Check It Out

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

For children who are forming new buddies at school or have old friends who are cherished and loved, these books celebrate the nature of friendship.

Preschool: “Annie Bananie,” by Leah Komaiko, illustrated by Laura Cornell

Who will scrub the freckles off Annie Bananie’s face or parade her as a princess when she moves away?

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Kindergarten and first grade: “A Book of Friends,” by Dave Ross, illustrated by Laura Rader

Cartoon-like “instruction” book relates the joys of sharing interests, hobbies and secrets with people of all types.

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Second and third grades: “Leon and Bob,” by Simon James

An imaginary friend keeps a boy company until a real playmate moves next door.

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Fourth grade: “The Friendship of Milly and Tug,” by Dian Curtis Regan, illustrations by Jennifer Danza

Appealing easy reader about a mouse and cat who argue, tease and disagree yet share a deep bond of affection and loyalty.

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Fifth grade: “Best Friends: Tons of Crazy, Cool Things to do with Your Girlfriends,” by Lisa Albregts and Elizabeth Cape

Make a friendship bracelet, personalize your pancakes or host a Victorian tea party.

Storytime

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

* “Going Home,” by Margaret Wild

Hugo is sick and confined to the hospital, but his room overlooks the zoo, and each night a new animal takes him on an adventure. Themes: rhymes and problem-solving.

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* “Prize in the Snow,” by Bill Easterling

A young boy, eager to be a great hunter, sets out to trap a rabbit with a box and a carrot. Once he traps the rabbit, he discovers that the rabbit looks skinny and cold. The young boy feeds the rabbit the carrot and promises that he will bring more food the following day. Themes: caring, concern for others, nature.

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* “Time Train,” by Paul Fleischman

Some young students take a wild and exciting train ride through history. The train takes the children to the time of the Civil War and all the way to the age of the dinosaurs. Themes: family, imagination, nature.