Check It Out

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

Americas Award: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these 1998 winners chosen by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs.

Preschool: “Cendrillon,” by Robert D. Souci, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Two fine talents in the field of children’s literature team up to re-create the fairy tale romance of this Caribbean Cinderella.

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Kindergarten and first grades: “The Magic Bean Tree,” by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal

Legend has it that a magic bean tree saved the land from devastating drought, so today in Argentina carob trees are planted for good luck.

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Second and third grades: “La Mariposa,” by Francisco Jimenez, illustrated by Simon Silva

Allegory about a Spanish-speaking child who suffers in his first year at school but identifies with a caterpillar that eventually spreads its wings to become a beautiful butterfly.

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Fourth grade: “Fiesta Fireworks,” by George Ancona

Glorious color photographs illustrate how pyrotechnics are made in Tultepec, Mexico, and light up the sky during the annual fiesta celebration.

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Fifth grade: “From the Bellybutton of the Moon,” by Francisco X. Alarcon, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

Short, bilingual poems that capture family fun in Mexico are framed in vibrant, upbeat illustrations.

Storytime

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

* “A Special Trade,” by Sally Wittman

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

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* “The Empty Pot,” by Demi

The emperor teaches the children a lesson about honesty when he hands out cooked seeds to all the children. He tells them to plant a flower with the seed, but only a boy named Ping is honest enough to bring back an empty pot. (Themes: responsibility, honesty, nature)