Check It Out

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

These recommended books have themes that relate to the Thanksgiving mood.

Babies and toddlers: “More, More, More, Said the Baby” by Vera B. Williams

Three stories about babies and the grown-ups who love them.

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Preschoolers: “A Cake All for Me!” by Karen Magnuson Beil

Piggy is busy cooking a magnificent cake all for himself, not to share with anyone. A buoyant story told in simple rhyme, with a recipe at the end.

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Kindergarten: “Chrysanthemum” by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum loves her name, then she hates it--until something happens that makes her very thankful to have it.

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First and second grades: “Poppleton and Friends” by Cynthia Rylant

Poppleton discovers that grapefruit isn’t the secret to living to be 100--it’s friends.

Third grade: “An Outlaw Thanksgiving” by Emily Arnold McCully

In 1896, traveling cross-country by train, a young girl and her mother unexpectedly share a splendid Thanksgiving with the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy. Based on an actual event.

Storytime

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

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* “How Many Days to America?” by Eve Bunting

Immigrants from the West Indies overcome hardships to reach America--just in time for a Thanksgiving celebration. (Themes: determination, resourcefulness, adventure, cooperation.)

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* “Don’t Fidget a Feather” by Erica Silverman

Duck and Gander are friends but are always competing with each other until Duck must save Gander from ending up in Fox’s stew. (Theme: friendship.)

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* “The Hunter” by Paul Geraghty

A girl becomes lost and encounters a baby elephant whose mother has been killed by hunters. Together, they find their way home. (Themes: family, adventure, concern for others, nature.)