Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Susan Patron, senior librarian, Los Angeles Public Library:

Children love wordplay, riddles and books that challenge them to discover answers to puzzles. They will ask for these again and again.

Babies and toddlers: “Each Peach Pear Plum,” by Janet Ahlberg.

In this version of the I Spy game, children find familiar characters like Cinderella and the Three Bears cleverly hidden in the humorous pictures.

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Preschoolers: “Who Hops?” by Katie Davis.

Three- and 4-year-olds will find this energetic book hilarious and totally silly. Nifty surprise ending.

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Kindergarten: “Riddle-Lightful: Oodles of Little Riddle-Poems,” by J. Patrick Lewis.

“Smaller than a peppermint

Larger than a pea

Older than a purple prune

Willie Wrinkle--me!”

Debbie Tilley’s whimsical illustrations accompany these riddle-poems. (A raisin is the answer to this one.)

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First and second grade: “A House With No Door: African Riddle Poems,” by Brian Swann.

Glorious pictures by Ashley Bryan help readers figure out the answers to these riddles from various countries in Africa.

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Third grade: “Stories to Solve: Folk Tales From Around the World,” by George Shannon.

Each of these 14 short tales poses a puzzle to the reader, and Peter Sis’ drawings provide useful clues.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET “Storytime,” Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* “Contrary Mary,” by Anita Jeram

Mary the mouse decides to do the opposite of what she is supposed to do, including dressing backward and walking on her hands. That night, her mother tucks Mary in bed upside down, kisses her toes and says good morning. (Themes: cooperation, family, opposites.)

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* “Jessica,” by Kevin Henkes

Ruthie doesn’t want to part with her imaginary friend Jessica until the first day of kindergarten when she meets a real girl named Jessica. (Themes: friendship, imagination.)

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* “If,” by Sarah Perry

A colorful picture book depicting all sorts of fantasy scenarios, including if cats could fly and if frogs ate rainbows. (Themes: imagination, fantasy.)

Kino listens to stories on “Storytime”