September 2, 2021
Community Helpers, Our Everyday Heroes: Reading List
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, Creatively Shine™, consists of fun, engaging monthly themes designed to inspire our students to develop their social, emotional, motor skills.
The theme for September introduces students to community helpers, who we have lovingly named “Everyday Heroes”.
As a Reggio Emilia school, we take pride in ensuring our selections are age-appropriate and fun. Encourage your children to play/act out the plot! Bring the books to life and make reading fun.
1. Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do by Kathryn and Hembrook Heling
A playful guessing game introduces young readers to community helpers through the clothes they wear. This clever, rhyming book celebrates the many important jobs people do every day.
2. Going to the Doctor by Anne Civardi and Stephen Cartwright
A gentle, reassuring read, this picture book walks little ones through a trip to the doctor, from check-in to check-up. Friendly illustrations and simple text help ease fears and celebrate caring professionals.
A hilariously stinky adventure, this book follows a confident garbage truck as it proudly rumbles through town, showing off its job of keeping things clean. With bold illustrations and cheeky humor, it transforms a smelly subject into a celebration of often-overlooked heroes.
4. Career Day by Anne Rockwall
In this cheerful classroom story, students share the careers of their family members—from judges to veterinarians. It’s a simple, engaging way to explore the many paths a grown-up job can take.
5. Mail Truck’s Busy Day by Traci Todd Peyton
A bright and bustling tale, this book follows a friendly mail truck as it delivers letters and packages across town. It’s a warm, rhythmic snapshot of community life and the everyday heroes who keep us connected.
6. My Neighborhood by Maddie Frost
A welcoming stroll through town, this charming picture book introduces young readers to the people and places that make a neighborhood feel like home—from the grocer to the playground. Simple text and friendly illustrations celebrate community, curiosity, and the joy of everyday discoveries.
A vibrant look at the busy world of road construction, this picture book introduces young readers to the big machines and hardworking crews shaping our streets. With rhythmic text and bold illustrations, it turns everyday infrastructure into an engaging celebration of teamwork and determination.
8. Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash! by Barbara Odanaka
A lively and energetic romp, this picture book follows a garbage truck’s noisy, messy, and sometimes comical route through town. With bold, rhythmic text and playful illustrations, it highlights the essential work of sanitation crews in a fun, upbeat way.
9. Big Franks Fire Truck by Leslie McGuire
A bold and exciting ride, this picture book follows Big Frank’s fire truck as it races to emergencies and helps keep the town safe. Packed with action-packed illustrations and rhythmic storytelling, it celebrates bravery and community heroes in a fun, engaging way.
10. Before We Eat: From Farm to Table by Pat Brisson
A gently rhyming journey from farm to table, this book shows young readers how milk, vegetables, and eggs travel—from planting and harvesting to packing, trucking, and grocery stores. With vibrant, woodcut-style illustrations by Mary Azarian, it’s a warm celebration of every person who helps bring food to our plates.
From quiet snuggles to busy mornings, we hope these stories spark your child’s imagination and fill their day with magic, laughter, and love.
Happy reading—there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered!