Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian, Los Angeles Public Library:

Now is the time to get blown away with books about kites for your youngsters.

Toddlers and preschoolers: “Lucky Song” by Vera B. Williams.

A happy child, secure in her loving environment, projects a reassuring message of contentment.

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Kindergarten to second grade: “Moonlight Kite” by Helen E. Buckley, illustrated by Elise Primavera.

By day the skies belong to the children. At night three monks take over, flying kites by starlight.

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Third grade: “Rabbit’s Birthday Kite” by Maryann Macdonald, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.

Hedgehog and Rabbit share the joys and frustrations of kite flying.

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Fourth grade: “Catch the Wind!” by Gail Gibbons.

Bright colorful kites adorn the pages of this introduction that includes easy instructions on how to make and fly a kite.

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Fifth grade: “Benjamin Franklin and Electricity” by Steve Parker.

A simple book describing Franklin’s scientific genius with a chapter explaining the kite experiment that led to the lightning rod.

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Storytime

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

* “Tops & Bottoms” adapted by Janet Stevens.

A poor hare works out a deal to work a bear’s fields while the bear sleeps throughout the season. The hare gives the bear a choice of either keeping the tops or the bottoms of the vegetables, keeping the better half of the vegetables for himself. The bear learns to never sleep through another season again. (Themes: resourcefulness and nature.)

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* “Mirette on the High Wire” by Emily Arnold McCully.

Monsieur Bellini, a mysterious retired tightrope walker, teaches little Mirette to walk on the tightrope. Mirette must help Monsieur Bellini to overcome his own fear before they can become a successful new act. (Themes: determination, concern for others and friendship.)

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* “The Gullywasher” by Joyce Rossi.

While waiting for the gullywasher (a desert thunderstorm), Letitia learns of her grandfather’s past when he was a vaquero (a cowboy). (Themes: family, fantasy, imagination and nature.)