Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian for the children’s literature department, Los Angeles Public Library:

Summer Reading: No stress, no strain, no school. Here are some engaging stories that children can relax with and enjoy.

Preschool: “Bunny Bungalow,” by Cynthia Rylant.

A family of rabbits moves into a new cottage, working together to make this cozy house a warm and loving home.

Kindergarten and first grade: “Rosa Parrot,” by Jan Wahl, illustrated by Kim Howard.

Rosa, who is hard of hearing, has a mischievous parrot that helps her maneuver around her colorful village.

Second and third grade: “The Emperor’s Old Clothes,” by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by David Catrow.

A funny story about a farmer who finds the elaborate clothes of the naked emperor and attempts to do his chores in pantaloons and high-heeled boots.

Fourth grade: “Quest for the West,” by Peter Kent.

Follow the 6,800-mile route taken by the Hornik family on their voyage from Bohemia to California and explore the ways immigrants lived and traveled during the Gold Rush era.

Fifth grade: “Young Arthur,” by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Jamichel Henterly.

A picture book interpretation of the future king of England and his journey to retrieve the sword in the stone.

Story Time

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

“Alistair’s Elephant,” by Marilyn Sadler.

On the way home from visiting the zoo, Alistair discovers that an elephant has followed him home.

Themes: fantasy and problem-solving.

“The Very Quiet Cricket,” by Eric Carle.

A cricket is greeted by other insects, but cannot respond with a noise of his own. Finally, he meets another cricket, rubs his wings together and a sound comes out.

Themes: determination, sounds, nature and identity.

“A Mother for Choco,” by Keiko Kasza.

A lonely little bird named Choco sets out to find a mother and meets Mrs. Bear, who offers to be his mother although they do not look alike.

Themes: family, differences, feelings, comfort and animals.