Check It Out

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

April is a good month to turn kids into book lovers by reading funny stories about charming fools.

Toddler and preschool: “Silly Sally,” by Audrey Wood.

Follow the adventures of Silly Sally, who went to town “walking backward, upside-down.”

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Preschool and kindergarten: “The Dumb Bunnies,” by Sue Denim, illustrated by Dav Pilkey.

A family of rabbits goes through life merrily partaking in unconventional activities.

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First and second grades: “Strudel, Strudel, Strudel,” by Steve Sanfield, illustrated by Emily Lisker.

This picture book introduces children to the illogical reasoning of the hilarious fools of Chelm as it explains why a teacher may not live on a hill, own a trunk with wheels or eat apple strudel.

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Third grade: “Amelia Bedelia,” by Peggy Parish.

Silly adventures of the housekeeper who gets into trouble with her literal-minded thinking.

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Fourth and fifth grade: “Funny You Should Ask,” by Marvin Terban, illustrated by John O’Brien.

Language arts is fun with this book about how to make up jokes and riddles using word-play.

Storytime

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

* “Contrary Mary,” by Anita Jeram

One morning, Mary the mouse wakes up feeling contrary and decides to do everything the opposite of what she is supposed to do. (Themes: cooperation, family, feelings, opposites.)

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* “If,” by Sarah Perry

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

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* “Listen, Buddy,” by Helen Lester

Buddy is a rabbit with big, beautiful ears who never listens until the day he meets a bad-tempered varmint who threatens to put Buddy into his soup. (Themes: responsibility and cooperation.)