Can Do! Recommended Reading

can do
Recommended Reading for Children and Adults

The Dot
by Peter H. Reynolds
Candlewick, 2003
Peter Reynolds' latest book illustrates "Can Do! thinking" perfectly. This lovely, simple picture book tells the story of a little girl named Vashti, who is very frustrated when we first meet her. She feels she "can't draw", until an accepting, open-minded art teacher with a real Can Do! attitude helps Vashti discover that she CAN indeed draw, in her very own, special "dot" way. The Dot is about not giving up on something just because you think you can't do it like everyone else, it's about discovering your own best way of accomplishing something, and it's about making your own special mark in the world, whatever that might be.

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picture of the book The North Star The North Star
Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
FableVision Press, 1997
The North Star is a fable for all ages... with a story as beautiful as its watercolored illustrations. Peter Reynolds gracefully weaves this tale about a child's adventure and discovery of a valuable life lesson: We each have our own "right" path as we journey through life, and only we know what the "right" path is for ourselves. As the author explains:

"I feel very passionately about this story. Ever since working with special needs children when I was only 12, I realized that, given the time and attention, one could discover a child's unique talents and dreams. I realized that we ALL can discover our true path given the time and attention our destinies deserve." ~Peter Reynolds

star Learn about some of the North Star initiatives... creativity, activities, resources, and educational efforts inspired by Peter Reynolds' book The North Star.

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Sosu's Call
by Meshack Asare
2001, Kane/Miller Books
In this story, Sosu is a boy who lives in an African village. Because he is unable to walk, he is unable to go to school with the other children in the village. Most of the people in the village also overlook Sosu's abilities and potential, until one day when Sosu uses the abilities he DOES have to save the day in a big way! This is a great book to help children learn about overcoming challenges, and to understand that just because a person has a disability, it doesn't mean he or she can't accomplish great things.

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Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
by Patty Lovell
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2001
Kids love the whimsical illustrations in this picture book about little Molly Lou Melon. Molly's voice sounds like a "bullfrog" when she sings, but with her grandmother's encouragement, Molly still sings out proudly. Molly doesn't do some other things quite as well as other people, but with the continued can-do encouragement of her grandmother, Molly does all the things she loves to do, and in a big way. The positive, life-loving attitude Molly inherited from her grandmother is another great example of Can Do! thinking, and living!

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Kofi and His Magic
by Maya Angelou, Margaret Courtney-Clark (Photographer)
Clarkson Potter, 1996

A wonderful book about a boy in West Africa named Kofi who uses the "magic" of his imagination to go on adventurous journeys. By "closing his eyes and opening his mind" he takes part in the customs and sites of neighboring villages. This book also shows glimpses into what life is like for a child in West Africa... such as school, hobbies, clothing, etc.

Learn more about author, poet, and educator Maya Angelou by visiting the Can Do! People feature, located in the Can Do! Kids section of this site.

Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox, Leslie Smith (illustrator)
Harcourt Brace, 1997
A simple and lovely picture book about how, no matter who we are around the world and what differences we might have, we all share the similarities of any human being... such as love, joy, pain, etc. It has interesting, bright, and very unusual illustrations too. A great book about accepting and embracing cultural difference and similarities.

The Story of My Life
by Helen Keller
1903, Doubleday, Page & Co.
1996, Dover Publication, Inc.

In this short, inspiring autobiography, Helen Keller tells how she used her abilities and the help of her friends, family, and her beloved teacher, Anne Sullivan, to find her way from darkness to light... overcoming many of her obstacles and challenges. It is clear Helen Keller lead a full, highly productive life. Though she was blind and deaf - after reading her book I have no doubt she saw more in the world than most people with 20/20 vision. This would be a wonderfully inspiring book to read to kids to reinforce the belief that "anything is possible".

Learn more about author, educator, and advocate Helen Keller by visiting the Can Do! People feature, located in the Can Do! Kids section of this site.

Pat the Bunny
by Dorothy Kunhardt
1940, 1968, 1990, Golden Books

This classic is a great "can do" book for little ones from baby to preschool. Read about all the things Judy and Pat CAN do, and then you and your kids can take a turn doing those things too!

drawing of a boy reading a book on the top of a computer monitor

Book Lists

Disability related books for kids.

Children's books available in braille through The Louis Braille Center

Reference guides to children's books about disabilities.

E-mail Maribeth with questions, comments, suggestions, or for more information.