Elwyn, Santa's oldest elf, makes toys the old-fashioned way--no batteries or video games for

him. Meanwhile Blitzen, the oldest reindeer, has been replaced by a younger doe and left in the

shed. On Christmas Eve, Elwyn drags his bag of toys to the stable to discover that Santa has left

without him. Blitzen happily assists Elwyn on his toy-delivery mission. Then they run into Santa.

For preschool to grade 2. 1996.

One Up, One Down RC 44177

by Carol Snyder 

read by Pam Ward

1 cassette

Katie is exhausted from helping take care of her baby brothers. Even though they are twins, the

boys are opposites: when one is up, the other is down. Katie's confused because her parents keep

praising her for being such a good big sister and yet she isn't getting any bigger. For

preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Orson RC 44938

by Rascal 

read by David Palmer

1 cassette

Orson the bear is so big he can't join the other animals in their games. One spring he wakes up

from hibernating to find a little stuffed bear outside his cave. Orson isn't lonely anymore, but he

wishes his new friend would come alive. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Ready, Set, Go! RC 44737

by John Stadler 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

Sasha is a little dog who very much wants to play with her big cousin, Oliver, and his even

bigger friend, Juliet. "You're too little to play with us," Oliver and Juliet tell Sasha, but then she

gets a chance to prove herself. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

The Royal Nap RC 41469

by Charles C. Black 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

Every afternoon at one o'clock, King Gordo takes a two-hour nap, and during that time the castle

must ben the king hears a hic...hic...hic from deep within the castle and cannot get to sleep. Soon

the palace guards are searching the castle high and low. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

School Isn't Fair! RC 46146

by Patricia Baehr 

read by Bob Askey

1 cassette

Four-year-old Edward doesn't think school is fair. Donny likes to knock him down. During story

time, Edward can't see the pictures in the book. And at snack time, Linda spills juice all over

him. But when it is time to go home, he finds something he can do better than anyone else. For

preschool-grade 2. 1989.

The Snow Speaks RC 41554

by Nancy White Carlstrom 

read by Celeste Lawson

1 cassette

From the first snowfall of the season, the children listen to the snow speak. It squeaks and

crunches under their feet, blows in waves and spray, and tells of magic in the woods. And just

when the snow finally seems silent, it begins to whisper and then sing of Christmas. For

preschool-grade 2. 1992.

The Snowy Day RC 43471

by Ezra Jack Keats 

read by Chuck Young

1 cassette (Reissue)

Young Peter is thrilled to wake up to snow piled high. He spends the day crunching, sliding,

building a snowman, making snow angels, and having a great time. Caldecott award winner. For

preschool-grade 2. 1962.

The Story of Little Babaji RC 45232

by Helen Bannerman 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

Revised version of the story of a little boy in India who loses his fine clothes to vain and bullying

tigers. But Babaji has the last laugh when he eats the melted tigers as "ghi" on his pancakes. For

preschool-grade 2. 1996.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon RC 44397

by Ogden Nash 

read by Arnie Warren

1 cassette

Bouncy poem about Belinda and her animal friends. Belinda lives in a little white house, with a

little black kitten, a little gray mouse, a little yellow dog, and a "realio, trulio" little pet dragon.

Everyone seems very brave, except for Custard the dragon--until a pirate enters Belinda's

bedroom window. For preschool-grade 2. 1936.

Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born RC 44029

by Jamie Lee Curtis 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

A little girl asks her parents over and over to tell her favorite story--the one about the night she

was born and they came to adopt her. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

Ten Suns: A Chinese Legend RC 46972

retold by Eric A. Kimmel 

read by Rick Rohan

1 cassette

When the world was new, emperor Di Jun ruled the sky. His ten sons took turns walking across

the sky and shining down on Earth. But the ten boys found this boring and lonely, and one day

they decided to walk across the sky together. For preschool-grade 2. 1998.

That's Good! That's Bad! RC 43810

by Margery Cuyler 

read by Gary Tipton

1 cassette

A little boy visits the zoo with his parents. They buy him a big red balloon, and that's good. But

what happens after that is sometimes good and sometimes bad. For preschool-grade 2. 1991.

This for That: A Tonga Tale RC 46425

retold by Verna Aardema 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

A sly rabbit tricks animals and people into giving her things she doesn't deserve. For

preschool-grade 2. 1997.

This Is a Great Place for a Hot Dog Stand RC 43068

by Barney Saltzberg 

read by Gary Tipton

1 cassette

Izzy hates his job at the toy factory--he would rather be outdoors. One day he decides to set up

his own hot dog stand. When he finally opens for business on a vacant lot between two big office

buildings, Madame Moola Moo wants to tear down his stand to build a mall. For preschool-grade

2. 1995.

Those Summers RC 43608

by Aliki 

read by Suzanne Toren

1 cassette

A tone poem describes an extended family's summers at the seashore sharing a big shady house.

The children spend their days playing at the beach, their evenings on the boardwalk, and rainy

days reading and playing games. For preschool-grade 2. 1996.

The Trouble with Henriette! RC 44709

by Wende and Harry Devlin 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

Jolie's grandfather is going to give away Jolie's dog, Henriette, now that she can't sniff out

truffles anymore. Jolie knows it is only because Grandfather makes Henriette sleep in the barn,

so hay fever is affecting her smell. But how can she make Grandfather believe her? For

preschool-grade 2. 1995.

Two's Company RC 40996

by Amanda Benjamin 

read by M.E. DePalma

1 cassette

Maddy lives with her mother in a little house, and everything is perfect. Then Maddy's mother

meets a man named Simon, and even though Maddy likes Simon, she tells her mother not to

marry him. For preschool-grade 2. 1995.

What a Wonderful Day to Be a Cow RC 44674

by Carolyn Lesser 

read by Pam Ward

1 cassette

Each month is special to some animal on the farm. The farm dog loves the January snow, the

pigs enjoy the April mud, and the cows treasure the lazy days of June. For preschool-grade 2.

1995.

When the Monkeys Came Back RC 44717

by Kristine L. Franklin 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

When Doa Marta was a little girl her valley was a quiet place, except at dawn when the

monkeys would howl and bark in the trees and at dusk when they would hoot and scream. Then

men cut down the trees and the monkeys went away. As a young wife, Doa Marta began

planting new trees. For preschool-grade 2. 1994.

When the Teddy Bears Came RC 44543

by Martin Waddell 

read by Gary Tipton

1 cassette

When the new baby comes to Tom's house, everyone brings over teddy bears. Tom enjoys the

bears' arrivals, but before long he begins to worry that there won't be any room left for him. For

preschool-grade 2. 1994.

When Will It Snow? RC 47160

by Bruce Hiscock 

read by Erik Sandvold

1 cassette

In the North Country a little boy named Robin is waiting impatiently for the first snow. Others

are preparing for it, too: a deer mouse is storing seeds, birds are eating more, a groundhog is

hibernating, and a brown rabbit's fur is turning white. For preschool- grade 2. 1995.

Wishbones: A Folk Tale from China RC 44716

retold by Barbara Ker Wilson 

read by Laura Giannarelli

1 cassette

In long-ago China, young Yeh Hsien and her father live with his evil second wife and her

daughter. Yeh Hsien does all the work until she befriends a magical fish who changes her life.

For preschool-grade 2. 1993.

Braille

James and the Rain BR 11087

by Karla Kuskin 

1 volume

In this counting book, James puts on his yellow coat that buttons to his chin and a pair of rubber

boots to tuck his trousers in, pulls down his bright yellow hat onto his head, opens his big black

umbrella, and steps out into the rain. As he strolls along, James meets an ever increasing number

of animals--from one cow to ten cats. For preschool-grade 2. 1957.