Check It Out

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

Celebrating African Americans--These wonderful books reflecting aspects of the African American experience should be part of the literary heritage of all American children.

Babies and toddlers: “Good Night, Baby,” by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by George Ford

A soothing just-before-bed book featuring everyday experiences of babies. Others in the appealing “What-A-Baby” board-book series include “Good Morning, Baby” and “Let’s Count, Baby.”

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Preschool: “Ten Nine Eight,” by Molly Bang

This original comforting lullaby enumerates some of the things in a small child’s pretty room just before bedtime.

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First and second grades: “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” by Molly Bang

Adapted from American folklore, it’s the story of a boy who outwits a terrible creature. Format and large typeface make this ideal for newly independent readers.

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Third grade: “Now Let Me Fly: The Story of a Slave Family,” written and illustrated by Dolores Johnson

Eloquent paintings amplify this story of a young girl in 1815, who recounts her life from childhood in Africa to slavery in America. Powerful and moving.

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Fourth and fifth grades: “Catching the Fire: Philip Simmons, Blacksmith,” by Mary E. Lyons

Photo essay on the life of a master craftsman blacksmith-artist whose ornamental wrought iron pieces have made him a national treasure.

Storytime

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

* “The Little Red Hen,” by Paul Galdone

A cat, dog, mouse and hen live together, but it’s the hen who does all the work. However, when the hen bakes a cake and then eats it herself, the others learn about helping with the chores. (Themes: cooperation, responsibility.)

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* “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” by Iza Trapani

An illustrated version of the popular song: After a series of unsuccessful climbs, the spider finally makes it to the top of the maple tree. (Themes: nature, music.)

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* “The Woman Who Outshone the Sun,” based on a poem by Alejandro Cruz Martinez

A beautiful woman, ousted from a small town, takes the town’s beloved river with her. (Themes: fairy tale, differences.)