Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian for the Children’s Literature Department, Los Angeles Public Library:

Preschool: “The Cookie Store Cat,” by Cynthia Rylant

A kitty makes friends with a baker and becomes a part of a delicious lifestyle. Cookie recipes enhance this book about love and acceptance.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Summer,” by Richard Allington and Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Dennis Hockerman

This book introduces hot weather, cold ice cream, lazy days, swimming holes and campfires, then asks youngsters to tell what the items mean to them.

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Second and third grade: “What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You?” by Steve Jenkins

This picture book introduces the defense tactics animals take when trying to protect themselves.

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Fourth and fifth grade: “Josefina Saves the Day” by Valerie Tripp

A part of the popular “American Girls” collection, this one has Josefina putting her trust in an Americano who bestows a special gift on her.

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Read Aloud: “Mistakes That Worked” by Charlotte Foltz Jones, illustrated by John O’Brien

How common items such as Popsicles, Silly Putty and Velcro were accidentally invented.

Storytime

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

* “If” by Sarah Perry

A colorful picture book that contains a collage of fantasy scenarios encouraging the reader to think up more stories at the end of the book. (Themes: imagination, fantasy.)

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

A family travels across the mighty seas to America and discovers the true meaning of Thanksgiving. (Themes: holidays, determination, feelings.)

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* “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher. But when he asks her to wait a while before bringing her new purse to class, she does something she later regrets. (Themes: trust, consideration for others.)