Check It Out

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

“Imagining the Future” is the theme for the summer reading program at the Los Angeles Public Libraries.

Preschool and kindergarten: “Benjamin McFadden and the Robot Babysitter,” by Timothy Bush

A little boy reprograms his strict robot baby-sitter to let loose and have fun, resulting in hilarious upheaval and chaos throughout the house.

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First grade: “Boom! Zoom!” by Judith Stamper, illustrated by Jerry Zimmerman

A very elementary introduction to science fiction in a colorfully illustrated phonics-based primer.

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Second and third grades: “Grandfather Tang’s Story,” by Ann Tompert, illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker

Grandfather relates the story of two rival fox fairies in this unusual book that uses tangrams to spark a child’s imagination.

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Fourth grade: “Aliens for Dinner,” by Stephanie Spinner, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman

Aliens are getting ready to turn Earth into a toxic waste theme park but are stopped in the nick of time by a boy and his friend.

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Fifth grade: “Five Alien Elves,” by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by Elaine Clayton

Aliens mistake Santa for an evil dictator and rid the town of the red-suited menace.

Storytime

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

* “Chrysanthemum,” by Kevin Henkes

A little mouse named Chrysanthemum hates her name until an understanding teacher helps her learn to appreciate it. (Themes: feelings and self-esteem.)

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* “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” retold by Jan Brett

A bear family leaves their home to wait for hot porridge to cool. Goldilocks enters while they are gone and decides to help herself to the porridge. (Themes: fairy tale, responsibility and size.)

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* “A Special Trade,” by Sally Wittman

Bartholomew is always helping with the care of his younger neighbor, Nellie. However, after an accident, Bartholomew is confined to a wheelchair and Nellie has a chance to take care of him. (Themes: friendship, caring and concern for others.)